CuisinArt Resort & Spa, a high-end property on Anguilla’s southwest coast, has now officially opened its state-of-the-art expanded Venus Spa, a facility which will ultimately increase the rave reviews the hotel currently enjoys around the world.

Cutting of ribbon, Mr. Zaharia, CM Fleming and Mrs. Eggleston

A descriptive introduction of the facility contained in its new brochure beautifully sums up its varied services as follows: “Bathed in the elements of sun, sea, wind and earth, your passage to rejuvenation has begun with the sophistication and elegance of the Venus Spa. Elegantly appointed treatment rooms and a diverse menu of spa services incorporate a beautiful, tranquil setting, fresh and organic ingredients, healing waters and cutting-edge techniques.” Speaking in relation to that marketing piece expression, Therapist Ethel Duncan, hoped that in due course the Spa would not only be number one in the Caribbean but in the world.

The crowded reception area

General Manager, Stephane Zaharia, who welcomed the many guests, told them that the Spa was an indication of the significant commitment of the owner of the property, Lee Rizzuto, to Anguilla by the owner of the property. He saw the facility as a great accomplishment, despite the economic challenges, and a means of increasing job opportunities on the island.

He was grateful to all persons, both visitors and residents, who had already visited the Spa and hoped that those who had not yet been there would now be captivated by what they had seen and would wish to enjoy spa experience. He stated that the Spa, comprising 27,000 square feet and with 16 treatment rooms, was the largest in the Caribbean and he was grateful to the staff, especially its Director, Kathy Eggleston, for helping to build a strong clientele.

Therapists showcasing services to visitors

“We recognise that these are lean times but tourism is a resilient industry and, despite the meltdown, it will rebound as it has in the past,” Mr.Zaharia said. “We, as a team, are optimistic, and will make every effort to find innovative ways to enhance the value of our product, and this Spa is one that will take luxury in Anguilla to new heights.”

He said the hotel was in the final stage of completing the six new private villas and anticipated their availability in the very near future. He was proud to say CuisinArt Resort & Spa was a premier destination of choice as demonstrated by the impressive awards and accolades it recently received from Conde Nast Travel and Travel & Lesiure. He said that the most recent award was from Conde Nast Johansen which named the hotel as the most excellent resort in the Caribbean.

Mr. Zaharia (2nd from left) with others including Hon. Hubert Hughes (extreme right)

He also said the Venus Spa also held an award from Reader’s Choice as one of the best spas and that the resort was proud of its achievements and grateful to all who remained committed to upholding its tradition of legendary service.
Mrs. Eggleston, who Ethel Duncan described as being “a pillar of strength”, and has been at the Spa from 2001, was happy to see the many people who joined in celebrating the occasion. “We waited a long time for this event and couldn’t be happier,” she acknowledged. She thanked Mr. Zaharia and the rest of the team for their continuing support, and the owner of the property, Mr. Rizutto, for his faith and vision. She praised them for their team work saying it was “unbelievable, dedicated, caring and professional”, attracting visitors back to the resort year and after.

The salted water healing pool in operation

Chief Minister, the Hon. Osbourne Fleming, said the Spa would be a successful operation if both the guests and the people of Anguilla use it, and he urged them to do so. “I think it is marvelous and I want to encourage all of us in Anguilla…to treat ourselves to fitness,” he said. He was confident that the global economic situation impacting Anguilla would get better. He was grateful to the owner of the property for developing it to such a large extent and expressed appreciation for the large number of people who attended the opening of the Spa. He was also thankful for the over three hundred workers at the hotel and the fact that the majority of them were Anguillians. The Chief Minister joined Mr. Zaharia and Mrs. Eggleston in cutting the ribbon to the spa facility.

Chief Minister Fleming and other guests

Following the short opening ceremony, the invited guests and others were taken on guided tours of the ultra-modern Spa, its treatment rooms and supporting facilities including the state-of-the-art fitness centre which has also been expanded. In addition to the tours, a number of persons were able to get brief shoulder rubs and other sample pampering as they mingled around the most attentive therapists, observing their treatment displays. On entering the two-storey Spa, guests walked through a sprawling reception and shopping area and marveled as they moved through the building into its various treatment rooms, locker rooms, healing showers, fitness centre and other facilities of much magnificence and comfort.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News