In 1998, I opened the first U.S. Aman Resort, Amangani . It is located on top of a small mountain in the most scenic and ranching valley in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The views are peaceful, the breeze light and watch out when it snows 6 feet, (and it will) because then the roads are treacherous and hotel guests and associates alike feel like they are actors stuck in the movie, “the Shining!” It really was one of the first 5 star hotel resorts and spa… today there are now at least ½ dozen world class spas in Jackson Hole. Which is a good thing and a bad thing all at the same time.
Here is why… so the good thing for guest of: The Four Seasons, Terra Resorts (there are 2 spas and hotels, both in Teton Village) the Shooting Star, Aman Resorts, Snake River Lodge and Spa, Rusty Parrot, The Rustic Inn… (did I forget anyone?)- is that there are a lot of spas. Most properties offer pools, steam, sauna, relax rooms, fitness centers, golf, personal trainers, Yoga, Pilates, skiing, and café. Their treatment menus seem complete with facials, massage, body treatments, nail /wax and hair services and… tons of retail. Looks and sounds inviting- right?
Not so much, and here is why.
As a spa operator, it is a nightmare- almost impossible to deliver these 5 services in a 5 star way. Consultants have overdesigned most spas and have too many offerings on the menu. Maybe during the winter season when the Teton Village is alive with skiers (end of Dec-end of March) then the treatment rooms are full, steam rooms actually are on with guests sitting in them, and therapist are happy as they now have work. The other 9 months- Spa Directors are in search of treatment therapists that are happy to sit and wait for business, the full time staff is lean and multi-task to the point where you must wonder … “where is the guest service here?” And there are no, no, no nail-techs in the Rocky Mountains! Lounges sit empty with state of the art pedicure thrones, hair salons are dark, organic/vegan nail products that are missing their expiration date are sitting waiting for a tech to use them , and unattended relax rooms overflow with towels.
I am not blaming the spa operators, it is just Jackson Hole- where there are not enough trained therapists. For a state with less than ½ million inhabitants and NO massage/facial/nail schools… and horribly expensive- it is just very difficult and expensive to staff. I am sure that guests get frustrated seeing a spa menu and unable to get appointments. Not due to being overbooked, but due to not enough staff.
It is a vision for us spa nerds to have all of these solid global brands in one little community- the hardship is delivering the goods!
More later about my massage experience!
Susan Gwaltney
