JASMINE: A YEAR AGO TODAY

We asked Jasmine Haynes, Group Concept and Operations Manager at The Spa Collaborative, to reflect on what she was doing this time last year, what she will miss and what she is very glad to say goodbye to.

What were you focused on this time last year?

I was completing in-person audits for W Costa Rica and W Fort Lauderdale which was a fantastic experience, meeting with dynamic and interesting Spa Leaders to unlock the potentials of their spa and future plans in the dreamiest of locations.

For the spa’s I was unable to visit, we were collaborating on how they’d finish for the year, planning what the next steps for 2020 were (scheduled renovations, marketing drivers, exciting events, team trainings e.g. - before we had ever heard of the word Covid-19). This work was then presented to all corporate teams and partners, so we all wrapped up 2019 on the same page. We also were focused on the exciting opening pipeline we had and planning exactly what we needed to pick up when back from Christmas break – AWAY Spa South Beach and Iridium Spa Toronto were the next to launch at this point.

I was also working on the creation of one of our newer global concepts that we were and still are extremely excited about. We were at the infancy stages of the concept creation at this point after a very productive kick off meeting in North America in the October. The Brand Identity of this concept really resonated with that of The Spa Collaborative which made it a bit of a passion project for us too!

 Festive prep looked like me shoving as many sequins and Christmas jumpers as I could into my fit to burst suitcase before jumping on a plane to Ireland to spend it with my family – hoping and praying as I do every year that my online orders have arrived , that my family home has extra wrapping paper and that no one has opened them early before realising in the rush that I haven’t remembered my winter coat!

 What was exciting to you, what got you out of bed in the morning (professionally)?

Travelling to new places and seeing how they perform spa and wellness. Collaborating with the amazing corporate, product and spa teams that we work with and developing exciting yet commercial concepts from scratch.

 What challenges were you facing in your working day?

 So much to do, so little time. As always, end of year seems to approach you with a bang rather than an approach. It is all good though, it makes Christmas time off that much sweeter.

 What do you miss from that period?

I miss seeing people and their expressions in person. I miss the buzz from getting together with my team and the ideas that are produced from the frisson of personal interaction when we meet with the brands and spas we collaborate with. The virtual office is great, but it does not replace it.

What are you glad you are not doing anymore?

100% not missing jetlag but I can’t pretend that I wouldn’t welcome the rush, the backache from taking luggage all over the place or the plane seat tray/laptop shuffle as you try to get that last e-mail sent before you lose signal – it sounds thrilling right now.

Do you have any special memories form one year ago at this time?

Zooming around the world to client meetings with Lauren and her baby bump was definitely a highlight. I’ve never seen a woman in her 2nd and 3rd trimester rocking 4 inch heels quite like it. Meeting some of our fantastic partners in person after speaking on the phone or via webinar was also a real honour too – notably the Marriott Corporate, Sothys and Comfort Zone teams.

What were you looking forward to?

At the end of the year I was definitely looking forward to a recharge of the batteries, 3 (or 20) G&Ts and an overdue in person catch up with friends and family. 2020 with The Spa Collaborative was shaping up to be super exciting with our list of varied projects, new spa openings, the return of my two fabulous colleagues from maternity leave and the start of the amazing Kim at The Spa Collaborative.

What are you excited about now?

I cannot wait for spas to open again and start to see their business levels resume or hopefully increase as people put more emphasis and time into their own wellness routines in the wake of the pandemic.

I can’t get enough of trends in all corners of wellness and think that this very strange, difficult and illuminating year that we’ve all had is giving us some juicy ones that will hopefully last AND make the world a better place.

I am very excited to travel again, visit the spas we’ve helped open during the pandemic and get to see the fabulous spa teams that are the backbone of this industry. I am excited to see at least 3/5 of the global spa concepts we’re working on being completed and officially launched. The other 2 will make 2022 even more exciting!

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