Catherine de Villiers has been appointed spa manager of von Essen's Hotel Verta, the group's first London-based property.

Opening on 12 September 2010, Hotel Verta is being marketed as the first integrated hotel heliport solution in Europe while the Spa Verta within the hotel has been designed as an urban spa experience and includes five treatment rooms, thermal areas and a vitality pool.

De Villiers joins von Essen with more than four years' experience in the hospitality industry, most recently as assistant manager at The Langham, London hotel - also in the UK.

General manager for Hotel Verta, Andrew Thomason, said: "We are thrilled to have Catherine on board. Her expertise will be integral to ensuring guests get the very best from their spa experience." Details: vonessenhotels.com