VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C., July 3, 2001 - The new Spa at Pinehurst,
whose steel structure has now risen on the grounds of the venerable Carolina
hotel, will embrace its North Carolina roots in both form and function.
Construction
on the 31,000-square-foot building began in December and a mild winter
has kept the work on schedule. In Spring 2002, the $12 million luxury
spa will open to Pinehurst guests as the largest spa ever built east of
the North Carolina mountains.
"The Spa at Pinehurst is being built and operated to reflect the traditions
of its Sandhills home," said Patrick Corso, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Pinehurst. "We know it will add to the resort experience
of both the golfers and non-golfers who come to Pinehurst for a relaxing
getaway."
In late April, executives at Pinehurst
invited a team of key spa experts, landscape and building architects, international
botanists, cosmetic chemists and historians to capture the essence of the
historic resort and its surroundings.
This extensive research started a process that will result in exclusively
designed spa products and treatments reflecting the timeless beauty of
the Sandhills. All will recreate the scents and sights of Pinehurst,
based on actual samples taken from the region.
The spa's architecture also stays true to Pinehurst's past and the more
than 100 years of the famed resort's history.
"The spa's design incorporates details of Pinehurst's first buildings,"
said Francis Chester, Pinehurst Project Manager who is overseeing the spa's
construction. "This will include the twin towers on the front facade,
reminiscent of the conservatory that once stood between the original Carolina
and the present hotel's East Wing."
On the inside, The Spa will be decidedly Southern, incorporating the
flora of the Sandhills and the refreshing vitality of Pinehurst.
These same themes will carry through each treatment and package offered,
including the sand of the Sandhills for exfoliation treatments, clay from
neighboring Seagrove for select body wraps and local botanicals such as
holly berry, magnolia and pine for aromatherapy and body treatments.
"We want to emphasize the atmosphere of the Pinehurst area with each
treatment a guest receives at the Spa," said Kim Parker, Spa Director.
"Our focus will remain on those key elements that have always drawn people
here -- an air of relaxation and luxury, pampering and an opportunity to
stay in tune with nature."
When finished, the Spa at Pinehurst |
Kim Parker Appointed
Spa Director
Feb 2001 - Kim Parker has officially taken the reigns
as the Pinehurst's new Spa Director. In making the announcement this week,
the historic resort takes one step further in delivering another stellar
amenity to a place well known for unmatched service.
Parker, a Sandhills native, was a natural choice for the
position. Her entire career in hospitality management has been spent at
Pinehurst Resort, spanning 14 years in various departments. Her latest
title will put her in responsible charge of the inner workings of The Spa
at Pinehurst, including hiring, training, operations, treatments, and product
development.
Parker's first order of business is to complete benchmarking
studies at various premier spas throughout the country. The research will
help in developing the individual spa packages and hiring standards, the
next steps towards a 2002 Spa grand opening. While many resumes have been
sent since the Spa was first announced last year, Parker doesn't expect
to begin recruiting and hiring the 80-100 Spa staff members until this
fall.
A graduate of Sandhills Community College in nearby Southern
Pines, North Carolina, Parker holds an Associates Degree in Hospitality
Management. Many of her early working years at Pinehurst were spent in
the accounting department, giving her a solid background in fiscal responsibility
and operational budgeting. In her 14 years, she has been promoted to various
managerial positions, including Credit Manager, Reservations Supervisor,
Front Office Manager, and most recently, Housekeeping Director prior to
accepting her new duties.
"We are impressed with Kim's enthusiasm and energy," said
Donald Porterfield, V.P. of Operations at Pinehurst. "She has been a dedicated
long-term employee partner that has achieved success in every position
she's held here. We strongly support her in this new endeavor and look
forward to the same success she's had with previous roles."
Parker resides in Moore County, North Carolina with sons
Christopher and Jeremy. Parker will operate from her office at the Carolina
hotel until The Spa building becomes available. |
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will be a shrine to personalized care. A staff of experts will offer
the latest in massage, skin and body care and bath treatments. The
Spa will also feature a 750-square-foot Image Center offering hair and
nail care, complete with a retail shop for those who wish to take the North
Carolina experience home. Guests will also relax in the Spa's steam,
sauna and whirlpool areas for both men and women.
The 1,300-square-foot fitness studio will contain state-of-the-art cardiovascular
and strength training equipment, especially suited for golfers desiring
pre- and post-golf workouts and conditioning. Swimmers will be able
to enjoy the lap pool.
The Spa at Pinehurst adds an important amenity to Pinehurst's many attractions,
including eight premier golf courses, a renowned 24-court tennis complex,
water sports at Lake Pinehurst, nine dining facilities and more.
Pinehurst is part of a collection of luxury golf destinations that make
up the Pinehurst Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of ClubCorp.
In addition to Pinehurst, the resorts include The Homestead, Hot Springs,
Va; Barton Creek, Austin, Tex.; Daufuskie Island, Daufuskie Island, S.C.;
Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico and Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
Founded in 1957, Dallas-based ClubCorp has $1.6 billion in assets and
is the world leader in delivering golf and related premier resort experiences.
Internationally, the company owns or operates more than 220 golf courses,
country clubs, private dining clubs and resorts.
ClubCorp purchased its Pinehurst interest in 1984 and committed to return
Pinehurst to its former glory as a world-class golf and resort destination.
This effort to maintain the village's historical legacy while creating
healthy growth has directly contributed to the awarding of several prestigious
golf events to Pinehurst, including the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Open championships. |