Wednesday 21 December 2011

Hot Springs to Day Spa - It Will Make You Feel Great!

In the 1930s there were well over 2000 health resorts built around cold or hot springs. Once the benefits of spending time at a spa had become well-known many people made plans to spend at least some of their vacation time soaking up the healthful waters found in the naturally occurring springs that are found in many places right here in the U.S. Also called balneotherapy, the health filled therapy found in hot springs (even cold springs) draw crowds of people seeking a way to feel better, perhaps to heal sore muscles or over stressed bones. Doctors recommend spa time to their patients who suffer from joint diseases like rheumatism and arthritis because they know of the benefits to be found in those magic waters. But there actually is no magic to the springs, they are part of nature and a natural method of healing the sore and unhealthy.

Greeks and Romans first learned the benefits of natural spring waters

Since Greeks first discovered that bathing in certain waters made them feel significantly better, followed by Romans who turned the art of the bath into something spectacular, bathing in natural spring waters or tidal pools has earned the right to claim its healthy claims. Ancient Greek bath houses first found benefit in the natural mud found in and around hot springs and literally covered themselves with the dark viscous material, hoping to feel better while eliminating those aches and pains associated with bone and joint discomfort. According to Greek mythology, certain tidal pools and natural springs had been blessed by the gods and would cure diseases. The then established facilities for bathing purposes with the intention of healing and those who desired the help could go there and spend time, soaking in the healing waters.

Modern spas may be palatial or sparsely appointed

As the popularity of spas rose so did the price of a spa day. There were traditional baths using the waters from hot springs that were located in areas such as hot springs in Arkansas. The states of New York, Connecticut, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are also famous for their cold and hot springs. Saratoga springs as well as Ballston spa and Kinderhood are noted spas in New York while Pennsylvania has its own Bristol, Yellow, and Bath springs. Virginia's White Sulphur springs, hot springs, and Warm springs beckon to all who come near. Those who travel to such locations are treated to a luxurious spa day and that means all the amenities that comfort allows. They can exercise, practice a healthful diet, and enjoy the healthy benefits found in the soothing waters.

Bath houses could be found everywhere

For those who could not or would not wish to travel far from home, the bath house could substitute as they emulated the healthful benefits of naturally occurring springs by adding salts and various ingredients into warm pools of water and allowing guests to soak in their soothing properties. Bath houses gained a bad reputation yet remain popular in many large cities due to their healthy warm waters and the use of mud therapy, exercise equipment, and a combination including manicures, pedicures, facial and body massages to help relieve the aches and pains of everyday living. Today enjoying a day at the spa remains a popular and healthy activity for all.

Wednesday 7 December 2011

Korean Spas Are Truly a Gem

Exactly what goes on in Korean spas? They are not your typical spas where you relax in a waiting room before your treatment while wearing a comfy white robe all while sipping on unlimited cucumber water. Korean spas are a unique, cultural, all-inclusive experience and one that a real spa aficionado would appreciate. Not only do they provide excellent treatment in clean facilities, they expect you to stay and relax for however long you want. The bigger spas are even 24 hours, and your admission includes a free place to sleep. You might think this is odd, but this is part of the culture and is represented as a second home.

What is unique about Korean spas versus American spas like Burke Williams or Glen Ivy's is that you have to be naked. Of course the spa is gender segregated for the facility pools and the bathhouses. There is also a co-ed area in which you would wear their provided uniform which includes a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. The co-ed area boasts their traditional, specialty rooms like the Red Clay room or the Ice Room, the common area where people can watch television or use the provided computers to surf the internet, the restaurant where you can order authentic Korean food, and finally some have a sleeping area if they are open 24 hours. The Korean spa experience is calming and one can use as much time to get to that state of pure, stress-free, relaxed state of mind.

Korean bathhouses have been part of Korea's culture for centuries. Initially these bathhouses were for the privileged to take part in bathing in special aromatic scents and to scrub their bodies to become whiter. Now they are around for people to relax and unwind but also a place to socialize with friends and family. Parents bring their children and scrub each other's backs, and this is their bonding time. Friends go together and vent about their days while sitting in the Jacuzzi. People even make friends at the spa because they see the same faces monthly or even weekly.

Korean spas are known for their popular treatment which is their body scrub or commonly referred to as the akasuri scrub. The masseuses will thoroughly scrub you in every place imaginable, so this is not for the shy or faint at heart. They use special scrubbing gloves that will make your skin feeling silky smooth and you'll walk out of there feeling like you're a couple shades lighter. The whole concept of the scrub is to make you feel just that - cleaner and whiter. The newer facilities will allow your scrub to be in a private room with just your masseuse, but many spas still have a scrubbing area that will accommodate three or four tables. Again, this is not for people who are uncomfortable in their own skin. The masseuses mean business, and they will maneuver your body to clean certain areas and you might have to do this next to some stranger who's also in a compromising position. Their technique might be strange, but it guarantees results. Your skin will feel just as smooth as a baby, and you'll also feel relaxed because a scrub also comes with a scalp massage.

What is even great about Korean spas is how affordable the services are. A scrub at a new facility will range from $30-$45, and it will include free usage to the showers and pools and the specialty rooms. If you just want to pay admission to use the main facility and not get any treatment done, it will probably only cost you $15-$20. Many of the spas in major cities have already connected with deal sites like Groupon or Living Social. The trend and popularity of these spas have really grown the past few years, and even celebrities enjoy spending time at Korean spas. Emmanuelle Chriqui from Entourage was quoted in Women's Health Magazine that she likes to visit a Korean day spa. Although the majority of spa goers are middle aged Korean women, many of the younger generation are trying it out and finding that they like the experience. If you're curious about Korean spas, just try it one day. Go with a friend (but note, you'll have to see your friend naked), and make it fun spa event. I have to warn you though; it's quite addicting!

Friday 25 November 2011

The Correct Foot Spa Massager For Personal Total Relaxation

The Best foot spa massager basically is one of all those products that seem to be a lot more of a lavish than a must have. Still, in today's chaotic world, with a downturn in economic exercise and big unemployment, it might really be a existence keeper. These days persons are extremely in excess of tired, over performed and just simple stressed out. This is a nice luxurious to go out plus get the Best massage or certain type of bath treatment that can make you be thousand percent much better. But, spa therapies are not cheap. One of the particular downsides to intending to the spa is thinking how well they cleanse out their system. There have in fact been circumstances where foot spa treatment options were not completely clean from the last patron and things like staph illnesses could be spread.

But, however that's a most awful case scenario of course. A great time that you might do for you and at your house is to operate with foot spa foot massager or High Quality Body massager . These kinds of devices are small and not overpriced. In fact you can pay for one product as little as actually one visit to a spa treatment. Then you can have one to apply over and over once again.

