Spa Strategy has announced Elaine Fenard as
a new partner.Fenard joins the renowned spa consulting firm after four
years as vice president of Spa Development and Operations for Starwood
Hotels & Resorts.  She will assist Managing Partner Richard Dusseau and
Partner Nancy Nemer in their pursuit to create the most innovative,
luxurious and profitable spas in the world.  Spa Strategy finds its strength
in the partners’ unique experience in interior design, luxury hotel and spa
operations, and menu and service development. 

“As an entrepreneur at heart, I am thrilled to be joining Spa Strategy,”
Fenard said. “With their hotel and design experience and their comprehensive
approach to developing spas, Spa Strategy fills a niche in the spa
business.”

 

Dusseau expects Fenard’s exceptional experience will add remarkable value to
Spa Strategy. 

 

“There is not another person in the industry who brings the depth of
knowledge and expertise that Elaine possesses,” Dusseau said.  “Her 25 years
of spa development and operations experience rounds out our team at Spa
Strategy.”

 

At Starwood, Fenard was responsible for the strategy, development and
operation of Starwood spa properties worldwide.  She managed a diverse
portfolio of destination spas and supervised all development projects. 

 

Fenard also designed several innovative concepts for Starwood including the
“Spa in a Box” model that created a profitable template for spa development
from start to finish, to be used by hotel owners and developers.  The
formula for the Heavenly Spa brand was her brainchild, and the prototype
location at the Westin Maui generates the second-highest revenue in all of
Starwood. 

 

Fenard championed the Starwood Spa Collection, a group of 34 unique spas in
Starwood Hotels & Resorts.  In addition, she oversaw the development of
several successful individual spas under the Starwood umbrella including the
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass; Westin Kierland; W, Mexico City; W, Seoul; Westin
La Quinta Malaga Spain; and the Sheraton Cork.

 

Prior to Starwood, Fenard worked as a consultant for Steiner Maritime Fenard
directing development and operations for the highly successful Disney Magic
and Wonder Vista Spas.

 

Fenard began her career with as manager of spa operations for Coiffeur
Transocean Inc, where she was instrumental in creating the first
purpose-built spa at sea in the late 1980’s, demonstrating the capital
potential for spas in the cruise business. She quickly rose through the
ranks, and was ultimately named senior vice president of operations. 

Fenard, a native of Wales, is an active sportswoman, and prides herself on
learning a new sport every year. She started running marathons after she
turned 40 and has recently tried her hand at kayaking, mountain biking, rock
climbing, white water rafting and snowshoeing.  As in business, if Fenard is
going to do something, she will do it to the best of her ability. Having
relocated to Denver, Colo., Fenard looks forward to exploring the many
outdoor activities available in her backyard.
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