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Overlooking an idyllic waterfront on the quays, you’ll find Anantara The Marker Dublin nestled between cafés, bars and the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. And while many know of its delicious dining options and luxurious atmosphere, the hotel’s five-star spa has become a best-kept secret for regular treatment-goers.
Catering to a mix of local business folk from the nearby office district, members of their exclusive Marker Club and travellers from all over the world, Anantara’s Spa is one of Dublin’s largest city centre spas. Its zen-inducing decor welcomes guests, who are free to swim in the 23-meter infinity pool, work up a sweat in the fitness centre, nip into the jacuzzi, sauna or steam room, or book a rejuvenating treatment.
At the helm of it all is the impressive spa and wellness manager Orjana Krota, who has helped elevate the spa’s atmosphere and treatment offerings by drawing from other cultures, working with locally-made products, and building a diverse team.
Originally from Croatia, Orjana has been in the beauty industry for over 15 years. She moved to Dublin ten years ago and worked as a therapist in Anantara The Marker, before spreading her wings and gaining experience in other spas but ultimately returning to her first and favourite gig. Speaking of her return to the hotel she said: “It felt like coming home; everyone is so open and welcoming and I was drawn back there.”
Orjana says its the spa’s holistic approach to wellness that makes it stand out from others she’s worked with. “At Anantara Spa, our approach is inspired by Thai culture, which focuses on energy and connection, combined with wellness products closer to home.” Alongside renowned UK brand Elemental Herbology, they’ve most recently partnered with Seabody – a Kerry-grown skincare label that sustainably cultivates and hand harvests Atlantic seaweed, a potent and nourishing key ingredient in their products.
And the result has been fantastic: “For me, it’s so important that we’re being authentic and that’s why we’ve started using Seabody. We have guests from all over the world coming to see us and we want to offer something domestic that they cannot get anywhere else at the moment.
“Our hero treatment is the Seabody Touch Facial, which includes a gua sha massage and a beautiful quartz crystal mask. The organic seaweed is full of antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin, and clients are left with a glowing, beautiful complexion.”
In her role as spa and wellness manager, Orjana manages a team of about 20, supporting them where she can and ensuring the smooth operation of all aspects of the spa, from bookings and admin, to creating a calm and inviting ambience.
Orjana is careful to distinguish Anantara from other ‘beauty spas’, as she aims to foster beauty from the inside out. “We are trying to focus on body, mind and soul – how you feel on the inside rather than how you look on the outside. That’s our primary goal, to make sure you feel good and are nourished from within.”
Connecting with her clients is Orjana’s favourite part of her job, a passion that has kindled from her days as a therapist years earlier. “My favourite part of my job is meeting and engaging with people from all over the world. I love hearing their story and reason for coming in. At the spa, we all want to be part of their journey.”
So, what’s next for Orjana? She says she’s just getting started on her vision for the top-tier spa: “I have an amazing team behind me and I want to create something really special. I want Anantara Spa to be a premier destination for holistic wellness that people enjoy. Right now, it’s all about baby steps but this time next year, I know we’ll have achieved so much.”
To learn more about Anantara Spa or to book a treatment today, visit the Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel Spa website or call +353 1 6875100.