Ever since the Windsor Court Hotel opened at 300 Gravier St. in 1984, it has been home to everything from vacations, staycations and myriad celebrations, to brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner and, of course, its signature afternoon tea. It opened its Spa at the Windsor Court in 2012, after spa services became a staple in hotel hospitality. The hotel recently renovated the spa to accommodate growing business and enhance the guest experience. The team at the 5,000-square-foot Spa at the Windsor Court worked with Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design on the renovations.
“[We] considered what guests already value about The Spa, but also how we could improve their experience and enhance our offerings through increased functionality,” said Sharla Martin, spa director. “That being said, expanding the locker rooms and adding an extra relaxation room and treatment room were essential to the renovations. For instance, our business is growing rapidly, and we knew we needed a larger ladies locker room so our female guests — 70% of our business —could be more comfortable, so that was a no-brainer.”
In addition to the expansion of the women’s locker room, all of the furnishings were replaced and new lockers were added in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms, as well as a vanity area with backlit mirrors in the latter. New steam rooms, infrared saunas and showers with body sprays were added to both locker rooms (with showers also added to two of the treatment rooms). Massage, esthetician and manicure-pedicure equipment were also all upgraded and the lobby waiting area and boutique were given a refresh and modernization.
“The infrared saunas, which operate at lower temperatures and use infrared panels instead of conventional heat, are definitely a standout,” said Martin. “They allow users to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature, with benefits including detoxification, improved circulation, relaxation, weight loss and pain relief. We added some new product lines, most notably, Diptyque.
The Paris-based company famous for its face and body care, fragrances and candles, is not only featured in the spa, but also as the official line of in-room amenities throughout the hotel.”
To offer something different than their competitors, Martin said she focuses on a variety of elements that complement the type and quality of services, favoring a personalized and holistic approach rooted in a philosophy of compassion. She said the staff is her priority and to lead them, Martin works to create a safe, judgment-free workplace steeped in gratitude.
“When I see them caring for of each other, my heart explodes with pride and it truly inspires me,” said Martin. “I want our guests to feel our positive energy as soon as they step in our door. This is a place where you will not be judged, you will be welcomed, and you can breathe. I know that everyone is carrying something heavy, and here, you can walk away from that heaviness. All the above and retail therapy — so this is that place too. We won’t try and ‘sell’ you. We don’t need to. We only carry products that we love and get us excited. When we stop getting excited, we bring in something new. We do not follow stereo- typical ‘spa trends’ — we make our own.”
AT A GLANCE
BUSINESS NAME
Spa at the Windsor Court
DATE OF BUILDING
1984
DATE WINDSOR COURT HOTEL OPENED
Feb. 12, 1984
DATE SPA AT THE WINDSOR COURT FIRST OPENED
May 2012
DATE OF LAST RENOVATION
June 2019
SIZE OF SPA SPACE
5,000 square feet
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
30
PERSON IN CHARGE
Sharla Martin, spa director