Many individuals don't comprehend how many crucial benefits you can certainly get from kneading your feet. There are trigger points in your feet that maintain a wholesome liver and heart. The truth is, the trigger factors in your feet are so properly integrated into its rest of your system that because basically they are so regularly neglected, your human body suffers for this cause. Many of any ancient areas have been practice foot massages for centuries. It makes realistic sense simply because as humans, we actually stand, walk plus run on our feet all morning -long.

Exactly what are some of the actual features of a new foot spa massager? This most evident one is sort of "ribbed" roller it massages the underside of your feet. Assuming you've never tried out one, you can not imagine the unbelievable bliss from sensation this excellent massage. One other feature of these devices allow for detoxification of the body. Presently there are exfoliants as well as minerals which draw out your toxins from the body. All the minerals are placed into any bin of your massaging device. Even though you sit in that location getting some sort of foot massage, it's also taking the harmful toxins out of ones own body. Those toxins can certainly include alcohol or perhaps other environmental harmful toxins that have gotten in to your system just simply from breathing!

Friday 4 November 2011

Spa And Therapeutic Massage Flyers

Success in the spa and massage therapy business is largely driven through word of mouth recommendations from satisfied customers. Unfortunately, the process required to establish a loyal and substantial clientele can take far too long. To increase store traffic and gain referrals more quickly, well designed spa and massage therapy flyers will help promote a business and its services to a multitude of potential customers.

For the cost conscious therapist or business owner, spa and message therapy flyers are the perfect marketing choice. Since they are inexpensive to produce, frequent printing of updated editions will keep the message fresh and timely. A well designed marketing plan that includes aggressive flyer distribution will ensure that the company name and logo remains recognizable to prospective clients.

Flyer Design

There are a number of design elements that should be included in message therapy and spa flyers to attract and hold the recipients attention.

- Use Color instead of Black and White: Although color printing may be marginally more expensive, color flyers are far more eye catching than black and white. Color printing also conveys a sophisticated business image and a sense of legitimacy.

- Include an Attention Grabbing Headline or Photo: An appealing photograph and an interesting headline will draw the readerÂÂÂ’s attention. Always try and place this type of information in the center of the page where it will be the most conspicuous.

- Contact Information: In addition to the business name, location, email address, and phone numbers, always include relevant practitioner license numbers and the company logo. This can also be an area where a short bio of the owner and key employees can be incorporated.

- Highlight Products and Services: Since customers are savvy in Detroit, spa and message therapy flyers should include a detailed list of services, prices and benefits. Unique specialties can be detailed along with descriptions of the parlor and its atmosphere.

- Special Offers and Call to Action: Discount coupons can serve as an excellent incentive to make a phone call or book an appointment. Whatever the mechanism, the flyer should compel the recipient to seek further information about the business or its services.

Flyer Printing

For salon owners in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Downriver, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Royal Oak, Troy and Detroit, spa flyers can help to raise visibility and attract new customers to the business.

Monday 10 October 2011

Spa Party Idea

You've learned about home health spa parties nevertheless, you don't know how to give a single. Call your neighborhood Pink Pawpaw consultant along with let your ex relieve your stress while you and the friends loosen up. Once you provide you with the friends and some refreshments she is going to take over as well as spoil anyone there!

You are in charge of the method that you want your party. If you need it extremely casual and simple, you can do that. If you wish to go full-scale with an extravagant theme, you can do that too. Spa party concepts are endless.

Here are a handful of spa bash ideas to buy your imagination going:

Retreat night - Possess your guests bring a bathrobe to change straight into. Light a lot of candles to create the mood. Lay out the latest beauty magazines for everyone to turnover through. Fix pretty little boxes associated with goodies to your guests to snack on. Everybody can take one and they will not stir using their chairs when they put their toes up as well as relax. Just remember something special to glass on while everyone is experiencing the evening. How about mimosas or even sparkling cider? After everybody settles within your Consultant may introduce almost everyone to the world of Red Papaya splendor and products with her selection of goodies for you to pamper you with.

Treat night , We simply cannot discuss club party ideas without mentioning a dessert night time! The bash is about dealing with yourself along with your friends consequently go all out. Chocolate dropped strawberries or perhaps a chocolate water fountain with plants is always a hit. Everyone likes cupcakes; pick up several special kinds from your favourite bakery. Treat dips are usually an excellent way to look. Try a self-indulgent, creamy pumpkin dip with apples, it's a divine combination.

Friday 30 September 2011

Day Spa Retreats And What To Look For

Day spa retreat epitomizes the best day-time relaxation program that one can ever take. In addition to the pure water that is offered for drinking and bathing, one is also treated to special water based treatments to enhance one's health. By the end of the personal care treatment offered in the retreat, one feels rejuvenated and more at peace with the world.

The staff ideally consists of professional therapists who cater to the specialized needs of customers. Day spas are often recommended to people who have hectic lifestyles that compromise their ability to relax and remain at ease. Doctors often advise their stressed patients to try out a day spa retreat that will revitalize them through the abundance of pleasurable treatments that are offered.

The services that are typically offered include facials that utilize a range of cleansing products that are designed to relax the face muscles, reverse the aging process and clear the skin.

Medical practitioners advise patients who are stressed out or frustrated to go for a day spa retreat that has the benefit of revitalizing them and giving them the chance to experience enjoyable treatments. Facials are commonly offered and are carried out using special products that help the face muscles relax, slow down aging and cleanse the skin.

If you are the sort of person who is a tan lover but cannot afford to sit under the sun for stretched amounts of time in order to attain the tanned look you have several options including specialist UV tanning booths, plus 'fake' tan booths. The latter option is safer but can also give you that golden glow you desire.

Taking full advantage of a spa retreat guarantees that one will leave feeling like a new and refreshed person. Salon services are provided in a truly relaxing manner by incorporating other day spa services. Aside from hair styling, people can also enjoy the experience of relaxing pedicures and manicures. Giving someone a gift voucher for a day spa retreat is a highly rewarding way to pamper a loved one and give them a chance to feel special.

Sensational treatments are associated with professional day spa treatments that ensure customers have a completely relaxing day. It is also a good idea to reward oneself with a day spa retreat from time to time so as to escape the hassles of the demanding lives that most people lead. It is a worthwhile treat that is a pleasure to invest in.

The body is first polished, and then wrapped in a thermal blanket. In the meantime, one gets to enjoy a scalp massage. After some time, the thermal wrap is removed and the body massaged with mineral water. The skin is then hydrated using the suitable moisturizer.

Treat yourself and go on one of the the many day spa retreats around the country now.

