Holtz the SPA at Hilton Suites

Holtz Spa offers ancient formulas, exotic blend of cultures.

At the heart of a bustling residential and business community in the Greater Toronto Area, the hotel features 500 spacious suites, 40.000 sq. ft. of brand new, state-of-the-art conference facilities and sumptuous international cuisine from an award-winning chef.

There's also a full service fitness center that boasts a steam room, sauna and swimming pool, along with a vast array of fitness classes to suit anyone's needs. But the luxurious Holtz Spa is arguably the most "rejuvenating" feature in an exceptional full service hotel and conference center.

"This is truly a world-class spa." said hotel owner Herman Grad, President and CEO of Leisureworld Inc. "With the leadership and experience of Canada's best Spa operator, we have created a spa-hotel destination unlike any other North America. That means we can now offer our guests the ultimate spa experience."

Grad said he chose to develop the Spa as a Holtz franchise to capitalize on the expertise and operating savvy of an experienced operator in this highly competitive and rapidly changing industry. As a franchise, the hotel retains ownership, so it can market and manage its amenities together. That way, guests are sure to receive a seamless and satisfying experience.

It all begins when clients walk into the new $3.5 milion spa, greeted by the soothing sounds of a stunning natural waterfall. A curved glass staircase guides clients to a higher world of rounded walls, relaxing decor and a charming, open-concept aromatherapy lounge complete with fireplace. Just a few steps away - experienced wellness practitioners, ancient body treatments and innovative therapies, including Canada's first-ever spa "hydro-capsule."

COLOURFUL CAPSULE A CANADIAN FIRST

A platform on which clients can receive body treatments such as herbal wraps, body scrubs and salt glows, the hydro-capsule provides agentle vichy shower and underwater massage. When combined with light therapy - a rainbow of calming colours reflected in the water - it is a one-of-kind spa experience that soothes the soul and washes away everyday stresses.

The Holtz Spa at the Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham also features the revolutionary "soft pack" system, also new to Canada. A bed-like platform used for any body treatments, the dry floatation system offers a feeling of weightlessness while cocooned in linens on a warm, pressure-free cushion of water. Body tension blissfully floats away, but there's another heartwarming feature spa aficionados will appreciate - the soft pack system ensures body treatments are absorbed at a rate of almost 100 per cent.

" Holtz helps melt the stress right out of your life," said Donna Holtom, the president and founder of Ottawa-based Holtz Spa Inc., the new spa's franchiser. "But we couldn't do that without the best spa technology available today, talented staff and the most innovative services in Canada. We offer clients a quiet sanctuary - one where reflection and relaxation can restore their harmony and balance."

The spa offers a wide array of exotic and sensual treatments. Among the most popular: Raindrop Massage Therapy, L'Stone Massage Therapy and cocooning body treatments with a Swiss Goat Butter Cream Wrap or, for those who prefer, Cleopatra Milk and Oil Wrap.

ESCAPE TO A BLISSFUL STATE

In all treatments, rhythmic flow and sensual movements play an important role in gently bringing the whole body to a blissful release of tension - something Herman Grad can relate to. The respected hotelier's business philosophy is all about pampering his guests, keeping them comfortable - and providing them with whatever they need.

"Travelers familiar with Hilton's high standard of excellence will appreciate the beauty, quality and luxury of our Holtzs Spa," Grad noted. "Whether they're staying at the Hilton Suites in Markham for business or pleasure, the spa is a great way to escape life's hurdles for a whole day or half an hour."

Grad himself spent considerable time in and out of spas before he decided to open one at the hotel. The research helped him understand how unique the industry is, why Holtz Spa is a leader in Canada's spa industry - and how Holtz could help the new Hilton distinguish itself from the competition with amenities guests demand.

"The company's vision, expertise and unsurpassed quality stood out," Grad said. "In fact, those attributes reflect our own corporate culture and values at the Hilton Suites so well, the final decision to open a Holtz Spa franchise was an easy one."
For her part, Holtom enjoyed the experience, "Herman Grad and staff at the Hilton Suites are ideal partners," she said. "They are committed to excellence in every detail and should be commended for creating this special spa as a healing, relaxing retreat for their guests."

A talented team of architects, space planners and consultants guaranted the success of this project. Page & Steele Architects understood Holtz's holistic philosophy, combining the principles of Vaastu ( a 5.000 year old folk science from India) and feng shui in all aspects of the design. International vendors like Ron Jean of Pevonia and Cosmopro played an invaluable role in creating such a unique spa in Markham.

With the spa's successful grand opening behind her,Holtom now plans to expand the Holtz  brand across Canada by establishing more franchises like the one at the Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham. She is well positioned to do so, armed with the knowledge and experience gained from 17 years of operating the popular Holtz Spa in Ottawa.

HOLTZ INSPIRING CHANGE

Under the leadership, Holtz has developed a distinct package to assist future franchisees. It sets out Holtz's wellness principles and treatments, staff training and education programs, but also offers help with menu development, operating systems, planning and design, marketing and  public relations.

"We now have the opportunity - and the responsability - to move the spa platform forward by bringing its healing potential to the mainstream," Holtom said. "It has taken Holtz considerable time, effort and commitment, but now our franchisees can benefit from our experience - and our leadership."

Holtz has developed a strong position within the spa industry both in Canada and the United States. The company is an active member of ISPA, a founding Director of Spa Canada Association and member of Ontario Spa Networks.

"Holtz Spa is at the forefront of the spa industry, bringing innovation, inspiration and wellness to a new level." said Pat Corbett, Chairman of the Spa Canada Association. "Indeed, Donna Holtom's contributions have greatly added to the development of the spa industry in Canada."

Holtom's vision to innovate and inspire has helped her succeed before. She has worked in both the public and private sectors, rising to the position of Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Ottawa by the age of 30. In 200, Holtom was named Business woman of the Year in Ottawa, one of several honnours she's received in her career. She may be busy, but she still finds time for the community, serving on the boards on the boards of several organisations.