5 Tropical Minutes at Ritz Carlton Aruba
5 Tropical Minutes with karin Cofino, Spa and Retail Director, Ritz Carton Aruba
1) Each Caribbean island is unique, what makes Aruba 'One Happy Island'?
The people! The Caquetio Indians settled Aruba originally. There is a cross-cultural blend of Dutch, Venezuelans and a melting pot of European Spanish culture that you can't find anywhere else. Aruba has a mixture of people from South America, Europe, the Far East, and other islands of the Caribbean. The natives blend together in a harmonious happy way that has tourist returning year after year.
2) What sets the Spa at Ritz Carlton Aruba apart from other island spas?
Our services are 70% organic. We worked with a local herbalist Dina Veeris from Curacao to craft local ingredients and utilize time honored traditions. Such as our love potion and spiritual treatments. Upon entering the spa you are selected to make a wish with an essential oil aroma, handcrafted here in Aruba. You can choose from Happiness, Wealth or Health. This tradition comes from the native Indian tradition of stacking stones at the beach for wishes. When the stones are not blown over, your wish will come true.
3) What are you excited about for this season with spa?
The newly crafted Divi Divi spa treatment. This treatment is created by our own therapists. The Divi Divi is a tree which you can spot all over the Island. We use the oils from the tree to perform the massage. The oil is astringent and is used against cellulite.
4) The Caribbean has its own unique challenges. How do you think potential members could benefit from the Caribbean Spa Association?
Within our island each spa sees each other as a competitor. We face the same opportunities and should work together to tackle those. I see the association as a platform to unite spas and allow us to be collaborative in Aruba and throughout the Caribbean.
5) The Caribbean market is typically very seasonal. Most of our members are gearing up for their busiest time of year now. How do you keep numbers up in the slow and shoulder season?
We encourage our local community to visit the Spa and have special pricing offers. I also work closely with our marketing team to ensure we get support from our group business.
Karin is also the Global Wellness Ambassador for Aruba. Her staff took a moment to say YES to Global Wellness Day (June, 11th 2016) & show their love for the Caribbean Spa Association. Aruba is truly 'One Happy Island'.
Click here to find out more about the Spa at Ritz Carlton Aruba, Global Wellness Day, & Caribbean Spa Association.