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.

Eyelash Extensions

Could you please recommend good glue, silk and synthetic lashes, and kit for semi-permanent eyelash extensions? Any information would be helpful. Thanks!


As a former Spa Director, I introduced eyelash extensions to my clientele before anyone in the Scottsdale AZ area was doing them. I was able to capitalize on the media due to the newness of these fabulous lashes. The first several months I was bringing in over $10,000 in doing eye lash extensions and fills. I did a great deal of research into the different brands and developed a protocol for communication to the client before, during and after their treatment to maximize their results. I would be happy to share this with you. Please feel free to contact me.

Marie Bernat
COO / Founder Spavelous LLC
www.spavelous.com
mbernat@spavelous.com

Slow Season

Hello! I have private practice skincare studio in Miami. I'm considering hiring a coach. I noticed there are some salon and spa coaches out there, but the cost is pretty high. (I'm still new and summer's here! Biz is in the toilet. god, I hate summer in Miami!) How long does it take to get results? What are the results one can expect? I really want to do this but my checkbook says no! well, right now it says maybe! I really don't want to struggle again this summer. Anyone have any suggestions/advice? Help! Thanks


As a former Spa Director of a seasonal spa, I developed strategies that helped me to build business year after year and turn a spa that was not profitable into one that consistently put 27% on the bottom line. I did not have the big budgets of a larger spa which had substantial funds behind them to pay for marketing and advertising. The secrets I discovered built the business while controlling my costs. I started Spavelous.com to help all spas develop a marketing program that will build their business, make it easier for new clients to find you and encourage and promote loyalty from your clients. This is a very affordable program, and includes monthly consulting at no additional fee. My desire is to help you to be more successful, to promote the spa industry and to help everyone be their personal best.

If you would like additional information, please feel contact me.

Marie Bernat
COO / Founder Spavelous LLC
www.spavelous.com
888-887-7831 ex 1818

Opening my own salon/spa???

Im thinking of opening a spa with manicures, pedicure, acrylic nails, massages, and waxing, etc. but how do i start off i already have my license. Got any advice for starting a new beauty salon/ spa?


How to Start Spa Business
•Create a business plan for your spa
-Include your budget and cost out all start up costs
-Do a preliminary P & L to determine feasibility

•Conduct initial market research for your spa business

•Decide which spa services you will offer and check the regulations with your state from who can perform the services and what licenses are required:
-Describe the treatment oBenefits of the service oRequirements for service provider (license)
-Time needed to perform each service
-Materials and equipment needed
-Cost of the service and What you will chargeoSurvey competitors in the area

•An overview of options for your spa business:
-Buying an established spa
-Opening a new spa
-Spa franchising

•Licensing requirements for spas

•Choosing a name for your spa business

•Start-up costs including sample start up budgets for both a small and medium sized spa

•Start-up financing for your spa how much do you have and where is it coming from?

•Site Selection: when choosing a location for your spa business including how much square footage you will need to accommodate the service you will offer

•Design the Interior spa business consult with end users for tips on areas you will need and common problems to avoid

•Cost out and research equipment you need to start a day spa business, including how to save money by leasing or buying used Managing Your Spa Business


•Develop effective systems for running your spa business on a daily basis

•Determine your hours of operation

•Working with spa employees
-Determine your staffing needs
-Recruit employees who are qualified
-Determine if you will have employees, contractors or leased workers
-Determine compensation planoSet sales goals and keeping staff motivated

•Maintain proper safety and sanitation requirements for spas

•Follow state codes

•Establishing a maintenance schedule for equipment

•Setting prices for your spa's service and developing packages to encourage clients to buy more

•Spa products
-Find suppliers for the products. Determine price point for your area.
-Develop a system for inventory and ordering
-Creating in-store displays merchandizing

•Develop promotional materials to market your spa business
-Logo, menu, Ads, website

•Develop press releases to announce opening

•Have a strategy for repeat business and referrals

There is so much more so do your research and join ISPA or a Day spa Association

Good Luck and make sure you have adequate capitol for your endeavor.

MASSAGE THERAPISTS, what is the best lotion to use on a client with sensitive skin? And where can I buy it?

I have to get massages twice a week as part of my physical therapy. This started 3 months ago, but my skin is just now starting to react to the lotion they use. I'm getting bumps all over my back and it's itchy! The girl said it's hypo-allergenic and oil based. I asked for a water based kind and she told me that will cause a reaction. She kinda gave me a hard time, this girl has a slight attitude. I don't want to argue or anything b/c I still have to deal with her twice a week. I think I'll buy my own and bring it with me. Can anyone recommend something for sensitive skin, preferalby non-comedogenic? And where can I buy it? Any good discount websites? Thanks in advance for all you're help and answers!

You will need to see what you are having a reaction to. Here are two brands that I use: Ingredients are listed so you can compare them to the oil she is using.Biotone Nutri naturals Product DescriptionNutri-Naturals Massage Lotion combines skin healthy, vitamin rich ingredients to create a silky, emollient lotion that goes beyond basic moisturizing. Easy to apply and non-greasy, Nutri-Naturals Massage Lotion provides gentle friction, and the ideal glide, that leaves skin smooth and nourished. Blended with deep-moisturizing Avocado Oil, vitamin fortified Carrot Oil (Beta Carotene/Vitamin A), Wheat Germ Oil (Vitamin E), Vitamin C, healthy Sunflower Oil, and healing Jojoba Oil. Nutri-Naturals Creamy Massage Lotion is perfect for full body massage. May also be used daily as a skin care moisture lotion. Light garden-fresh scent.Pure Pro Ultra Blend Water Dispersible Massage Oil™a combination of natural vegetable wax esters derived from Coconut Oil and the finest cosmetic oils nature has to offer. Pure Pro Ultra is extra gentle for use on sensitive skin and it is nut-oil free. (Contrary to what it sounds like, Coconut is a seed oil.) It's Ultra concentrated so we recommend that you use it sparingly for optimal resultsOf course you can just use Jojoba oil which is not really an oil.

Places to buy:http://www.purepro.com/528 for Pure Pro
www.bodyworkmall.com for BiotoneJojoba Oil
you can buy at a health food store like Wild Oats

How to clean massage rocks?

There is a difference between cleaning stones and sanitizing stones. To clean and sanitize, I like to do the following:Have the water heated to above 150 degrees but not boiling. Add a few drops of joy dish detergent. It will cut the oil. Also add a sanitizer Bleach, or pool chlorine, or another appropriate sanitizer. Use a scochbrite pad only if you have a build up. Rinse and lay out to dry. To re-energize the stones you can place them out in the sun light and moon light. To store place in Epson Salt.