Resort and spa in Goa | Acron Waterfront Resort

Tamara Ann Correia Raising the Bar — August 11, 2015

Spa Sitara adds to the charm of a holiday in Goa and Tamara Ann Correia, Spa Manager, Spa Sitara aims to expand the circle of influence

Please tell us about your professional background. It was my passion and drive for the wellness sector that made me shift from HR after studying Psychology. I was taking care of HR operations for the Fortune Group for two years before I took on the role of heading the wellness wing at Spa Sitara. I was a blank slate initially, but since then each day has been a new classroom for me and I love it. Over time, I have learnt enough to know spa and wellness industry ad this is where I want to be.

What are your views on the growing wellness industry in India? Wellness is what people of all categories want, need and aspire for. With it becoming even more affordable and the plethora of spas coming up, people are getting exactly what they have been aspiring for. In this situation, the entire service bouquet offered by a spa becomes critical. Right from the time a customer walks up to the front desk or calls for an appointment until she steps out of the door after the treatment – each moment is crucial. The client will never settle for anything sub-standard, whether it is ingredients, quality of massage or equipment and ambience. Having said that, I also wish to observe the ‘education’ and ‘spa etiquette’ is lacking among people. Their perceptions need to change.

What is the USP of Spa Sitara? Being one of the premier spas in the region, we place great emphasis on the innate wisdom of the body and blending of the ﬁ nest elements of native herbs with treatments to provide guests a unique spa experience. We offer treatments of international standards with a blend of western and eastern therapies with modern technology. The beauty services are designed accordingly to complement the luxury of leisure and create a totally blissful experience. Spa Sitara is a destination in itself, offering guests their own distinct signature journeys inspired by local culture, surroundings and healing traditions. Guests here enjoy the high quality spa standards, with treatments administered by a team of skilled, customer-focused therapists.

What kind of therapies do you offer? We have treatments around scrubs, body massages, facials and speciﬁ c therapy-based treatments based on Ayurveda.The extensive day spa menu includes full body massage, body scrubs and wraps, facials, manicure and pedicure. With a holistic approach to ﬁ tness, grooming and rejuvenation, Spa Sitara is a perfect destination for an extended spa break that revitalises, de-stresses and aligns one’s senses. Amongst a range of experiences, is the Spa Sitara Signature treatment which brings together a blend of Ayurvedic, Aroma, Swedish and pressure point techniques paired with herbal compress, resulting in a ritual that harmonises the body’s energies. Other treatments on offer include Ayurveda healing, traditional Thai treatments, hot-stone therapy and foot reﬂ exology. For a more contemplative experience, guests may choose the multi-day spa retreats, focusing on detoxing and de-stressing the body. The massage therapies are tailored to work on the physical as well as psychological front to ease pain, boost circulation, alleviate stress, soothe the soul and foster balance and serenity. Our signature therapies are certainly the Deep Tissue Massage and the Aroma Candle Massage. The core philosophy behind the therapies is replenishing positive energies offering relaxation in an oasis of comfort and calm and rejuvenating the mind and body completely.

What are the main challenges that you face? Stafﬁ ng is certainly an issue. The perception of ‘working at a spa’ is not really positive and so there is a dearth of local talent and staff. I would not want to brush it under the carpet, as people need to be educated and tackled accordingly. This is how perceptions will change. In addition, communication skills need to be worked upon.

What are your plans for the future? We aim to turn Spa Sitara into wellness oasis. There are also plans to expand operations, not just within Goa but also beyond. However, we would not like to compromise on our standards while we do that. We aim to grow holistically in the future – not just in terms of numbers, but to also offer high quality.

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