Industry veteran Alex James has been appointed to the role of spa director at The Langley Hotel & Spa in Buckinghamshire, England.
James joins The Langley with more that 14 years industry experience, and has previously worked at the Mandarin Oriental London, where she progressed from advanced spa therapist to acting spa director, and has most recently served as the spa manager at The Landmark London.
In her new role James will be an active member of the pre-opening team, working closely with spa consultants SMC Leisure, Dennis Irvine Studio and Multiplex to ensure that the spa is completed to a high standard. She will also be responsible for curating the spa's treatment offering, and will liaise with brand partners to develop the menu. In addition, James will be responsible for
recruiting a spa team of 25 people, and will manage membership pre-sales and events.
"I am thrilled to have joined the pre-opening team at The Langley as we build momentum to its anticipated launch," said James. "My ultimate aim is to guide the team to deliver our mission statement, which is to provide an unparalleled spa experience alongside a highly personalised service tailored to each guest."
Expected to open later this year, The Langley is a 41-bedroom Luxury Collection hotel and spa located inside 500 acres of British countryside. Comprising two Grade II listed historic buildings, The Langley will be home to a gym and personal training facility led by personal trainer Matt Roberts, as well as a 1600sq m spa.
The spa will play host to five treatment rooms with individual changing areas, two thermal areas, including a female only thermal space, featuring a vitality pool, sauna, steam room, hammam and heated relaxation loungers.
A VIP suite will offer a private relaxation space, vitality pool, juniper sauna, amethyst steam room and hammam and private changing facilities, while a 16m (52ft) indoor infinity pool, designed by Aqua Platinum, serves as a focal point.
Other facilities include a hair salon, manicure and pedicure studios and a lounge with nutritious food and drink options.
"The spa's unique specifications will bring an entirely new dimension to the UK's luxury spa scene; from its curated treatments, leisure and thermal experiences to its world-class fitness facility which will be run in partnership with renowned personal trainer Matt Roberts, we are confident that we will have a big impact when we launch later this year," added James.
David Harris, the hotel's manager, said: "I am delighted that Alex has taken the lead on The Langley Spa. She is a fantastic asset to the team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table along with a knack for detail and front-of-house management style that is perfectly suited to our ambitions for The Langley. Combined with a personal passion and enthusiasm for the industry, we are positive that the spa will flourish under her direction."
