Graciously understated, genuinely warm, and located in the heart of the historic village, the Delamar Southport hotel is a pristine representation of the brand’s commitment to health and wellness. Georgette Culucundis Mallory, Delamar’s spa director, holds a particular fondness for the hotel and said she knew the spa renovation had the potential to bridge the gaps in the community’s available wellness offerings.
“The hotel is gorgeous,” Mallory says. “I lived there after a foot surgery when I needed to be on the main floor with a scooter. I got to know the hotel very well, so it’s incredible seeing this new chapter for the Southport Spa and what it will bring to the hotel and the local area as a whole.”
Mallory says they tackled space constraints during the hotel’s initial renovation by converting a suite into a lounge with a treatment room. Prior to the pandemic, the availability of office space in the Delamar Southport offices sparked the idea of establishing a standalone spa to enhance the hotel experience. Mallory adds that this strategic decision empowered the team to autonomously handle bookings and payments while also introducing an engaging retail position, aligning with their objective to support women artists and enrich spa offerings.
“Southport is often sold out and we knew it could use an additional suite,” Mallory says. “We finally had the opportunity to build a standalone spa equipped with changing rooms, a sauna, a relaxation area, and a reception space.”
The aesthetic objectives are in harmony with the hotel’s vision, providing a European salon experience characterized by an inviting ambiance, well-appointed reception, sauna, and changing areas. Mallory emphasizes their efforts to “embrace color and texture while striving to evoke a sense of tranquility.” Each of the three treatment rooms includes private showers for an extra touch of luxury, complemented by a thoughtfully redesigned hallway and courtyard adjacent to the spa.
“ The intention was to create an atmosphere of relaxation and beauty that begins even before stepping into the spa itself. ”
“The intention was to create an atmosphere of relaxation and beauty that begins even before stepping into the spa itself,” Mallory says. “Outside, purposefully placed benches serve a dual purpose: discouraging cell phone use within the spa while providing a comfortable and inviting space for our valued clients.”
Looking ahead, the spa aims to remain at the forefront of trends by exploring exciting additions like infrared wraps, cutting-edge facial machines, and more. Mallory expresses optimism about the possibilities, adding that the hotel’s expansive outdoor space and the nearby Folly—a 1,200-square-foot venue—provide opportunities to offer holistic experiences in line with the brand’s commitment to well-being.
“At the heart of our mission to expand the Delamar brand, Charles and I are motivated by a commitment to deliver hotels that resonate not just with travelers, but also with the communities they call home,” Mallory says. “Our vision is anchored in the pursuit of elevating not only the hospitality experience but also contributing to the overall well-being of the towns where we establish our presence. The essence of our hotel locations is deeply intertwined with the spirit of the communities they serve.”
Mallory says that with each hotel, the team’s enthusiasm extends to engaging with the local population. She adds that the surrounding towns have, and continue to be, integral partners in shaping the character of the Delamar hotels.
“I would love for families looking for an accessible retreat to think, ‘Oh Delamar Spas, let’s go there for a few days,’” Mallory says. “Ultimately, I hope for customer satisfaction with our spas to prompt clients to rebook not just treatments, but hotel stays before they leave.”
Learn more about the new Southport Spa and its offerings at www.delamar.com
