After 13 years of operation, Sante Spa Victoria closes its doors at the end of the month after receiving a notice from the new owner of the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa that the spaB次元官网网址檚 lease would not be renewed.
The notice was unexpected according to Kent MacIntyre, president of Sante Spa Victoria, and he says opening in a new location wonB次元官网网址檛 be easy.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e shocked and dumbfounded,B次元官网网址� MacIntyre said.
The spa was in the middle of negotiating a new 10-year lease with the hotel, which was bought in July by local entrepreneur and businessman Raoul Malak.
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MacIntyre said the two parties had agreed on financial terms in September and were just in the process of formalizing legal paperwork for the lease.
Brian Harrington, general manager for the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa, said the spaB次元官网网址檚 lease had expired and was in a month-to-month stage. Instead of renewing it, the hotel decided it will operate the spa after renovating and rebranding.
B次元官网网址淲e just looked at it as a great business opportunity to continue to build our brand at the resort,B次元官网网址� Harrington said. The hotel plans to keep the spa closure to a minimum and will be hiring for all positions.
After a meeting with the hotel on Sunday, MacIntyre said employees were notified of the closure and handed their notices. Moving to a new location at this point would be problematic, he said, with too many logistics required to be up and running right away.
B次元官网网址淲e have all the equipment but finding a new place on such short notice requires negotiating a new lease, drawing out plans, getting approvals and building a space for the spa,B次元官网网址� MacIntyre said. B次元官网网址淚t would probably be a year-long project before weB次元官网网址檙e up and running again.B次元官网网址�
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Sante Spa Victoria is an award-winning spa that has won Top 50 Spas in Canada, Destination Spa of the Year in North America, Top 100 Spas of America, Best of the City and Best of the WestShore. MacIntyre said the team has been proud to be part of a community that is so supportive.
B次元官网网址淲e regret the impact to our guests and the very loyal clientele weB次元官网网址檝e had over the years,B次元官网网址� MacIntyre said. B次元官网网址淲e regret closing but we donB次元官网网址檛 have any choice in the matter B次元官网网址� we really appreciate the support of the community.B次元官网网址�
The last day spa services will be provided is Nov. 17. The last day the spa will be open to the public is Nov. 27. Sante Spa gift cards can continue to be used for services until Nov. 17 and retail purchases until Nov. 27. They may also be presented in person at the spa for a refund cheque to be issued.
shalu.mehta@goldstreamgazette.com
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