Shiseido has opened its first spa in Italy at the Luxury Collection property Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan – designed by Milan-based Studio Marco Piva as part of the site’s multi-million restoration.

The 235-key property’s Shiseido Spa measures more than 1,000sq m (10,764sq ft) and is located across the hotel’s sixth and seventh floors. The spa houses one double treatment room with a private sauna, eucalyptus steamroom and two experience showers infused with cool mint and fruits. There’s also a hammam and ice fountain in this private spa suite.

There are four additional single treatment rooms, an indoor pool, a virtual golf simulator, a hairdresser and barber shop, plus relaxation areas – such as a Himalayan salt steam room. Linen in the spa is supplied by RKF Luxury Linen. In addition to the spa, there will be a fitness area with equipment by Technogym.

Speaking exclusively to Spa Opportunities, Victoria Dello Ioio – spa business development and training manager for Shiseido – said the spa expects to attract 3,000 clients in the first year of its operation, between May 2015 and May 2016.

“At Shiseido Spas there is a real focus on retail training, up-selling products and of course treatments,” said Dello Ioio. “It’s all about asking the guest key questions during the consultation, such as ‘what is the main concern with your skin?’, ‘what would you like to achieve?’ Shiseido Spas average at 40 per cent retail versus 60 per cent treatment sales, which is very strong.”

Dello Ioio claims this is the largest hotel spa in Milan and the first Shiseido-branded spa in Italy: “Shiseido is extremely established and well-represented in the Italian market already and our existing clients have been crying out for a Shiseido Spa.”

Expansion plans to the Middle East are on the horizon for Shiseido Spa, the details of which have yet to be confirmed.