Demand for beauty professionals on board superyachts increases

Advancements in yacht design have seen a growing trend in improving spa facilities on board superyachts. From this, a demand for on-board beauty therapists is drastically growing according to industry professionals. 

Luxury yachts such as the renowned motor yacht Grace E, which boasts a private treatment room complete with hydrotherapy bath, cold dip bath and dry sauna, are responsible for this demand, and the 2015 season has already began to see a rise in requests for permanent spa therapists on board both private and charted yachts.

When speaking to Yachting Pages, Van Allen Crew commented, “There has been an increase in demand from owners wanting stewardess’ with added skills such as massage, beauty therapy and sometimes hairdressing too. It is becoming more sought after from superyachts that the steward(ess) has these skills.

“There has been a steady increase over the past seasons and for sure this will continue. We would agree that due to more superyachts having these private spas and treatment rooms and as the size of yachts are getting larger, this may even become a mandatory request for some charter guests.”

Burgess is already offering charter yachts with on-board beauticians and masseuses. Amanda Armstrong, charter broker at Burgess elaborated, “It is very much 'horses for courses' as some clients love to have an on-board therapist, particularly for massages, so that they know they are available at their convenience, whereas other charter clients will request one or two massages or facials during the charter, so a mobile therapist will work better.

“Certainly the focus on ‘wellbeing’ and lifestyle is more pronounced generally within the media, so massages as a basic treatment are often requested. The yachts that offer a spa on board are naturally in high demand.”

With an estimated 33,000+ crew already placed globally, having this added training will help those interested in joining, stand out. Christina Sasnovski, operations manager at Crew Asia added, “We have certainly seen an increase in demand for beauty and massage therapists, however they also have to be willing to work as a stewardess. The more skills the stewardess has, the easier it is to deploy her.”

Grace E is available to charter through Burgess with a weekly rate starting at €595,000, excluding operating costs.