Fern Tree Spa at Half Moon – A Rock Resort

Half Moon Spa Manager Janet Clarke takes us behind the scenes of her award-winning spa

Under The Dryer is in the Relaxation Room with Spa Manager Janet Clarke…

Under The Dryer (UTD): How long have you been the manager here?

Janet Clarke (JC): Three years.

UTD: What is your staff complement?

JC: Forty, which includes contract workers at both the spa and the fitness centre.

UTD: Your staff turnover is extremely low. How do you achieve this when so many establishments are unable to?

JC: It all starts with the selection process. We make every effort to select the right person from the start to be a part of our team and we stress the importance of positive attitude, working as a team and loving what we do. Our motto is: Have fun while making money! The team embraces this concept and looks forward each day to being in this relaxed professional environment.

UTD: How do you keep staff motivated?

JC: We encourage team members to love themselves. We reinforce eating healthily, exercising daily and experiencing the services we offer to our guests. We speak about maintaining a positive attitude daily, showing gratitude and learning to appreciate life. We foster a warm and caring team environment where persons are encouraged to provide their best professional service on a daily basis. Persons are allowed to creatively express themselves through each life they touch.

UTD: How important is it for your guests to see the same people on their return to Fern Tree Spa?

JC: Our loyal guests are who make the difference to us. We go all-out to care for each patron who enters the spa surroundings. The exceptional service offered and that one-on-one relationship that our highly trained team builds create comfort and satisfaction for our guests, which makes them always want to return.

UTD: Why have spa treatments become such an integral part of a vacation?

JC: People have become more health-conscious and are looking for an environment where they feel nurtured and can get immediate results.

UTD: One such environment, for immediate results, is without a doubt your gazebo massage treatments.

JC: Yes, our over-the-water cabanas experience is one that we recommend highly to those guests who really want to enjoy a piece of our island while basking by the seaside. Our cabanas rest over the tranquil Caribbean sea. There are two couples treatment rooms which invite the most unique, relaxing spa experience while the rolling seas lull you to sleep during one of our treatments. One of the cabana walls opens fully during the treatment to provide the breathtaking view that allows the breeze to keep you cool during the experience. Our cabana spa treatments include massages, body wraps, facials and reflexology. Our Western- facing bungalow allows for a romantic couples’ early-evening experience with a beautiful view of the setting sun.

UTD: Spas are about products…tell us about yours.

JC: We use local herbs, roots and botanical fruits, as well as marine-based products in our services.

UTD: Who conducts your spa training and how often is training conducted?

JC: We have an in-house ongoing training programme on both products and services. In addition, we invite outside trainers to keep our team up-to-date on current and emerging trends.

UTD: We’d love you to share with us a few of your spa celebs.

JC: Tyra Banks, TD Jakes, Zendaya, Kandi Burruss, Will Self, Carmelo Anthony, Mary J Blige, Beyonce and Tyler Perry.