Thursday 25 August 2011

Weight Management Through Spa Therapies

There has been much importance placed upon the fitness quotient of a person in modern times. With individuals leading sedentary and stressed lives, our fit-as-a-fiddle forefathers have given way to obese descendants, who could not care less for their couch potato image. Body weight has been on an exponential rise inflicting adults and kids alike.

Weight reduction on everybody’s mind
Earlier considered to be the Americans’ forte, obesity has now afflicted a tremendous number of people – continents and countries no bar. Surveys reveal shocking figures of people fighting obesity to gain more control on their lives. But, the icing on the cake is that, people have become aware of their bodies and plan to take action to have more control on it. This has seen the weights tilting towards fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Suddenly every Tom, Dick and Harry is concerned about weight management. Little wonder then, that weight reduction has gained the top most priority in hoi polloi’s to-do lists worldwide. Generic populace is frenziedly trying out any method that remotely promises to speed up weight loss. Myriad diets, astonishing exercise routines and the like have all become a part of our daily parlance. Moreover, people are now willing to experiment in order to lose weight and are jumping at any alternative, even if it is not tried and tested.

Weight management and spas
Spas have been known to people as healing centers where alternative therapies cure myriad ailments. Taking a holistic approach, spas can cure in a gentle way, targeting the root cause of the ailment, instead of merely suppressing the symptoms. Though weight reduction through spa treatments seemed to be far fetched a few years ago, people have now started realizing their importance off late. And who can deny a treatment that along with targeting the extra flab, also equally relaxes and comforts you. With spa therapies converging the best of therapies from all ancient cultures, there is no dearth of therapies that target obesity. But here, we will discuss in detail the effect of two therapies on body weight – body wrap therapy and acupuncture therapy. These are known to have both a physical and holistic effect on the patient.

Body wrap
We are what we eat. And now-a-days, with the advent of junk foods, we are unconsciously torturing our systems no end. Excess consumption of alcohol, caffeine, sugar or salt infests the body with toxins that accumulate over a period. These are harmful in that they are the root of acne, skin disorders, and fat depositions under the tissue. A body wrap detoxifies the body of these deadly toxins, within a few sittings, to accelerate metabolism and lose weight real fast. The therapy comprises of wrapping the body in bandages that are soaked in essential oils or solutions.

It starts with the therapist measuring various parts of your body, after which, the body is tightly wrapped in bandages to squeeze it to the maximum possible extent. These cloth bandages are soaked in essential oils or solutions. Light exercises of the bandaged body are then performed, which speeds up the release of toxins form the body. The therapist encourages you to drink large amounts of water before, during, and after exercising, since it is believed that water rids the body of unwanted toxins. After the procedure is over, the therapist will again measure body parts to check the amount of inches lost during the procedure. Repeatedly subjecting the body to this therapy will help you lose weight. Many claim to have lost more than 6 inches within a single session of body wrap. While many day spas offer this procedure with costs ranging between $110 and $150, there are also home versions available at a cheaper rate. Also, most spas offer discounts if you choose a multiple wrap offer. Maximum benefit can be extracted from a body wrap in one or two sessions per week, though it can also be performed twice in a single day.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a five thousand year old healing therapy developed in China has lately become the toast of the spa industry, particularly after its benefits in weight management and weight control were discovered. The west had not even heard of acupuncture, leave alone acupuncture weight loss, till recently. And when it did, it looked askance at acupuncture, a procedure wherein the skin of the patient is punctured using extremely thin needles. The west did not understand this eastern concept of healing, and was initially also a bit apprehensive to embrace this treatment. But, now that it has brought home this concept, there is no looking back, and weight loss through acupuncture is fast gaining acceptance. The treatment focuses on activating endorphins, the happiness hormones of the body. These endorphins curtail your desire to overeat, by getting released in the body. Thus the therapy targets the cravings instead of directly targeting weight.

The therapy essentially starts with the pressure points, the most important one situated just behind the ear. Though our body consists of about a thousand pressure points all to cure various ailments, the weight loss point lies behind the ears. The therapist first inserts five needles at specific points behind your ears. Four of these points are directly connected to the lungs, liver, kidneys and the nervous system, while the fifth one is for relaxation. The stimulation of specific organs releases endorphins to begin the weight loss process, which in turn, target the binges that are experienced by a compulsive eater. The procedure either decreases or completely does away with the craving for carbohydrates, thus decreasing your appetite. Acupuncture improves the function of two nuroendocrine pathways that regulate metabolism, to aid weight reduction. It mainly performs the functions of lowering weight, insulin levels, body fat, and lipid levels. Hence it is effective not only in losing body fat, but also keeping it off.

Sunday 7 August 2011

Best Spa Hotels and Resorts - Drive Away Your Blues in Style

There is nothing to beat a rejuvenating session in a luxury spa. If the spa in question happens to be part of a luxury resort spa, then the pleasure is doubled, what with all the other amenities on offer. No wonder then that some of the best spa hotels are almost always booked to capacity. The very mention of a luxury resort spa is enough for your mind to conjure up images of blissful peace and plenty of fun. Although spas have been in existence since ancient times, these days they seem to be enjoying some kind of a revival, thanks to luxury best spa hotels.

Spas and resorts seem to be made for each other. In fact, a large number of resorts have been designed around a spa. This is true to a large extent in the case of spa and hotels too. Seldom do you find a hotel that does not have a spa these days. A simple online search is all that you need to do in order to find a lake spa resort or a spa hotel near you.

Whether it is for ensuring your glow on your wedding day or to drive away all the work related stress, you can find best spa hotels are the places to head for. Once you have zeroed in on your choice, you can then relax in the tranquil environment on offer and completely recharge your batteries at the spa and hotels.

Typically a variety of treatment options would be on offer in a luxury resort spa. Manicures, pedicures and of course different types of massages are some of the options that you can choose from. Beauty consultation is another thing that you can look forward to in a luxury spa.

Most people are under the wrong impression that spas and resorts are all about beauty treatments only. Nothing could be further from the truth. A relaxing day at the spa would additionally offer you a variety of health benefits. The sense of relaxation that a session in a spas and resorts would promote is perhaps the best stress buster of them all. spa and hotels are in fact the best places to unwind. The variety of exfoliation and body wraps on offer at the spas can help you get rid of whatever toxins that your body may have. Once your metabolism is stimulated, you can always have fun with the other options available at a spas and resorts. This could typically include, live entertainment or a round of golf.

With intense competition prevailing among the best spa hotels, you can easily find a spa that best suits your needs and budgets these days. Exotic spas are coming up in all sorts of places. A lake spa resort for example, would be ideal if you are someone who prefers absolute silence and wants to be close to nature. A spa and hotels inside the city may be the choice of a few others, who would not want to miss out on their other commitments, while they unwind in luxury. The choice is absolutely yours, although regardless of it, you are bound to have a great time.

