Member Article

New manager for new Airport Spa

An experienced manager has been appointed to oversee the new Bannatyne express spa at Teesside International airport.

Michaela Hope, who joined the company 10 years ago as a spa therapist in Darlington will oversee the site, supported by regional manager Katie Forster. She moved to the Bannatyne Health Club & Spa Durham in 2015 as assistant manager of the newly opened spa, being promoted to manager within 12 months.

Following a £100,000 investment to create a luxury wellbeing environment, the spa, which is in a prime location in the airport’s departure lounge, opposite Duty Free, will open to passengers in February 2022. It has created several jobs initially and more will follow as demand increases.

The work to create the new spa has been carried out by a local firm to exacting specifications in keeping with the Bannatyne wellbeing brand.

The spa will offer a range of 15-to-30-minute treatments and experiences including massage chairs, manicures and pedicures, hands-on massage and the latest in skin revitalisation – LED face masks. There will also be the opportunity to purchase skincare products, thanks to a partnership with Elemis.

The treatments will be bookable in advance, or open to walk in passengers subject to availability.

Karen Wilkinson, operations director at the Bannatyne Group, said: “Michaela is the perfect person to manage this exciting new venture, which looks fantastic.

“Her involvement in the opening of the Durham spa a few years ago will be invaluable as we build the profile of the new site and welcome commercial and leisure passengers for some pampering before their flights.”

Michaela Hope said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me, personally and professionally. I am looking forward to working with the team, growing the spa’s presence and meeting clients before they jet off.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted to welcome Michaela to our airport and I’m sure her experience will make it a huge success, adding to the friendly, welcoming atmosphere the airport has been praised for. Michaela’s from Hartlepool and her appointment, along with the other jobs this is helping create, is another example of how our airport is working for local people from her town, Teesside and Darlington.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .