June 3, 2005 – Dwight Zieman is finishing up his first year managing the Hideaway Spa at the Buccaneer Resort on St. Croix and is enthusiastic about the years to come.
He says, he enjoys, "assisting our guests to look and feel their best." He adds, "It is very rewarding to see the satisfaction on peoples' faces and hear our guests compliment us on how ‘this was the best part of their vacation.'"
He is a native of North Dakota and moved here from Las Vega last June with his partner Ela Brinkley. But he emphasizes he has already put his heart into St. Croix. He says, "I enjoy the being part of a community that is diverse, friendly and that holds so much potential."
Asked what he likes most about St. Croix, he says people, but the beach, where likes to windsurf and snorkel, apparently come in a close second. He also admits to enjoying some time on a hammock with a good book.
When he is at work he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the spa/fitness center and pool area, including the marketing, personnel, staff training, scheduling and being a liaison between various Buccaneer departments. He explains, "The position requires that I be responsible for each guest being treated as well as we know how to treat them every time they walk through our door. It is really a combination of concierge, cheerleader, bookkeeper, human relations counselor, sanitation engineer and comedian. I adore what I do dearly."
He sees a lot of the possibilities for expanded services at the spa because he sees a general trend toward personal health among travelers to St. Croix and the general public.
"I would like to see stretching classes, a top of the line Jacuzzi, an outdoor massage/body scrub area and community outreach teaching the benefits of touch and proper skin, nail and hair care. Everyone deserves to feel their best."
He says the six massage therapists, two skin-care/waxing estheticians, two nail technicians, the beautician and three receptionists on the spa staff are a valuable resource for guests and locals who have a "desire for greater health and vitality."
Most commonly, the customer, whether a guest at the resort or a year-round resident, is a female 25 to 65. However, he adds, "we continue to see more and more men coming in for massage, facials, pedicures and manicures and hair care."
The job is not always easy. He says it can be challenging to coordinate the many schedules to have everything flow smoothly.
Visiting him in the spa – located in the shopping arcade at the top of the hill in the center of the resort – one can't help but see he is engrossed in what he is doing.
He says, "It is always exciting to introduce people to their first spa experience, and have people feel great about themselves. It keeps me energized."
Reservations are strongly recommended at least a day in advance, however, the staff will accommodate walk-ins when possible. The direct line for Hideaway Spa is 340-712-2149
