“Being asked to update the wellness facility of a 55-year old signature hotel is such an honor,” said Rebecca Pisani, whose father, Alfred Pisani, founded the Corinthia Group of Companies, based on the Mediterranean island-nation of Malta.
Corinthia Palace, Malta, was the first hotel in what has become an expanding international chain. The 150-room property was an expansion of a private residence, Villa Refalo, re-named by Alfred Pisani’s mother after Corinthian columns in the main hall. The hotel was officially opened, as a silver plaque announces, by HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
“Corinthia has grown enormously – we will be adding properties soon in Brussels, Belgium, Dubai and Sofia, Bulgaria,” Pisani said. “I felt this was the perfect time to join the company; I had always wanted to be part of the business.”
After graduating in Political Science from the American University of France, in Paris, she headed off for 200 hours of yoga in Bali, followed by a three-month internship with designers GA International in London.
“I learned so much from GA International’s Managing Director Terry McGinnity, and his colleague Ed Davis, whom I shadowed intently for the final two weeks,” Pisani recalled. “They both shared tips on maximizing space, how to understand people flow.”
On her return to Malta in May 2017, Pisani started working on Corinthia Palace’s spa. The existing facility is in a two-floor limestone block finished 1992. There are already over 300 local members using its indoor pool and the fitness center, both of which are now leased out on a revenue-sharing basis.
The current spa has seven treatment rooms, one of them for couples, and with the help of Corinthia’s own QPM project division Rebecca Pisani is planning an additional three treatment rooms, overall dark colored, and gracious and sumptuously-hued public areas.
“I want to offer a completely holistic and luxurious experience. I am determined it will be associated with nature and offer a healing ambience that nourishes the soul. I want everyone to feel amazing when they leave,” she said.
Pisani practices what she preaches. Monday to Friday, she sets her alarm for 5:15 a.m. to be in the gym by six, and it is followed by a typical working day, though flexible, running from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m.
Although she will not reveal her budget, Pisani is determined to end up with a surplus. She certainly has enough for firepits, and a café.
In her quest to make the spa a destination Pisani plans a wide selection of detox and other packages. Nutrition, allied to all outlets throughout the hotel, will naturally play a role.
Rebecca Pisani is also coy about her spa’s name. She does admit one thing, firmly. “I really want my father to be proud of what I am doing here. When this spa is finished, hopefully by the end of this year, then I will be ready to tackle the facilities in our other hotels. And yes, eventually I want to have my own brand.”