Exclusive: Jumeirah Group's new director of wellbeing talks to European Spa

The Jumeirah Group has appointed Sarah Dalton as its new director of wellbeing.

Dalton has worked in the wellness industry for more than 20 years, beginning her career as an aesthetician onboard Caribbean cruise ships, before moving to work for Dermalogica.

Her hospitality experience includes working for Minor Hotel as director of wellness, overseeing the wellness operations of 55 properties across Southeast Asia.

She has also worked for skincare brand Subtle Energies and at Sarum Trading, managing a portfolio of 18 brands and supplying hotels, airline and high-end retail stores.

Following the Covid pandemic, Dalton moved to northern Thailand, where she set up her own business running wellness and fitness retreats.

“After a few years establishing myself in the industry, I took 18 months out to travel the world,” says Dalton, talking exclusively to European Spa.

“During this time, I completed my yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, as well as a sound healing course in Kerala and a reiki qualification in Kathmandu. This has helped me to deepen my understanding of the holistic wellness space.”

Talise Spa at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

As Jumeirah’s new director of wellbeing, Dalton will be overseeing the commercial and operational success of the brand’s wellbeing offerings. She will manage the Talise Spa brand across Jumeirah’s global portfolio.

“A significant part of my role will involve the pre-opening operations of all future hotels. This begins with the launch of Talise Spa at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab early next year,” says Dalton.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai will be the first embodiment of a new, elevated Talise Spa brand that the Jumeirah wellbeing team have been working on.

Redefining luxury wellness

“Talise Spa will be a key focus point for us in the coming months,” says Dalton. “The Marsa Al Arab spa will redefine luxury wellness with bespoke treatments and therapies, designed to restore balance.

“With the guest journey reimagined through the lens of intuitive thoughtfulness, Talise Spa at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will create a real sense of connection with guests.

“I will oversee the launch of this newly reimagined brand, as well as supporting our vice president of wellbeing, Niamh O’Connell, as she continues to drive Jumeirah’s wellness offerings.”

A holistic, authentic lifestyle offering

Dalton has ambitious plans for the future of Jumeirah’s spa and wellness offering.

“I am working closely with Niamh and the wider team to build on the foundations that they have laid over the last 18 months,” she says.

“Our focus is on elevating the Talise experience from a spa to a more holistic, authentic lifestyle offering. Our aim is to infuse every guest interaction with a sense of possibility and purpose.”

The new Talise Spa offering will be centred around three key pillars.

• Performance refers to a holistic approach to aligning the body and mind, to achieve individual goals.
• The Power of Intention is focused on introducing an empowering practice with profound mental health effects, with a view to achieving balance and alleviating stress.
• Empower is a curated selection of treatments designed to support guests in the areas they need it most.

“We will be combining intuitive healing methodologies with powerful natural formulations, allowing our experts to work with guests to leave them feeling restored and empowered,” Dalton explains.

“Every touchpoint of our new Talise guest journey will build into a transformational experience, with every treatment being completely personalised.

“All treatments will be based on advanced diagnostics, focusing on offering empowering moments of self-connection. We are committed to placing wellbeing at the heart of the luxury experience.

“Beyond the spa, we are also expanding our focus on holistic wellness, incorporating wellbeing into the entire guest journey. This spans from personalised pre-arrival wellness consultations to curated room environments that support optimal sleep and relaxation.”

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