World Travel Market Massages Health

A groundbreaking initiative that aims to make English the international language for the spa industry will be launched at World Travel Market as part of this year’s Spa, Health and Wellness focus.


Working with the British International Spa Association (BISA) and the Spa Research Fellowship, the focus will span all four days of the leading business to business event at ExCeL London (Monday 12 –Thursday 15 November).


This will include the Israeli Government Tourist Office (IGTO), who is once again linking with AHAVA Essential Dead Sea Treatments to bring delegates the benefits of the worlds oldest natural spa, the Dead Sea. As the lowest place on earth and renowned for its rejuvenating properties, the Dead Sea has the highest concentration of minerals on the planet and produces mineral-rich mud, proven to aid the healing of many skin conditions..


Robert Czik, Managing Director of spa product manufacturer SpaFind Skincare, is unveiling details of the new spa training college being set up in Kent, UK. “The plan is to get international spa operators to send their therapists to the UK, both to improve their technique and learn specialist spa English,” explained Czik.


“We hope it will appeal to large hotel groups, such as Hyatt, but also national spa associations overseas,” explained Czik.


He said that the position of English already as an international business language made it the obvious choice for spa students.


The initiative has already won over spa industry bosses in China, who are keen to build the treatment sector to aid their tourism development.


At the end of November the school is expecting to welcome its first batch of overseas students – 35 would-be therapists from Japan – who will brush up their language skills.


Health Boom


World Travel Market’s Health and Wellness focus is a reflection of the phenomenal growth of spa holidays, according to Fiona Jeffery, the event’s chairman.


“Research shows that the industry has grown 40% in the past three years alone”, said Jeffery.


“The sheer size of the market is mind-boggling. There are now more spas in the US alone (15,699) than there are Starbucks coffee shops in the world (13,728).”



“There are two definite trends,” explained Dr Osborne. “The first is for spas to align themselves with big brands such as ESPA. They can buy the products in bulk and get a whole regime of support, including staff training.


“There is also a trend towards the exotic. Creating new products sets you apart. Spas often look to the local culture, say using coconut milk in the Caribbean, to add an element of ethnicity to their offering.


Seminar Program


The three Spa, Health and Wellness seminars are:

 Sustaining credibility - avoiding customer disillusionment.
Dr. Bruce Osborne - Spas Research Fellowship, Monday 12 November

 The UK Market for Health Tourism, Tuesday 13 November, 11.00 hrs
Speaker: Keith Pollard, Managing Director, Treatment Abroad, UK leading web portal for medical tourism.

 English – The First Language of Spas, Tuesday 13 November 14.00 hrs Speaker: Robert Czik – BISPA



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Is your Spa Theft Proof?

Newbury Street, Boston MA spa owner is still owed some $18,000

Joyce Hampers is still owed some $18,000 from a former receptionist who swindled $25,000 from her Emerge Spa & Salon last year by issuing store credits to her personal credit cards and then tossing out the receipts.

A spa manager “caught her because the same credit card numbers were showing up over and over again,” said Hampers.

The woman was placed on probation and court-ordered to pay restitution at a rate of $1,000 a month, but last month she went back before a judge to get her monthly payments cut in half, court records show.

Hampers said she changed her credit card processing procedures and installed a password-protected system for issuing credits.

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Spa

Once serene spas invaded by high-tech noise

As more hotels and resorts install Wi-Fi throughout their buildings, the workplace is increasingly invading the spa.

"Occasionally, I'll see people with laptops or their BlackBerries working right up until the moment before their treatment," said Heather Dominguez, spa director at the Renaissance ClubSport in Walnut Creek, Calif., which offers hotelwide wireless Internet access. "It's not something we really advertise. It's just kind of an underground thing."

The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort in Florida, for example, plans to offer Wi-Fi in its spa starting in October. So is the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, Fla., when its spa reopens later this year after renovations.

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg made a conscious decision to offer wireless Internet access when it opened this past spring with the rationale that for some of their customers, staying wired was actually less stressful than doing away with their gadgets.
The outside world also is creeping into the sanctuary of the spa through television. Some spas are installing flat-screen televisions for patrons who want to tune in to the news or sports before or after treatments.

So as not to distract other guests from relaxing, the Asha Salon Spa at the James Hotel in Chicago provides headsets for the television watchers in relaxation rooms.

The two televisions in the Men's Only Zone at Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas often show sporting events so spa-goers can keep up with bets at the Sports Book.