Saturday 16 July 2011

A Man's Approach to the Medical Spa

For most gentlemen, an afternoon at a day spa seems like a laughable idea. Try suggesting that to your friends after work at a pub, you're bound to get some awkward looks. We tend to think med spas are patronized only by women but in fact, that stereotype is quickly dissolving as more guys are discovering the benefits of these establishments. I did a little investigative research and set out to discover what kinds of treatments are becoming popular to rejuvenate and revitalize our man-hides.

Men's skin isn't that much different from a woman's; it is inherently more oily due to overactive sebaceous glands. A man's skin is also thicker than a woman's, although all human skin tends to decrease in thickness as we age. So how does a man use this information when he walks into a day spa? Let's explore some popular procedures aestheticians and cosmetic dermatologists are performing on today's gentlemen.

Chemical peels
Due to our naturally oily skin, men are prone to more forms of acne and other sub-cutaneous irritations. A chemical peel is designed to help invigorate skin that might have been damaged by acne in the past, in some cases it is also recommended to help treat acne. Some spas will design a custom peel treatment for your specific needs, depending on the chemicals used, the recovery time can vary. Typically redness of the face and minor swelling can occur, but as cosmetic procedures go, this is very non-invasive and you can expect to be able to get back to your normal routine with no downtime.

Laser skin rejuvenation
Another non-invasive procedure that guys are signing up for, laser skin rejuvenation can help with the adverse effects of sun exposure. The skin tone improvement treatment is designed to smooth and firm the face. Laser rejuvenation can help treat unwanted facial veins, shrink large and blocked pores and smooth out irregular pigmentation. No downtime associated with this procedure, so you can expect to be able to hop in your car and get back to your business immediately after the procedure, sometimes mild redness can occur.

Laser hair removal

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Sure, you have a razor and have the ability to shave - but laser hair removal has lasting power that a razor can't offer. Popular locations for laser hair removal are eyebrows, neck, shoulders, chest and back. This will reduce the amount of ingrown hairs associated with constant shaving as well.

The wrap up
Let's face it; keeping an eye on your outward appearance is manly. There's a certain feeling of confidence that comes from being well-groomed. So ditch your pride, and schedule a consultation at your local med spa. I'm sure that special lady would appreciate this newfound attention to detail, who knows, maybe your pub buddies will too!

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Spa Days - Improve Your Health and Well Being

Spa days are an excellent way to relax and recharge your batteries, far from the worries of everyday life.

Giving the gift of a spa day to someone you care about has never been easier, with many health resorts offering gift vouchers in a variety of different denominations, so you can give as little or as much as you please.

The history of the spa goes back to prehistoric times, as the belief that hot or cold springs have beneficial health effects has proved pervasive throughout history. The first real spas as we would know them, however, were introduced by the Romans, who were renowned for their love of ornate bath houses and elaborate bathing rituals.

While the idea of "taking the waters" as a health cure has largely fallen out of favour in modern times, the benefits of visiting a spa are still as evident as ever, especially in terms of reducing stress and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

The best spas take a holistic approach to health, providing you with a range of treatments and therapies designed to rejuvenate and restore your wellbeing from the outside in. From facials to massages, manicures to aromatherapy sessions, every inch of you can be preened and pampered, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalised and ready for anything.

However, spa days are not just about rest and relaxation. Most spas have extensive gyms with a range of high-tech fitness equipment installed, so you can really get your muscles moving and work up a sweat before proceeding to some of the less strenuous pursuits.

The aim of spas is to promote health and wellbeing in their clients in every respect, so to this end some spas are now also providing "mind gyms" for their visitors. These gyms are innovative installations that allow you to flex your mental muscles and focus your concentration with a little mind training.

There is an increasing body of evidence which suggests that exercising your brain actually improves cognitive function and leads to less of those "senior moments" that many of us occasionally experience. As with physical abilities, it seems it really is a case of "use it or lose it" when it comes to brainpower!

Spa days are becoming increasingly popular as birthday, Christmas or anniversary gifts, and spas are even being frequented by hen parties as a more refined alternative to the traditional raucous night out. They genuinely offer something for everyone, and provide a valuable source of health and fitness information and advice for those serious about wellness.

While the efficacy of some spa treatments may be in question, there is no doubt that having care and attention lavished upon you in a calm and peaceful environment cannot fail to have a beneficial effect on your health, raising your spirits and helping decrease your stress levels significantly.

Spa days truly can work wonders when it comes to making you feel better both physically and mentally, and giving the gift of a spa day is a great way to tell someone you really care about them.

Monday 13 June 2011

Day Spa Facial - Treatments To Know Before Your First Visit

There are different day spa facial treatments to try so you can relax for an hour or two while your face is given the care it deserves. But if you are just new to these types of treatments better check out these types of facial services before you finally call for an appointment soon:

Basic Facial

This is the simplest yet a good way to treat your face to a treatment that compose of performing light exfoliation procedure, then doing pressure point massage on the vital parts of your face. Applying hydrating lotion is done at the end of the procedure for softer skin on forehead, cheeks and chin.

Signature Facial

This facial spa treatment usually carries the brand of the day spa. They usually use their own brand of creams and lotions in this treatment, depending on your skin type. Most of the time, they also include facial masks right after the procedure to close down and minimize pores.

Detoxifying Facial

This is what others call as anti-acne facial treatment. This involves thorough check up of your face before working on their customized procedure to address your concerns over these bigger acne. This involves cleansing, opening of the pores and extracting these pimples to minimize the appearance of breakouts.

Half of the procedure will require them to properly apply a mask on your face, clean it again and apply lotion based on your skin type to finally close the pores and prevent exposure to infection after extraction.

Whitening Facial

If you want to have a fairer look, then you need to attend sessions of day spa facial whitening treatments to achieve the results you wanted. They will provide you with the necessary tests and check ups you need prior to this procedure. It is best to tell them if you have some allergies over facial lotions or cleansers before they begin so they can test some of their formulations safely on other parts of your body before applying these on your face for a fairer look.

Anti-Aging Facial

If your skin needs rescue from all the signs of skin aging, then this might offer a temporary relief for you. Same thing with whitening facial, the staff will definitely ask you some questions and examine your skin before you undergo this type of treatment. They might also take pictures of your face before starting the procedure for your reference and protection as well.

Aside from those included in the basic and signature spa procedures, you may also be given treatment to improve the production of collagen inside your body to help you achieve a younger-looking and healthier skin.

