Eco-spa resort operator Lefay Resorts & Residences has unveiled a three-year Lefay Spa Academy training programme to create “first-class wellness professionals in luxury hospitality”.

Claimed to be the first academy created by an Italian destination spa, the new course is the result of study, research and training carried out by the group.

Since opening its first eco-spa resort in Lake Garda in 2008, the Lefay Collection’s wellness approach has been defined by its signature Lefay Spa Method which blends Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern scientific research.

Crafted to restore the balance between body, mind and spirit, the method was developed in association with the doctors that make up the Lefay Spa Scientific Committee.

This philosophy led to the creation of more than 50 Lefay signature treatments – something which the company said quickly raised the issue of training because every therapist must be able to carry out all the specific Lefay protocols.

A training course was thus created, which has now been formalised into the Lefay Spa Academy.

The 400-hour course provides intense theoretical background and practical on-the-job training, with a total duration of three years. It involves 320 hours of theory and 100 practical hours.

Technical subjects covered include those relating to bio-natural and holistic disciplines – such as TCM, topographical anatomy and cosmetology. Students will also be trained in luxury hospitality standards, effective communication, legislation and professional ethics and sustainability principles applied in the Lefay Spa.

Lefay says the course is open to anyone between 18-29 years old who is interested in working in holistic wellness within luxury hospitality.

Applications for the course are now being accepted until 8 May. This will be followed by a recruitment day on 19 May for successful applicants. The official start date for this year’s entrants will be 3 July.

Educational leaders

Teachers at the Academy are members of the Lefay Spa Method Scientific Committee, Lefay spa trainers and accomplished specialists and consultants in the various disciplines included in the programme.

With the launch of the Lefay Spa Academy, the wellness hotel group officially joins the Technical Scientific Committee of Bio Natural Disciplines of the Lombardy Region in Italy.

This means that at the end of the training, successful students will be certified as a 'Practitioner of Manual Holistic Techniques’ recognised by the Lombardy Region.

"Since the foundation of the first resort in the Lefay Collection, great efforts have been devoted to the training of employees and, in particular, to the Lefay Spa Team, which undergoes a specific training programme," said Liliana Leali, deputy chair of Lefay Resorts & Residences.

"This process has finally been formalised with the launch of the first academy for wellness professionals created by a spa destination. We’re very proud of this project because we firmly believe that entrepreneurs must invest in young people, developing their talents."