Spa People in the News

Laurel Fleming Named Director of Spa Operations of Old Edwards Inn and Spa

December 4 (Highlands, N.C.) -- Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurel Fleming as Director of Spa Operations. Fleming, who assumed her role November 12th, 2007, brings extensive experience in spa operations, wellness services and client care to her new position. She will be responsible for all operations at Old Edwards’ 25,000 square-foot spa, including treatment development and management of a world-class, 25-person staff.

“Laurel brings a valuable range of experience to The Spa as well as a deep understanding of the needs of our beauty and wellness guests” said Mario Gomes, CEO of the Old Edwards Hospitality Group. “She is a wonderful addition to our team and we know she will take The Spa to new levels of comfort and luxury.”

The Spa at Old Edwards is a luxurious retreat in heart of the Smoky Mountains. With a brand new 15,000 square-foot Spa Amenities Building and unique offerings such as the Nap Reflection Room, Spa Café, and spa solarium, The Spa offers cutting edge beauty and wellness services in an elegant, European-style setting. In addition to one-of-a-kind treatment rooms, The Spa’s signature therapies, complete salon services, fitness center, recreational activities and spa and salon concierge make it an unforgettable destination.

Fleming joined Old Edwards Inn from Highlands-Cahiers Hospital where she was Project Coordinator for The Women’s Wellness Center and Marketing Director for Healing Touch Massage since 2005. Previously, she was Salon and Spa Manager at the Passport Travel Spa at the Indianapolis International Airport and Salon and Spa Manager at the Natural Concepts Salon & Day Spa, Greenwood Indiana. Fleming also has extensive managerial experience in retail and hospitality services.

A native of Washington State, Fleming studied Food Science and Management Techniques at the Culinary Arts Program at South Seattle Community College. She has also has taken Skincare, Make-up and Hair Care courses from Aveda in Indianapolis. She currently resides in Scaly Mountain, NC.

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Old Edwards Inn and Spa is located at 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741, 828-526-8008 or 866-526-8008. Old Edwards Hospitality Group, LLC, founded in 2003, includes Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, The Farm special events facility, Acorns retail shop, Rib Shack, and The Laundry and Dry Cleaners at Old Edwards Inn. For more information, call 866-526-8008 or visit www.oldedwardsinn.com.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa, including The Lodge at Old Edwards Inn, are AAA-Four Diamond award winners. Old Edwards Inn and Spa is also a member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, Zagat-rated for 2008 and a member of Boutique-the newest brand within Preferred Hotel Group. The property is a Recommended Hotel in Condé Nast Johansens Recommended Hotels, Inns and Resorts Guide for 2005, 2006 and 2007 and was nominated for Most Excellent Inn 2006 and 2007. Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2005, 2006 and 2007.