Just like the whitening facial, you may be asked to go back for some more sessions until you reach the look that you want out of this treatment. Most of the time the new day spa staff will provide you with a card or a small notebook to monitor the dates where you had your treatments as well as those improvements observed after each procedure.

Thursday 26 May 2011

Day Spas - All About Membership

Spas, nowadays, are starting a new trend that is popular in gymnasiums and body building institutions. They are now offering membership programs that promise benefits to its members. Patrons are encouraged to join their tempting offers.

Why become a member of spa Institutions? Members have free access to selected and special spa zones like Jacuzzis, steam rooms, and lifestyle showers that are normally available upon booking a treatment.

Members also have unlimited use of indoor pools, steam rooms, saunas, and gymnasiums. Some spas provide members with their own personal trainer at no extra cost.

Some spas offer big discounts to their members. Some offer free services. Some promise personal trainers. And, some grant unlimited usage of spa facilities.

Some spas offer different types of memberships. Signature memberships are for those who plan to be an annual/long term member of a certain spa. They pay fees which correspond to the number of months; the longer, the more expensive. They have access to all the services offered by the spa and more.

Flex Members are those regular patrons who make spa visiting a habit. There are also asked to pay fees. Benefits also await the members.

Those who do not visit the spa regularly but still want to enjoy benefits that members do, Daily Memberships are provided. Each visit requires you to pay a certain amount to use the services a member experiences.

Here is a run down of some of the benefits of being a spa member:

Spa members can enjoy free usage of all spa facilities whenever they please. They can use the gymnasium and pools with no restriction. Some spas offer sauna and hydrotherapy tub usage to their patron members. Non members are usually not allowed to use these facilities unless they pay for it or services that concern the facilities and equipment.

Another advantage is that some spas, usually destination spas, allow a full array of resort concierge services. Day spas offer members their personal trainers or therapists which will guide them throughout their stay in the spa.

Some spas offer unlimited passes for the member's spouse or significant other. There are many spas that offer couple's packages and memberships to encourage people to join and support them. There are also spas that have complimentary guest passes. However, not all services that the member can get will also be offered to the guest.

Discounts. No need to say more. This is one of the main reasons why frequent spa visitors become members. Spas offer discounts to members. These may be in the services they use or the products they purchase. The discounts may range from as little as 10 percent to as big as 50 percent. Frequent visitors of the spa will surely benefit the membership status they have in the spa because of the discounts given.

A number of spas also give complimentary spa treatments, products, or services to members who are celebrating their birthday. These serve as a birthday gift to their client and their way of showing their gratitude for the member's support and patronage.

One could not take away the special classes offered to those members. Some spas offer a free dance lesson or free dance sessions from talented instructors. Pilates and aerobics classes are also sometimes offered for free to members.

Destination spas offer discounts to resort room rates, usage of facilities, and services utilized by members of the spa. They also offer free meals and special cuisines for members who often use their services.

A member would never miss out on the spa's important events and happenings because invitations will be given to her and other members of the spa. Poolside parties, inaugurations, promo launchings, you name it. They may also offer special educational and entertaining events that may add that spice to your social life.

Some spas offer benefits and discounts for their members. They give Membership VIP cards that can be enjoyed by its patrons if they acquire the number of month's membership quota of a certain spa.

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Top Spa Trends - Wellness Spa Equipment, Organic Skin Care and Customized Spa Services

The ever-increasing demand for spas that provide health maintenance in addition to relaxation and beauty services has changed the way spas do business. Many spa visitors are not just looking to be pampered. They want healthy living, fitness, personal growth, eco friendly, natural pain relief, weight loss, organic skin care programs and more. This shift is creating some fascinating new spa therapy trends that indicate consumer choice is a high priority. In today's market spa-goers want superior quality equipment, educated service providers with the highest credentials and a gorgeous location with a luxurious, comfortable atmosphere. Creativity, innovation and a commitment to excellence are the keys to starting and operating a successful spa.

Organic skin care Products and organic massage therapy Oils, Creams and Lotions

Around the world people are thinking more about the beauty and skin care products they put on and in their bodies. Successful spas must think not only about the quality of their estheticians, massage therapists and other staff, but also about the quality of the products they use. organic skin care treatments, such as organic body wraps, facials, footbaths and more are in high demand.

Massage therapists are also now using organic massage therapy oils, creams, lotions and muscle rubs made with organic ingredients such as natural healing herbs and therapeutic essential oils. According to the HealingLifestyles.com article "spa trends 2008 The Evolved spa" by writer Margie Goldsmith, Tracy Lee, vice president of spa development for Auberge Resorts says, "spas are positioning themselves with more green products, and many skincare companies are getting rid of paraffins and sulfites. Today's savvy spa consumer does not blindly accept the label, 'all natural.' A product needs to be greener, more pure, and must provide more proof."

Spa equipment and Commercial Fitness equipment created for Wellness

In 2008 spa visitors don't just want to look better, they want to feel healthier. Exercise equipment has long been a part of the spa experience but the kind of equipment spa-goers will find has changed. In addition to the traditional treadmills, exercise bikes and weight training equipment spas now provide fitness alternatives such as vibration therapy machines like the Power Plate and aquatic therapy equipment. spas are also offering hydrotherapy tables, hydrokinetic showers, skin scanners, infrared mineral lights, biofeedback machines, low level cold lasers and other equipment that promotes natural healing.

Natural Healing Herbs and Holistic Health Supplements for Detox and Natural Weight Loss

Many people visiting spas each year now understand the importance and benefits of an annual body cleanse. Detoxification has become a standard in the spa industry to improve health and achieve natural weight loss. In addition to traditional cleansing massage and detoxifying skin treatments spas now provide visitors with access to holistic health supplements, nutritional organic vitamins and natural healing herbs. It is essential that spa owners and professionals confirm the credibility and integrity of any detox and natural weight loss products they suggest to ensure safety for all spa-goers.

Customized Spa Treatments

In 2008 spa owners are seeing an increase in the demand for customized spa services. According to the International spa Association Ispa "customized relaxation" is in. "You can make almost anything your 'own' today from custom workouts built into your Nikes, fragrances blended to suit your nose or a zenned-out playlist on your iPod," states Ispa, "spas are creating unique experiences for their guests as well with 24 percent indicating that clients can book blocks of time instead of specific services. This time block allows them to create a treatment that is all their own from the music to the products to the room temperature."

Spa Luxury and the Comforts of Home

In her article " spa trends 2008 The Evolved spa", HealingLifestyles.com journalist Margie Goldsmith writes, "Guests used to come to a spa once or perhaps twice a year. Now, owners and renters are living the spa experience on a daily basis. Other lifestyle aspects are now being incorporated such as nutrition, sleeping well, retirement, and how you use your leisure time-things beyond treatments and fitness."