The electronic invasion has not extended to cellphone calls, which generally remain forbidden in all spa areas. Internet usage is also different, some spas say, because guests can check e-mail or surf the Web without disturbing the serenity

"In the past, you couldn't leave your office without work shutting down. Today you can sit and get a pedicure and be working on your BlackBerry."

About two months ago, Michelle Howard, spa and wellness director at Zermatt Resort and Spa in Midway, Utah, said she came across a guest sitting in the relaxation room and finishing a report on his laptop.

Chris Farley, director of the Gainey Village Health Club and Spa, has been offering free Wi-Fi since April 2005, witnessed "head-in-the-face-cradle surfing" once or twice — spa-goers checking their BlackBerries while lying face down on the massage table.

Spa purists balk at the thought. "I would not send a client to a spa with Wi-Fi," said Jenni Lipa, president of Spa Trek Travel in New York, which specializes in spa vacations.

Skana, the spa at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, N.Y., was given the option of adding wireless Internet access in the treatment and relaxation rooms. They declined

"At the Ranch, we want our guests to disconnect and don't offer Wi-Fi service in the rooms or in any of the relaxation centers," said Roma Maxwell, a spokeswoman for Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort and Spa in Tecate, Mexico. As an alternative, the spa offers a designated Wi-Fi area and an Internet room with computers and printers.

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Is your Spa Website on the list.

Massage Table Makes a Difference

Would buying portable massage tables and using extra heated padding and plush blankets give the same feeling as buying stationary massage tables.

Thanks



Not all massage tables are built the same.

Personally I prefer a hydraulic table. You never know the girth of the person who is going to be on the table. Having a hydraulic table enables you to adjust the height of the table after the person is on it. This will save the wear and tear on your therapists body. It also comes in handy if you need to apply deeper pressure. As the lower the table the easier it is to apply greater pressure. In addition, when a person is on a hydraulic table you can elevate their head and feet easily to take the pressure off of their low back. In a portable table you do not have this option.


Hydraulic tables also have arm extenders, and head and feet extenders. This allows for a wider table or a longer table if needed. Most portable to not have this option. Portable tables will get squeaky after a while they are not as sturdy.


Keys for comfort is in the padding. At least 3" prefer 3 1/2 to 4" of padding for comfort. For heating the table, make sure the heat is not directly on the table. If the table is leather or plastic the heat will dry it out. I like to use a lambskin in between for additional comfort or a tempurpedic twin topper cut to size for protection.

If you are doing a detox, then an electric blanket or heating pad will not be adequate, you will need an electric ETS or Bioslim Thermal Blanket usually has a timer and heat zones. So the client is fully wrapped not just warmed if you are doing a wrap.

If I can further assist you please let me know.
Marie Bernat
COO Spavelous

Ranked # 1 Largest Spa Directory by Google.com

Find a Day Spa

Wants to Open a Japenese Themed Spa

I am very new to the spa industry but would like to open my own day spa within the next 6 months. I would like to go with an Asian theme preferably japanese. Can you point me in the direction of Asian treatments and products and asian inspired designs for spas maybe in pictures. Also i would appreciate a foundation plan. Right now i'm really confused as to which direction to turn. What type of office space would make more sense to lease (a beauty salon, doctors/dental office or just an open floor plan office space) as there is no existing spa in my area. I would like to start out small, how many rooms would i need besides the reception area if i plan on having 2 massage treatment rooms and i also want to do facials and foot massages. what type of rooms are generally found in a day spa. thanks

Dear Jade,

Before you start, I would advise that you do a Business Plan and Market Analysis to determine the feasibility of what you plan to do. If you are not sure of how to write one or how to perform a Market Analysis, then you should consider either hiring a Spa Consultant or if you do not have the funding to do that, then I would advise that you contact the small business association in your area or SCORE which is comprised of retired business executives http://www.score.org/.

In regard to Japanese Therapies, here are a few. However, these are very technical services and really require proper additional training and certification to perform. Seeing how there are no spas in your area currently, You may not find specialists in your area who can perform these services. So, hiring staff may be a challenge.

Shiatsu

Ashiatsu

Thai Massage

Anma Massage

Reiki

Accussage

Accupunture

Acu Facials

Anma Facial

Facials & Body treatments incorporating Japanese Herbs or Green Tea

Japanese Enzyme/Herbal Baths

Location is going to be key, and starting out small is a good idea. Do consider how long your lease is for, because if you need to expand you do not want to be locked in. You will probably need to be in a high traffic area. Going into a strip center with a good anchor or a location where they are already generating the type of traffic /cliental that you determine is your market audience is also important. Locations near a salon, Fitness club, yoga/palates studio is beneficial. Developing a network with dermatologists, chiropractors, and plastic surgeons is advisable.

