Travel Weekly's assistant editor Tara Rosa visited O2raOxygen
at Calgary Airport while waiting for a flight.
CALGARY, Alberta -- O2raOxygen is a breath of fresh air at
Calgary Airport. The facility, which bills itself as a wellness
spa, made its debut in February 2000 and is designed to rejuvenate
harried airport passengers as well as flight crews and airport
personnel with a series of spa services.
O2raOxygen is the brainchild of former flight attendant Suzanne
Letourneau, the company's president and chief executive
officer.
Letourneau came up with the concept by combining aspects of her
careers as a flight attendant -- a role she performed for 22 years
-- and as a personal trainer at a holistic fitness center and a spa
manager.
The idea for the airport location came to her during a four-hour
layover between flights. She said she felt travelers needed a place
to recoup and regain their energy after long flights or during
lengthy layovers.
"I thought I could improve the journey of the traveler before,
during and after a flight," said Letourneau, who characterizes the
facility as an "oasis" for flight-weary travelers and crews.
O2raOxygen is located on the second level of the airport, at the
departure area behind Air Canada's check-in counters.
The oxygen treatment area features big, comfortable leather
seats where clients can relax, read a magazine, watch an
informational video or listen to music while breathing it in for 15
minutes.
Visitors literally hook up to O2raOxygen's "air station" -- two
small tubes are placed under the nose and secured with elastic
straps behind the ears.
According to Letourneau, many clients come in on impulse.
"They see it and decide to come in and try it," she said. "We
get both men and women, business and [leisure] travelers and also,
of course, airline employees."
Clients can choose from a variety of aromas that can be added to
the oxygen. There is a complete menu of aromatic oils that can be
blended for different effects. Some combinations are said to soothe
arthritis and provide relief for asthma and headache sufferers.
The spa also offers traditional spa treatments and shower
facilities. However, Letourneau said, "The oxygen treatment is our
No. 1 seller."
According to Letourneau, since its opening, business has been
booming.
"Each month since December, sales are rising by at least 10% per
month," she said. "Every time a flight is delayed, business
increases."
Letourneau said she would like to work more with travel agents
to enhance client experiences.
"We are working toward the same thing -- pleasing travelers,"
she said. "We are open to working with agents to arrange packages
for individual needs and offer incentives."
A number of net packages have been developed. Tour groups
receive one free service package for every 10 purchased; FIT
clients will receive a free service for every 15.
A second facility is slated to open in Amsterdam's Schiphol
Airport in October; a third is scheduled to open at Detroit
Metropolitan Airport in December.
"Our goal is to be located in all major hub airports in the
world," said Letourneau.
For more information about O2raQxygen, call (403) 717-3744, fax
(403) 717-2896 or e-mail [email protected].
Not just hot air: O2raOxygen offers variety of spa
services
CALGARY, Alberta -- In addition to oxygen treatments, O2raOxygen
offers a host of traditional spa services.
Visitors can indulge in such treatments as a shiatsu or
therapeutic massage; manicures, pedicures and foot massages;
facials, and aromatherapy treatments. Guests also can simply choose
to take a shower.
According to the company, all treatments are provided by a
professionally trained staff.
Treatment prices range from $10 for a 10-minute shower to $100
for either a 90-minute massage or aromatherapy treatment. Treatment
packages also are available.
In addition, O2raOxygen offers an array of oxygen enriched skin
care products and dietary supplements for sale.