Sylvia Sepielli, a conceptual spa designer states, "There's a movement towards integrating more health aspects within the spa experience, and the term 'spa' has been branching out to include more than just fitness and therapies. We're seeing more mixed-use property, resorts with home-stay components, and a big part of that is the spa/lifestyle component." Goldsmith also mentions an increase in Girlfriend Getaways and Mother Daughter spa trips. As women begin traveling together more the residential living aspects such as full kitchens, in room yoga and fitness supplies, in room spa showers and tubs and access to wireless Internet will continue to become more popular.

Tuesday 3 May 2011

Spas - The Total Canadian Experience

In a sense Canada has it all. It has great cities - Montréal and Vancouver being perhaps the best of a choice lot. In the immense countryside -- skiing, sailing and wilderness viewing that goes on forever. Because it is so large visiting Canada all in one trip is a massive undertaking.

Over 5,000 Kilometres separate St. John's, Newfoundland from Victoria, British Columbia (about the same distance separates London and Riyadh, or Tokyo and Calcutta).

To drive from one end of the country could take 7-10 days or more (and that assumes you're not stopping to sight-see on the way). A flight from Toronto to Vancouver takes over 4 hours.

When speaking of specific destinations within Canada, it is better to consider its distinct regions.

In this quite vast country it has most things including, because of the French influence, some amazing restaurants. But, above all, because of its fixation on the healthy life, Canada has a range of spas almost unrivalled elsewhere.

If you know that people come from the United States (especially from California) to Canada for spa treatments - some on a regular basis - then you begin to understand the attractions.

Note that although most of the country, by law, is bi-lingual even in the most French parts around Montréal you will never have a problem with the language.

Let us leave all thought of governments and politics and concentrate, instead, on spas and healthy living. Which is what many Canadians do.

BREAK OUT

Use of each language outside government varies widely across the country. In almost all of the province of Québec, as well as parts of New Brunswick and Ontario, French is the dominant language; in most of the rest of the country, English predominates. Montréal, Ottawa and Moncton have large concentrations of fluently bilingual people. Canada spans six time zones and borders three oceans and covers 9,017,699 sq km (3,481,753 sq miles). now promotes itself as a country of peace and governs itself independently. But it still has the British monarch as its head of state. And, no, that is not easy to explain.

For spa lovers Canada is pretty much the ideal country to visit. It has it has it all, scenery, wonderful sport, exciting cities. So how do you choose in this vast country?

A personal preference is Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Here is where the spa comes to near perfection.

Start by knowing here we are talking about two different destinations: Vancouver Island and Vancouver which is NOT on the island of the same name. Close - a few minutes way - but Vancouver is on the mainland. Both are wonderful places. But very, very different.

Vancouver Island rejoices in climate which is the mildest in Canada, with temperatures on the coast even in January being usually above freezing and in the summer the weather is warm but not oppressive - say 28-33 degrees Celsius. But there is a rain shadow effect so that the west coast typically is very wet -- Henderson Lake on the west coast is the wettest place in North America - down to very dry in the provincial capital of Victoria on the southeast coast's Saanich Peninsula. In a sense you can chose and if you bear in mind rain is most common in the autumn and winter you can be very precise.

Getting there is part of the experience for you can take an awe-inspiring seaplane over the Pacific coastal isles; a journey from Vancouver by ferry; or from Seattle aboard the high-speed ferry via the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Near the centre of Vancouver Island is the 2,500 square kilometres Strathcona Provincial Park, which is part of a group of peaks that include the Comox Glacier. Note that Vancouver is not the only island in the area. There are several others.

For example, Galiano is a long and narrow island, the second largest of the Gulf Islands, and the driest. 25 kilometres long and 9 kilometres wide, it has a population of about 1.000 residents, while Saltspring Island, the largest, has a population of over 12,000.

As far as spas are concerned there are probably over thirty in the whole island group so you are not restricted for choice. Note most of them are destination spas - you stay there as if it was a hotel and some of them are on islands off Vancouver Island. There is a sort of alternative life-style feel about most of these spas. They are for get-away-from-it-all visits.

One great exception. The 1905 classic Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Empress is an urban hotel spa in Victoria on the island. It is a very modern spa which is located in something of a Victorian - in two senses of the word -- grande dame of a hotel, The Fairmont Empress.

Much of the clientele of the spa are staying at the hotel and many of them have come up from the United States - people from California for some reason make up the majority -- to experience a rejuvenation and a period of rest and calm.

If you stay at this hotel - and you should if you can afford it - you will be following in the footsteps of a very young Shirley Temple, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford and many others. And, yes, of course, it serves afternoon tea.

The spa itself - the Willow Stream -- is far more modern than the hotel and is a blend of traditional and contemporary designs. There is a waterfall and marble floors and soothing colours create. Your spa experience begins as you step through the doors into an elegant space.

All spa treatments begin with 'The Spa Ritual,' which is complimentary. The 30-minute ritual includes five minutes each in the Finnish sauna and steam room, followed by a 10-minute Hungarian bath and ten-minute rest with a glass of cold water.

Note that, as with the other six Fairmont resorts' Willow Stream Spas dotted around the country, it's definitely upscale and not inexpensive.

Luckily, locally there are places locally which are less expensive if not, perhaps, quite so gorgeous.

For example, less expensive and more relaxed, is the casual Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa. This ocean front resort and spa has views of Gartley Bay, Denman and Hornby islands and the snow-capped Coast mountains beyond.

The two-storey, 64-room hotel includes 36 new beachfront suites with beach rock fireplaces, driftwood-tone furniture, fir timbers and peeled cedar logs. The 14,000 sq. ft. spa has 22 treatment rooms, an outdoor pool, hot tub/sauna, fitness room and the Pacific Mist Hydropath.

Very relaxed and laid back.

Poets Cove Resort & Spa, is so secluded you have to take a ferry or water taxi, It is on South Pender Island, just off the east coast of Vancouver Island and overlooks Bedwell Harbour Resort and Marina. You can also take a water taxi from Sidney (on Vancouver Island) to Bedwell Harbour or travel by BC Ferries.

The hotel has a 22-room lodge, 15 seaside cottages and nine country villas.

Coastal Trek Vancouver Island, B.C. (2009) is for people who are not going to just laze in a spa. The family-run retreat in the Comax Valley is all about health and hiking. From a selection of about 100 nearby hiking options, a different hike is scheduled each day based on the interests and fitness levels of guests. Structured programs which include yoga sessions and healthy cooking classes are all part of the deal.

There are spa treatment rooms but healthy activities followed by a spa are more the theme of the retreat.

