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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tag : spa,canadian,experience

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

Spa in a Thai Style

For many consecutive years Thailand is one of the big winners of numerous spa awards. Thailand's spa industry continues to look healthy and evolve with the changing requirements of spa clientele to a focus not far removed from the ancient purpose of traditional Thai massage and herbal healing techniques. Even with the need to mingle with Western practices, the Thai spa industry's edge is its ancient heritage: the rituals, treatments and massage techniques that have survived down through the ages. It has an authenticity that spas elsewhere in the world look to duplicate and "Thainess" has also become a focal selling point of Thai spas. It is relatively vital to discover why Thai spas with Thainess or in Thai style have contributed to many awards and have also astounded the world!

Thainess refers to both the therapists and the cultural qualities that have made Thailand the spa capital of the Asia-Pacific region as well as a must-have component for spas all over the world. Whilst it can mean different things to different people, when applied to Thai therapists, Thainess seems to encompass ancient healing techniques, folk wisdom in its rituals and, perhaps above all, graciousness. Maintaining wellbeing through an improved balance of the body, mind and spirit and with the environment has become the key protocol for Thailand's award-winning spas and emerging ventures. Thailand is now set as a medical hub featuring traditional and alternative treatments.

Dubbed as the "Land of Healthy Smiles", Thailand affords its health and beauty minded tourists the wonder of the pampering and holistic spa treatments of the body, mind and spirit. The revelation of health and wellness comprises a full-fledged array of world-renowned day spas, destination spas, hotel/resort spas and medical spas to choose from. Spa treatments in Thai style will help you to get in touch with inner you at numerous places across the nation. Rewarding yourself with a Thai spa is certainly a valuable treat that provides an ultimate spa experience. This, without doubt, makes meticulous tourists and recipients always fall in love with Thai spas with Thainess or in Thai style!

A delicate blend of cultural heritages and diversities is the central element that makes Thailand a spa destination in the world. A focus of health and beauty, Thai spas involve the method of relaxation and health promotion both physically and spiritually. They blossoms in Bangkok and major tourist cities countrywide. The Thai spa experience embraces a choice of indigenous resource, unique tradition and local wisdom that have been passed down through centuries. Recognizing the lucrative market niches for spa business, spa operators look into this ancient trove to create and present the best Thai style spas to ensure worldwide spa recipients a lasting spa expectation.

In fact, the spa theory in Thailand is adopted and adapted into traditional Thai style, making its spa treatments a whole lot different from that of offered at leading spa centers in the globe. An imported spa recipe combined with an exotic Thai touch has impressed the world! Spa facilities in Thailand too are of premium and great value for money. A tropical haven boasting natural and cultural richness, Thailand is considered one of the world's most famed holiday getaways. This is a remarkable plus that helps develop the country's basic strength as an eternal spa paradise. In addition, first-class spa products truly open a new notion and familiarity to foreign spa recipients.

Thai spas allow recipients to capture various essences of traditional Thai living. The Thai spa experience is notable as spa practitioners are naturally service-minded and always smiling. Gracious hospitality and quality service are complemented by the caring nature as well as gentle manner of the Thai people, thus enhancing a unique Thai touch to worldwide recognition. Gentleness, compassion and the act of comforting to others, as advocated by the Theravada Buddhist tradition, is very much part of everyday life. The gesture is intuitive and genuine as well. Besides, most of spa venues are designed with typical Thai characteristics intrinsically admired by all foreigners.

Boasting a variety of spa offerings, the Land of Healthy Smiles has devised a vast range of retreats, alternative therapies, personal consultation and life coaching. The common Thai spa menu includes traditional Thai, Swedish, Javanese and Sports massages, foot reflexology, aromatherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, hydrotherapy, skincare treatments like facial scrubs and body wraps, treatments for face, skin and hair, herbal steams and floral baths. The Thai spa experience also comes with body and mind activities - be it meditation, yoga, tai chi, pilates, stress management, holistic wellness, spa cuisine and physiotherapy, along with healthy eating and detoxification.

The Thai wellbeing therapy also makes Thai spas popular globally. Many of the healing techniques, holistic remedies and wellbeing programs are mainly based on the therapeutic power of Thai herbs and plants specially formulated to rebalance, restore and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. A variety of other curative treatments meanwhile accentuate meditative practices which reflect deep-rooted Buddhist influences. Significantly, the traditional Thai massage is regarded as an act of compassion in which the therapist performs the physical application of loving kindness and renders a curing touch in the spirit of giving. The traditional Thai massage exerts substantial health benefits.

In a word, the real Thai spas enable spa recipients to fully experience varied facets of Thainess and unique Thai style. Therefore, whilst here in the Land of Healthy Smiles explore yourself as well as indulge your body, mind and inner spirit in Thai spas for an unforgettable spa experience...

Tag : spa,Thai,Thai style,massage spa