Dubai-based spa consultancy Esadore International has named Michael Monsod as director of wellness operations and Sally Beighton as spa trainer and consultant.

Monsod has extensive experience in conceptualisation, pre-opening, set-up, recruitment, turnaround and operations, and is currently working on the Nine Degrees Spa in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Nine Degrees Spa at the Fairmont, Ajman.

“Having the background, experience and passion I have for what I do enables me to approach each challenge with an open mind and with the right objective in mind,” said Monsod. “I admire the bravery and creativity of (Esadore’s) founders, and I believe in the strong potential for growth of the company and its brands.”

Prior to joining Esadore, Monsod headed up wellness operations at Zaya Nurai Island in Abu Dhabi, and has also worked with many five-star brands in the Middle East, including Shangri-La, The Address Hotels and Resorts and Sofitel The Palm Dubai.

“We are excited to have such a seasoned employee working as operations manager at Esadore Life, and look forward to his contribution to the overall direction and growth of our brands throughout the region,” said Ebrahim Malekzadeh, CEO and founder of Esadore International.

Beighton joins Esadore with nearly 30 years of spa and wellness experience, most recently with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, where she was instrumental in establishing the treatment and operational standards for Shangri-La’s Chi Spa brand. She set up the Shangri-La Spa Academy in Manila and the latest CIBTAC training initiative in line with new regulations at the Dubai Health Authority.

“Having been lucky enough to have lived and worked in some of the most stunning locations in the world, I believe I have the experience, knowledge and flexibility to be able to train multicultural teams and understand their needs,” said Beighton. “Having opened two different training facilities previously, I am looking forward to the development and implementation of our training department to offer first-class training to people from all over the world.”

Malekzadeh said having a dedicated training team is key to the company’s success.

“The addition of Sally to the Esadore Wellness team will enable us to look at the long-term strategic development and training services of our business and brands,” he said.