The there is Galiano which is 10 minutes from Vancouver by float plane, or 50 minutes by ferry. This is a quiet island refuge where the majority of island residents are engaged in tourism and the arts.

The Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa has its own dock and offers special spa and room packages. So you are staying in a hotel which is also a spa on an island which is near Vancouver and near Vancouver Island but not part of either.

Then there is Ocean Palm Spa, Sidney and yes, the address is often misspelled a if it was in Australia. This is a new resort spa environment for men and women, located at the Sidney Waterfront Inn and Spa.

Think of this spa as being totally focussed on spa treatments although, being part of an Inn, all the other facilities are available.

Again on Vancouver Island Oh Spa, Courtenay is on the banks of the Courtenay River, in the Comox Valley. It has a range of exclusive treatments and natural products which are, as it were, part of the ambience of the island.

Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa is on an inlet in the heart of Victoria's wine country. The spa is called Essence of Life and some of its treatments work with locally harvested seaweed; heated basalt stones and aromatherapy.

And so it goes on. There are at least 30 establishments in this area but mostly they are more suited for a hotel stay/spa experience. Not places you would fly into for a three hour treatment.

Now we come to the city of Vancouver which is not on Vancouver Island, although very close, and is probably the most liveable city in the world. It is somewhat reminiscent of Hong Kong - one in five of the two million inhabitants is Chinese - but with more style and more understanding of design in an urban setting.

Because of the high percentage of Chinese population the Chinese food there is quite remarkable. The people of Vancouver think it is the best Chinese food in the world. In that they are wrong. But it is certainly quite, quite excellent.

As a designed city it is probably the best in the world. There is general agreement that Vancouver is one of the world's greatest cities. Certainly the most liveable city.

When it comes to spas the problem is counting them. Possibly over a hundred. Certainly every need is catered for and some of the spas are seriously world class.

A good example is Solace Spa which has all sorts of packages which include, Couples Romantic Getaway, Vino Therapy, Solace Signature Divine Bride, New Mom's Renewal. (If you run a spa in a highly competitive area you have to think of new and focussed treatments which make your spa unique. Plainly Solace has worked very hard on this aspect of spa management.)

Note that it is in the Holiday Inn so that, in a sense, it is both a residential and a day spa.

Vida Spas are big in Vancouver (there are three of them - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center Hotel, Sutton Place Hotel and the Westin Bayshore as well as others in Whistler and Seattle.) There are seven different Ayurveda therapies are based on the idea everyone is typically dominant in one of three doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha). Ayurvedic treatments work from the inside out to bring your dosha into perfect harmony so you can enjoy optimal health. Vida also has an Ayurveda-inspired product line customized for the various doshas, and they send clients home with tips on how to eat for your dosha. For the record the writer's dosha is Vata.

Then, a considerable way away for it is right on the other side of the country, there is Montréal in the province of Quebec (which also contains the smaller Quebec City). Montréal is very French Canadian and has an amazing history, has more spas than you can easily count. Probably several hundred and almost all of them are day spas. Spend a few hours there and emerge refreshed, relaxed and in the perfect mood to enjoy the local cooking which is quite amazingly good. Probably because of its French heritage. Note that Montréal's Underground City is a set of interconnected shopping malls (both above and below ground) in and around downtown Montréal. It is the largest underground complex in the world. Go down there in the winter and the weather is totally irrelevant.

No point in listing all the spas in Montréal because there are so many.

Rather just a few examples from a very small area which is Downtown Montréal. You can then you make your own discoveries probably either in the hotel at which you are staying or very, very close nearby. There are that many spas.

Izba Spa is on the 12th floor at Hotel Le Crystal. We are told the Izba Spa incorporates the traditional Russian Banya (steam bath) with therapeutic massage and modern methods of holistic therapies to encourage health, facilitate rehabilitation and reduce stress.

Rainspa which is at Place d'Armes Hôtel & Suites 55 St-Jacques Street in Old Montréal has a Hammam - a traditional Middle Eastern steam bath. As well Rainspa offers high-quality paramedical treatments such as micro-dermabrasion, Intense Pulsed Light and VelaSmooth Spa anti-cellulite treatment.

Spa Savanna 4032 Notre-Dame West is very much the urban spa with a wide range of massage therapies and advanced skin care treatment.

Spa Eastman at 666 Sherbrooke West in Downtown Montréal was among the first urban spas in the city. Now it has been revamped but it still has staggering views from its panoramic lounge and offers a wide range of treatment.

Espace Nomad Holistic Spa at 4650 Boulevard St-Laurent calls itself Montréal's first organic spa. It offers a massage, yoga and spa treatments and a line of products inspired by Indonesian beauty rituals.

Relatively near to Montréal is Toronto which is a bustling modern city - the largest in Canada -- quite near to the smaller Ottawa which is the seat of government. The number of spas is, again, quite amazing. Well spoken of is Elmwood Spa Toronto which is in downtown Toronto and has couples' suites - the Royal and Sapphire Suites both have two treatment tables, fireplaces and in-room showers under gabled ceilings.

Or, if you prefer, getting away for it then it is a 90-minute from downtown Toronto to one of Canada's oldest and best known spas - Ste Anne's which is in Grafton, Ontario. This is a residential spa with outdoor hydro-therapy options include a large swimming pool, plus a year-round field-stone lap-pool and hot tub. Plus, of course, a full menu of treatments and therapies. Not inexpensive but a total experience.

Wrong to suggest that the only places you can have the total spa experience is Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Montréal and Toronto although the first three would have to be on any visitor's list. There are spas all over Canada.

Take Ottawa which is the government city with all that implies. Yet it has the Holtz Spa which is possibly one of the most authentic spa experiences in Canda. It has one special which is Spirit of the Forest. They describe it as a 'Vibrational Healing Experience which is a unique 80-minute experience involving the vibrational resonance of the essences of Canadian trees. Following the lineage of Bach Flower Remedies, tree essences are believed to have special healing qualities that speak to emotional well-being and vitality.'

Note that this includes a relaxing tree essence beverage post treatment.

Then there is Infinima in Ste Foy which is about a 15 minute drive from Old Quebec City. This is truly a 'green' spa in that it is all about minimising the use of electricity and maximizing the use of natural materials.

The décor is stunning and the treatments, as you would imagine, follow a routine of green, alternative practice. In fact, it is a total spa treatment which gives an excellent example of how to minimise the use of energy.

Then there is Spa Ofuro at Morin-Heights, Quebec which is, as it were, a Japanese themed 'nature'spa. Ofuro' has a full menu of spa services including exotic-sounding signature treatments such as Summo, Tao, Yin and Yang.

