How was GOCO Hospitality started?
After working on projects like Ananda in the Himalayas and Mandarin Oriental (where I set up the first-ever hotel spa division for an international luxury hotel company), I returned to my entrepreneurial roots and started GOCO Hospitality as a fully integrated wellness company offering market research and feasibility studies, branding and conceptualization, and design and development services in addition to pre-opening assistance.
We also developed our own spa brand and currently operate GOCO Spas at Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof in Germany and the Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, in the UAE. Next month, we open our first GOCO Spa in Europe at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa in Italy.
Frankfurt, the UAE, and now Venice—what about this location attracted you?
Its distinct character and rich culture make Venice a great city to develop a spa, and the island, Isola delle Rose, is the perfect location. The numerous gardens and outdoor areas on the 16 acres provide spots for quiet contemplation, and JW Marriott is away from the noise and bustle of the city but close enough to spend the day there.
GOCO Spa Venice
What is the overall design aesthetic by Matteo Thun?
The spa is located in one of the brick buildings on the island, carefully renovated to preserve its historic character and updated to include serene, uncluttered interiors featuring locally made bricks, glass, and tiles. Uniquely shaped large windows allow the island’s landscape to merge with the interiors while maximizing the view over the lagoon. The indoor-outdoor vitality pool and luxury spa suite–a private ‘spa in a spa’—are standouts.
You also have GOCO Retreats.
GOCO Retreats are destination wellness resorts focused on creating healthy habits. They are not only a retreat from guests’ busy everyday lives, but also are a supportive partner on their journey towards discovering wellness for both the body and soul, encouraging guests to find a ‘wellness way of life’ by blending Asian traditions and knowledge with contemporary western medical science to give guests the ultimate wellness experience.
What are highlights from the Bhutan and China properties opening in 2016?
GOCO Retreat Thimphu, Bhutan is located in the heart of Thimphu’s river valley and offers views from each of its 30 guestrooms and suites. The retreat offers wellness gardens and all-season organic greenhouses, as well as a health restaurant, tea lounge, and an event space for 200 guests.
GOCO Retreat Xiangshan in Ningbo, China is nestled in 150,000 square feet of natural landscaping, spread over four floors, and features unobstructed views over the East China Sea.
