Home »
Biggest full-service day spa now run by locals
SPA 901, a 6,600-sq. ft. destination spa and wellness centre announced March 10 it is now under new ownership.
Bought by two Fernie entrepreneurs, SPA 901 is located inside the iconic 901 Fernie, a $30 million restoration of a 1908 schoolhouse into luxury vacation rentals and residences.
Armed with business and spa management expertise, Laura Oleksow and Jessica Riley are seeking to take SPA 901 to new heights. Previously owned and operated by Calgary-based Apex Massage Therapy’s Shelly MacGregor, Fernie’s main spa and wellness centre is now locally owned for the first time.
Oleksow and Riley have been heavily involved with operations since October 2013 when they started with the spa. The Kootenay’s first destination spa and wellness resort was first launched in March of 2012 and is located on main street in Fernie’s historic downtown.
“I’m thrilled to hand over SPA 901 to two very talented employees that are passionate about the spa and Fernie,” says MacGregor. “Having both worked at SPA 901 for some time, they know the business and the clientele. I’m so proud of them and am excited to see them succeed.”
Originally from the Crowsnest Pass, Oleksow was hired as Spa Director in October 2013 and has resided in Fernie for two and a half years. Before moving back to B.C. to pursue a mountain lifestyle Oleksow spent five years in Toronto in a management and marketing role, and gained valuable experience in the customer service industry. Her new role will focus on management and marketing.
“More than 50% of our current client base is from Alberta and we have a huge following in Calgary thanks to Shelly. She has done wonders with the business since it was launched in 2012. We’re honored and grateful for the opportunity to carry on its fantastic reputation,” says Laura Oleksow, co-owner of SPA 901.
Hired at the same time as Oleksow, Riley was quickly promoted to Lead Esthetician and Massage Therapist. Her new role will focus on the training and development of new and existing team members, including massage therapists, estheticians and spa coordinators. A qualified massage practitioner and skin specialist, Riley received training in Australia, New Zealand and Canada in world-class spas such as the Hilton. Born and raised in Australia with Canadian heritage, Riley moved to Canada in 2009 and is a Fernie resident.
“We see great potential to grow our fantastic team but we also want to foster individual growth. Our vision is to introduce a training and development component to the business that trains our staff according to the highest standards in the industry,” says Jessica Riley, co-owner of SPA 901.
For three consecutive years, SPA 901 has won the Fernie Fix Best of Business Awards, as chosen by their local community. SPA 901 was designed by spa consultant, Karen Vonkeman and 901 Fernie architects, the LeBlond Partnership, who collaborated on the Solace Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs.
With $2 million in restorations and construction in 2012, highlights of SPA 901 include: Fernie’s only infrared saunas, five treatment rooms, a couples fireplace treatment room, co-ed and women-only fireplace relaxation lounges, outdoor hot pool, and men and women’s change rooms.
Lead image: Jessica Riley and Laura Oleksow, new owners of SPA 901. Photo credit: SPA 901