We stumbled upon Tiba Boutique Spa by chance while browsing spa opening announcements—and we couldn’t be happier that we did. Though not new to the Nashville scene (it originally opened in 1994), Tiba recently celebrated a fresh chapter with a relocation to Berry Hill and an exciting partnership as the first U.S. location of the Ingrid Millet Paris Institute. Intrigued by how the spa blends the charm of a boutique with the elegance of a French skincare haven, we wanted to learn more. To delve deeper, we spoke with Donna Shaffer, general manager of Tiba, who works with the spa's founder, Nuhad Khoury.
"We use simple architectural lines, strategic lighting effects and natural finishes in the wet room, such as the blue onyx and white marble featuring a chromotherapy, aromatic steam rain shower," says Donna Shaffer, general manager of Tiba.Tiba
1. Tell us about the aesthetic of your spa’s interior and the emotion you are looking to evoke from customers.
Shaffer: We use simple architectural lines, strategic lighting effects and natural finishes in the wet room, such as the blue onyx and white marble featuring a chromotherapy, aromatic steam rain shower. There is whitewashed oak flooring throughout the spa, retail and salon. The retail areas and Dessange Salon feature abundant natural lighting with color accents through unique luxury merchandising. Tiba's updated concept is a memorable and uniquely designed new space, where each carefully selected, intricate detail creates a warm, intimate and joyous environment for their guests.
"Tiba's updated concept is a memorable and uniquely designed new space, where each carefully selected, intricate detail creates a warm, intimate and joyous environment for their guests," says Donna Shaffer, general manager of Tiba.Tiba
2. What inspired your design components and process?
Shaffer: Forty years serving clients from Nashville and beyond in the spa and retail market gave Nuhad creative insights as she designed her new location. Nuhad’s inspiration was towards “nature.” Features include natural elements like moss and succulent spheres and a wall covered with museum glass at the spa’s entrance, designer natural wood and frosted glass entrance door, and abundant natural lighting with access to a beautiful outside tigerwood relaxation deck to enjoy light refreshments and fresh air. Nuhad used a landscape architect and her vision to create a garden oasis atmosphere using existing and unique trees, plants and flowers native to Tennessee. There is a sculpted raised, 20-foot length, stone, herb garden planter box adjacent to the garden and relaxation deck. Nuhad’s future plans are to offer a light Mediterranean fair using her fresh-grown herbs and vegetables.
When designing their spas, owners should carefully consider the services or retail offerings that set them apart. Are you providing something exclusive, innovative, cutting-edge, or on-trend (while ensuring it’s a sustainable trend)? Perhaps a bespoke experience that differentiates you within your competitive landscape?Tiba
3. Does your spa have any unique features or design aspects?
Shaffer: Tiba is an intimate space with a wealth of service and shopping options. Careful attention was paid to optimizing space and flow to incorporate the newest regenerative and restorative wellness services such as the PureWave Vemi Bed and Semi Mat, the Solo Carbon-Far-Infared Chromotherapy Sauna Bed, and Ballancer Pro Lymphatic Drainage Compression Therapy. Using the latest technology, lighting, music, and projection were incorporated into every space to create a memorable experience! Tiba, now the first U.S.A. Ingrid Millet Paris Institute, has a stunning treatment room and rainfall shower. The finest French luxury skin care products are used in services.
"The room location and flow of traffic are based on the purpose of the rooms and acoustics," says Donna Shaffer, general manager of Tiba.Tiba
4. What advice would you give to someone who is designing their spa’s interior?
Shaffer: You must know in advance what your unique offering is. For example, what is your style or design unique to you? What will become your “brand” in design and offerings that you will keep fresh but consistent for years? What services or retail are you offering that is exclusive, different, the latest, groundbreaking, trending (be careful it’s a lasting trend), or bespoke in your competitive set (day spas, hotel spas, resort spas, etc.)? What atmosphere in the retail and salon areas vs. the quiet massage, facial, and various treatment rooms? The room location and flow of traffic are based on the purpose of the rooms and acoustics. Look at the operational side of design and aesthetics and stay consistent throughout the entire project. If you haven’t been in front-of-house/back-of-house operations in a spa, work in one or hire experience to help with your design. Is your spa a small boutique offering to target the top 10% of the luxury demographic, or are you building a spa that can accommodate large groups for parties or convention/business groups that need services done within a short timeframe? Know your vision.