And so it goes. On and on. Spas in abundance in every city with perhaps the greatest concentration being in Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Once you have been there you will no doubt agree that Canada is one of the great spa destinations of the world. With the added plus of great cuisine, staggering scenery and a pleasant and welcoming population.

Monday 18 April 2011

Captivating A Captive Audience - Resort Spa Marketing

In spite of the fact that guests often do not have the option to really leave a resort unless on a trip organized by the tour desk or renting a car and exploring on their own, clients do not simply come into the spa unless there there is a focus on bringing them in. While at the resort, guests are by choice and default limited to the activities they can find within the compound. Sports activities, entertainment, casinos, restaurants and bars, and of course the pools and beaches. All these distractions are immediate competition for the guest budget and attention. In spite of a captive audience, many opportunities are missed to educate, inform, promote and rebook clients for spa service while they could enhance their stay with a series of visits to the spa whether to take advantage of the amenities or to book services and make an improvement to their health, well being and overall vacation experience.

Educate

Although the spa world is growing and more and more guests are becoming spa savvy, the majority of resort visitors are not, and waiting on the ones who are familiar with the process, not hesitant to book treatments and intentionally seek out the spa is missing out on a substantial market potential. Many spas also provide very practical services for hair, makeup and nails and wait for the necessity to arise rather than proactively approaching their market. In general the first action item is to develop an educational program for guests who have never been to a spa or had a massage. This can entail direct hands-on trial experiences such as chair massages in the lobby or poolside, personal interaction with the service providers in a regular Q&A session in an accessible area or written material readily available "What you always wanted to know about a spa". De-mystifying and factualizing the spa experience often evens the way for men and women to take that leap of faith for a first-time visit. This information should be more detailed than the basic "spa-etiquette" in the menu and detail the experience discuss benefits and give testimonial to the service.

Inform

Too many comment cards are seen and statement heard with comments stating "I only found out you had a spa just before I left". Guests are overwhelmed in the beginning after a lengthy trip, and the obligatory resort tour with a wave from the bellman in the general direction of the spa does not do the trick. If at all possible a brief tour of the facility with a welcoming personal greeting from the manager or front desk needs to be incorporated. Guests who have never had a massage don't know the benefits. They will never translate feeling tired, sore or stiff into needing a massage. Here is where information needs to be provided. Men who have never had a facial cannot imagine the difference they feel and see after receiving professional services. Taking it to the next level is a personal call by the manager or a senior staff member to the new guest once they have settled in with the delivery of a small amenity together with the menu and an invitation to stop by to receive a personal tour and maybe even a taste of therapies offered. For some reason many resort spas don't bother to track their clients although a good experience often leads to repeat visits and loyal customers year after year. In knowing the preferences and reviewing treatments, spas operators can anticipate behavior and offer custom arrangements based on documented history.

Don't hesitate to make guests aware of the spa using different media. A call to action and an incentive is always a must. Tent cards will stand out better than flat menus that disappear into the standard room setup and a small gift will do wonders. Short videos shown on a flat screen in the lobby of spa treatment where guests tend to stand and wait will whet their appetite. Information should be readily available at the activities, front desk and with the concierge services who need to be briefed regularly, made part of the spa team and have regular treatments in the spa so they can genuinely recommend and generate personal packages for their guests. Placing spa information at key points should be a daily ritual. Breakfast is a great time to make the rounds an connect with guests while they plan their day. Knowing availability and being able to book a service right then and there is a great way to kick off the day.

Promote

One of the most overlooked opportunities to promote the spa are hotel employees themselves. Often there are hundreds of potential ambassadors that have guest contact all the time. Every spa should tap into this resource. Spa managers are encouraged to become part of every new hire orientation, making a point of giving every new hire a tour of the facility, a menu and an understanding what the basic services are about, nipping any second-guessing in the bud. Spa managers should make a point of attending staff and department meetings presenting new products and services and giving team members a direct experience as often as possible. Most often it is easy to identify those employees who by the nature of their position or their personality and personal preferences become key referrers to the spa. Identifying those individuals and developing a rewarding relationship will keep the flow of customers coming and the work will spread that it is rewarding to refer.

Conferences, functions and meetings offer a great opportunity to present the spa either in an introductory orientation or during breaks with small spa services for attendees. Inviting the facilitator, organizer for a complimentary treatment will always ensure that the spa is mentioned. Anticipating client demand is an important part of promoting spa services. Group arrivals are a great way to connect with guests while they stand in line to be checked in. Designing specific customized services for particular groups is a perfect way of saying "you are special to us". Groups are always booked well in advance and connecting with the group coordinator can provide valuable information on the anticipated needs.

A group of seniors will have other needs than a fam trip. What happened to creating a buzz with a guest tour of the facility? Setting the mood and making it a special experience for each individual guest will certainly bring them back for more. So it's not just: "Here's the locker room and the toilet and these are the massage rooms but we can't go there 'cause there's a treatment going on". It's a cup of tea and a personal conversation, interest in the guest and finding out what their needs are. Spa directors should be where the action is, where the guests congregate and where they can keep their finger on the pulse of what is going on. Analyzing the booking patterns might reveal slow times that can be worth promoting by offering a spa happy hour. From time to time hours of operation need to be reviewed if they are still capturing the available business. Weather plays a significant role. Rainy day specials and poolside services on sunny days can make a contribution to your revenue as can upgrades and special services such as sunblock application, hair masques for sun protection and packaging other available activities around the resort with dedicated spa treatments.

Rebook

Capturing the client at the beginning of their stay is always an opportunity to design a custom schedule with your spa guest. Discussing their needs and offering solutions for special events they might be having during their stay, suggesting to share a service with their spouse or friend, complementing their treatment with additional services over their stay and much more. These procedures must be scripted and the spa team must be trained to realize this opportunity and act on it. This is the single unique opportunity to substantially raise the per guest ticket.

Following up the next day to find out if the service had the desired effect will not only give you a good sense of your staff and menu performance but also offer an opportunity to reconnect with the client and offer them specials or additional services. Creating an ambience where the guest will want to linger will increase the possibility of booking additional services. Once the seed is planted some might need time to reflect. Having a positive experience after a service will lead to more services. Areas can serve multiple functions and serve as a reading lounge, a fresh juice bar, relaxing individual listening stations, an aroma therapy experience and more. A little knowledge of the nature of communication can be very helpful. Setting the stage for a positive response rather than giving too many options and being assertive with recommendations will give the client a better experience and the spa better revenues. Clients rely on the expertise of you as an institution of health and wellness. When you prescribe additional treatments for their benefit, they have no reason to decline. If you expect the client to make the self assessment, request the service and persevere through the booking process you are selecting to serve only the few who know.

Tag : spa,resort spa,spa marketing,captive,resort