Make sure you get all of the legalities clarified so you know what is required in your area to operate an establishment with massage, aesthetics and nail services. Verify the need for water and equipment in the treatment rooms as required by local ordinances.

To view locations for ideas, just Google Japanese Day Spas and you can get a few ideas. Or visit Japanese restaurants to get inspired on colors and features. Spa Trade has a buyers guide that can assist you with locating Equipment companies.

Good Luck if you need assistance as you move forward please feel free to contact me.

Marie Bernat

COO Spavelous

The Best Spa Finder

The $200 Pedicure

What is it really? A $200 pedicure.

It takes place at La Prairie Spa at the Beverly Hills Hotel. You slip into a terry robe and slippers and sip a cup of Introspection tea, then an attendant leads you into a candle-lighted massage room. Once you've disrobed (for a foot treatment?), you stretch out on the table and await your "reflexology." La Prairie lotion is lavished on your feet, which are then given a vigorous shake. But the reflexology never comes -- just some light petting. The robe goes back on, you're led into a pedicure room -- a really nice pedicure room, with a reclining chair that makes you feel like you're floating, and a view of a gorgeous garden. The pedicure looks and feels great -- this time there's real massage -- and then you relax in the garden while the polish dries.

The "After Shopping Paradise" is just one of a growing number of crazy-expensive spa treatments at luxury hotels.

Not so long ago, hourlong massages for $60 were easy to find, even at upscale day spas. Now a regular old 60-minute Swedish massage will set you back $220 at Montage Resort & Spa's ocean-view facility in Laguna Beach.

In the spa at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, a two-hour massage costs $385 -- but the massage oil is "infused" with rubies and emeralds.

Spa directors explain that there are reasons for the astronomical prices. As hotels and even some day spas build multimillion-dollar facilities, their owners say they're pressured to make a profit.

"In the '90s, spas were thought of as an amenity that would drive room rates," says Anne McCall, general manager of spas for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International.

The spa industry doesn't have a formal rating system, explains Maureen Schumacher, director of Le Spa at Sofitel in Los Angeles. "In the eyes of the public, we are judged by the rates we charge," she says. "The more we charge, the more exclusive we seem." (Le Spa's basic massages range from $125 for a 50-minute "So Relaxing" treatment to $145 for a deep-tissue massage.)

"The massage is often the first introduction to a spa experience," says Lynne McNees, president of the International Spa Assn. "And once you have it, you're hooked

At top resort hotels across the nation and particularly on the coasts, treatment prices have shot up in sync with room rates and ever-increasing expectations. Hotels are especially adept at creating the most lavish environments, complete with prestige beauty products, marble showers, heated massage tables with silk blankets and daylong treatments. They spin the treatments as "indulgences," and charge accordingly.

Day spas also are reaching deeper into wallets as they upgrade the treatments and the trappings. The basic 50-minute massage at the 6-week-old Voda Spa in West Hollywood is already pricey at $125, and guests must also pay a $50 admission fee that allows access to a pool, saunas, steam rooms, a cafe and even a bar outfitted with Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

Sparing no expense, the spa at Santa Barbara's Four Seasons Resort, the Biltmore, hired star architect Peter Marino for its recent redesign, which includes two-level, loft-like treatment rooms that overlook the ocean and a rose garden.

Someone's getting a raise IF the rising salaries of top spa personnel are any indication, there's lots of money being made inside those gilded treatment rooms. This year, spa directors are expected to see their average salaries jump at least by $10,000 to $85,000 a year, according to the International Spa Assn. and WageWatch.

Spa trade groups such as the International Spa Assn. say they are trying to address the issue of perception and value by instituting standardized business practices that will help unify the industry.

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Feel like royalty while you get new crowns

Woodstock practice part of growing trend of spa, or concierge, dentistry

A waterfall adorns the entrance and heated sidewalks lie underfoot. Leather couches, hardwood floors and free Wi-Fi await visitors.

Tischler Dental, a three-dentist practice, moved from an aging building two miles down the road and opened the $3 million, 10,000-square-foot office on Route 375 in January. Here, patients gaze through large windows toward a wooded landscape and watch movies on TV screens mounted to their chair.

