The Spa at the Hotel Hershey
Part 4

The is the last update on the creation of the new $7 million, 17,000 square foot Spa at The Hotel Hershey before the Grand Opening on January 15, 2001.

Here's the latest from Jennifer Wayland-Smith, the Spa Director:

"We are on target for a January 15, 2001 opening! Its hard to believe that there is less than one month to go ... but still a lot of work to accomplish! Hiring has been completed (interviews were spread over a 2-month period), equipment has been installed, furniture and product are arriving and the finishing touches are being made to the newest addition to The Hotel Hershey!

"We completed 2 weeks of SpaSoft training (Dec 4-15). Joanne Aiello, our trainer from Chronologix was awesome. One week was spent on administrative configuration training and one week of the Spa Reservationists and Receptionists. SpaSoft is very user friendly and a great tool for managing the business of The Spa.

"December 18 & 19 are reserved for orientation for all of the spa employees. They will attend both a resort orientation to learn all about the entire destination and review company policies, then a hotel orientation that will include more detailed information about The Hotel, The Spa and everything else a new employee needs to know!

"Then ... on January 2, 2001, the fun begins! Our two primary vendors for skincare and body treatments (Flora Spa and Pevonia) will be in to train all of the staff on the variety of services that will be offered. All
technicians (Massage Therapists, Estheticians and Nail Technicians) will be cross-trained on the body treatments including the wraps, exfoliation treatments and soaking tub services. The Estheticians will learn all about the facials and the Nail Technicians the various manicure and pedicure services. Lots to learn for everyone!

"The "media frenzy" is in full swing! The media (not just regional, but
national and international) have nicknamed our spa, The Chocolate Spa! Not bad if you're trying to attract attention. As I have already been quoted, it sounds like an oxymoron, but definitely a spa experience not to miss! Our signature Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Fondue Wrap and Chocolate Mud Hydrotherapy services have been the most noted of all of our unique treatments. The Spa has been and will be featured in several national and regional consumer publications including Newsweek Magazine (Dec 18th issue), Harrisburg Magazine (February 2001 issue, cover story), Parents Magazine (Dec issue, a story about family friendly spas) and The Wall Street Journal in November!

"Now ... let me break it softly to all of the chocoholics out there ... only
one of these services actually uses chocolate in it! The Whipped Cocoa Bath uses Hershey's Cocoa Powder, milk powder for softening the skin and one of our many signature products (also called the Whipped Cocoa Powder). The end result is the feeling of soaking in a warm cup of hot cocoa. It is truly an indulgent service not to be missed!

"Our other "chocolate" services simulate chocolate (as opposed to actually melting it down and applying it to the body!) The Chocolate Fondue Wrap uses Moor Mud combined with our exclusive formulation of Essence of Cocoa. You'll then be cocoon wrapped just like a Hershey's Chocolate Bar ... a silver space blanket and chocolate brown wool blanket to retain body heat and allow the body to absorb all of the wonderful trace elements, vitamins and nutrients from the Moor Mud. While you are wrapped, a chocolate scented candle will be burning to complete this aromatherapy experience!

"The Chocolate Mud Hydrotherapy again also includes the Moor Mud combined with the Essence of Cocoa. This mixture is then added to the hydrotherapy tub. The guest has a double therapeutic result with the combination of the Moor Mud and the hydrotherapy. At the same time, other guests in The Spa can enjoy the scent of the Essence of Cocoa that is wafting throughout The Spa! Nowhere but Hershey, PA ... The Sweetest Place on Earth!

"So ... the next big step is still ahead of us, but I feel very well prepared. It has been an exciting experience to be included in the opening of this very unique spa. Everyone is eagerly anticipating the opening!"

The next time you read about The Spa at the Hotel Hershey on the Spa Site, it should be open for business.

The Hotel Hershey offers several excellent dining options, 72 holes of
championship golf, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, other recreational activities, and complimentary shuttle service to HERSHEYPARK®. Hershey, Pennsylvania is known the world over as "The Sweetest Place on Earth." A year-round destination, Hershey, PA was rated as a top family vacation spot by both Smart Money and Family Fun magazines. Hershey, PA also includes the Zoo America, Chocolate World, Hershey Museum, and the Hersheypark Sports and Entertainment Complex, home to both a professional ice hockey and outdoor soccer team. The complex is also host to world-renowned music and family entertainment acts. Hershey is in Central Pennsylvania, 3 hours from New York City, 90 minutes from Philadelphia, and 2 hours from the Washington/Baltimore metro area.

Reservations: 1-800-533-3131
Information: 1-800-HERSHEY