Capitalizing on the new office, quaint town, and proximity of a 4-star resort, the dentists hope to attract cases of tooth decay and stained smiles from New York City and beyond.

Most of its clients are Ulster County adults and children seeking general dentistry, but Tischler Dental wants to be a national destination.
Concierge dentistry, or spa dentistry, is on the rise. A national survey conducted in 2003 found that half of dentists offer some type of amenity, such as headphones, neck rests, warm towels and free beverages. About 5 percent take it further with massages, facials and pedicures.

A hot oil and herb poultice massage certainly takes the edge off the pain and discomfort.

Guests also can choose from a long menu of spa treatments -- from a Bindi herbal body treatment to a maple syrup bath. And of course, the chef will prepare meals that accommodate the guest's dental situation.

Sharon Johnson's hands gripped the armrests of the dental chair, and she watched CNN on the TV through tinted glasses. The Clifton Park resident was in the final stages of a full-mouth rehabilitation under Tischler's care.
"I'm very funny about my teeth," Johnson said. "I like them white and even."

Johnson has stayed at the Emerson during several of her visits to the Woodstock dental office. The resort's high price tag doesn't ruffle her.
Anything that relaxes patients is good, said Matthew Messina, a Cleveland dentist and consumer adviser for the American Dental Association.
"There are dentists that have spas right in their office.

Tischler said his spa package isn't for everybody, but he hopes it appeals to 20 or so patients a year.

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Spas- threat to Ayurveda

Mushrooming of the so called Ayurvedic massage parlors and spas sans qualified Ayurvedic therapists is posing a threat to the health of customers as well as the credibility of the Indian stream of medicine, say experts.
During the past few years, a lot of centers have sprung up offering ayurvedic massages and therapies as part of wellness treatments and they often "dilute" the treatment methods for making a quick buck, they say.
"Even though this shows the growing popularity of Ayurveda, the attempt to dilute the system for purely commercial interests will do great harm to this stream of medicine," said Dr U Indulal, Deputy Director, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore.
Echoing his view, Dr C Madhusoodanan, Chief of the Ayurveda wing at Kumaran Hospital, Chennai, said many of the centres do not even have doctors, proper facilities, medicinal oils or qualified therapists.
"This would even paint a wrong picture about this ancient system of medicine not only among the people of the country but also the foreigners who show interest in Ayurveda."
Unlike other streams of treatment like Allopathy and Homeopathy, Ayurveda has treatments that help rejuvenation and wellness. This trait makes it vulnerable to be excessively commercialised, he said.
"To do an oil massage as per the Ayurvedic texts, we need seven therapists and a systematic method has to be adopted as per the advice of the doctor. The choice of oil, massage, preparations etc are prescribed after evaluating the condition of the patient."

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PCA SKIN(R) Forms Alliance With Renowned Dermatologist and Executive

Leading Skin Care Line Undergoes Changes in Company Leadership and Product
Branding

Jennifer Linder, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs skin cancer surgeon, biomedical engineer and chemist, and Richard Linder, a Harvard Business School graduate, have joined PCA SKIN as Chief Scientist and CEO respectively. Dr. Linder's extensive practice experience and commitment to clinical research will further develop
PCA SKIN's product pipeline, while Mr. Linder's expertise in international business will expand the markets offering the line.

"PCA SKIN's commitment to developing products with the highest quality ingredients attracted me to become more involved with the brand.

Dr. Linder leads all product development and clinical trials for PCA SKIN, developing new products that bridge the gap between aesthetics and medicine. The company has put global skin care education at the forefront of its mission.

Founder Margaret Ancira, who developed PCA SKIN in 1990, remains an integral part of the PCA SKIN organization. Mr. Linder and Ms. Ancira comprises a strategic
Partnership combining the best of aesthetics, science and business expertise
in the cosmeceuticals industry.

"Dr. Linder and Richard bring exciting ideas, a rare expertise in chemistry and an unparalleled commitment to quality to PCA SKIN," commented Ms. Ancira. "Under their leadership, PCA SKIN will continue to grow and thrive globally. I am thrilled to have them onboard and our partnership thus far has been a success."

New Leadership, New Branding

In addition to the new leadership, the company has officially re-branded itself as PCA SKIN. PCA Professional(TM) Products, PCA(R) MEN, and PCA SKIN(R) Clinical Care Products will fall under the new umbrella of PCA SKIN in order to clarify the company's vast product offerings. PCA SKIN has also recently launched new product packaging.

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