In 2008, the International SPA Association will build upon its reputation as the voice of the spa industry by debuting LiveSpa. To be published in June, this inaugural publication will focus on educating the spa consumer.

“With more than 14,000 spas in the United States alone, the spa lifestyle is clearly mainstream. However, consumers still have important questions about etiquette, what goes on at a spa and the benefits of the spa experience. LiveSpa’s content will address those questions while encouraging more people to embrace spa-going,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “ISPA is proud to produce this new tool that will educate the next generation of spa-goers and will, in turn, grow our members’ businesses and sustain the industry.”

LiveSpa is the sister publication of Pulse, the magazine for the spa professional. “The mission of this new publication from ISPA is to directly answer questions from the periphery spa-goer, those who have yet to completely convert to the spa lifestyle,” said Executive Editor Julie Wilson. “This magazine will avoid the use of spa jargon and ethereal language and speak directly to those relatively new to the spa experience. LiveSpa will be a timeless resource for spa consumers of all experiences.”

Planned articles include:
• Through the Eyes of a First-time Spa-goer – a behind-the-scenes look at a newbie’s spa experience
• The Mindful Approach to Aging - (Hint: there’s no “get young quick” scheme)
• Organically Inclined – What does “pure” and “natural” mean anyway when it comes to skin and body care products?
• Food Less Traveled – Eating healthy in your own backyard

In order to reach the spa-going consumer, LiveSpa will be circulated to all ISPA members, with additional copies available for purchase. The association has more than 3,000 members in 75 countries. The complete list of members may be found on www.experienceispa.com.

Popularity: 23%

For many spas today, space is something that is in short supply. To keep costs low, many spa owners buy smaller locations and try to make the most out of their cozy surroundings. This can make good business sense, but sometimes it can be a difficult call knowing what parts of the spa to give the most valuable space to.

Many spa owners try to save space on their treatment rooms. It seems like a logical place since clients spend the majority of their time on a massage bed and do little moving around, however, making the treatment rooms too small can be a mistake that can cost your spa client satisfaction ratings, as well as return visits.

In order to feel relaxed, most people prefer larger treatment areas to smaller ones. That closed in feeling can make clients feel tense, stressed, and many times claustrophobic. However, making treatment rooms more spacious and less cramped feeling can leave clients feeling relaxed and able to focus on enjoying their spa experience rather than the size of the rooms.

So, don’t skimp on space in the treatment rooms or you may find that your smaller spa rooms will remain empty!

Popularity: 34%

Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) April 25, 2008 — In an effort to connect spas worldwide with international ISM students who are highly educated in spa operations and business management, the Institute of Spa Management (www.spacollege.org) has launched the ISM Job & Career Center. The service is free for all employers in the spa industry to post jobs and internships for positions that relate to spa management. Within 24 hours of approval, opportunities are broadcast to current students, as well as graduates of the ISM spa management program.

Read the rest

Popularity: 63%

According to the International Spa Association (ISPA), nearly one quarter of Americans have visited a spa and the current trends are focusing on the needs of these educated spa consumers.

Spa-goers want lifestyle classes, such as healthy cooking, stress management, and medical health courses.

Spa-goers want stress relief in order to relax, soothe sore muscles, and to get an emotional boost.

Rather than being pampered, the typical spa-goer now wants specific results to repair injury, reduce pain, control headaches, or lose weight. Read the rest

Popularity: 48%

A visit to the spa should be a full-sensory experience that provides the client with a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere that will transport them to another place physically, emotionally, and spiritually. One of the most overlooked aspects of the full-sensory spa experience is sound. Sound and music can be powerful healers, so providing the right sounds for your clients to enjoy while at the spa can make their spa experience more enjoyable than without it.

You should choose music that allows the mind to drift off, soothes the soul, and Read the rest

Popularity: 45%

Choosing a spa management career can be both fulfilling and exciting. As with any profession, working your way up the corporate ladder brings with it more responsibility, opportunities, and a successful future.

Assistant Spa Managers are part of the team and required to do everything from helping clients at the front desk to assisting the Spa Manager with paperwork.

Spa Managers are responsible for making sure the spa runs smoothly and remains competitive. The Spa Manager must keep customers happy, staff motivated, and business flowing. Read the rest

Popularity: 58%

Think About Offering This…

The future of the spa industry is looking very good, yet the focus is changing as client attitudes and desires change. While spas used to have a more general focus and appealed to a broader range of clients, the spas of the future are turning more towards specialization and personalization. If you’re thinking of renovating your spa’s focus, consider some of these ideas.

Small, bare treatment rooms are becoming a thing of the past. Clients want to feel like they have been taken away to a far off place rather than cooped up inside a small, cramped, uninteresting room. Try incorporating natural elements into your spa’s design and create different themes that will stimulate all five of the client’s senses.

Focus on medical treatments, illness prevention, and healthy living. While you don’t necessarily need to become a full service medical spa, you can offer treatments, programs, and products that will attract those who are interested in alternative health care options.

Target baby boomers and older age groups because they are much more likely to have extra money to spend on spa treatments and they are much more open to trying new products and treatments that are anti-aging related.

Popularity: 54%

Does Your Spa Cater to the Anti-Aging Craze? It Isn’t Just a Fad!

While many aging Americans prefer to age gracefully without the use of extreme plastic surgery methods, most still use and plan to continue using less invasive anti-aging products and services. According to a recent study conducted by Focalyst, more than 48 million consumers over the age of 42 are planning on purchasing anti-aging products within the next year and will spend approximately $4 billion in the process. This is great news for your spa’s business, particularly if you are focusing on anti-aging products and services.

This trend isn’t just limited to aging women either. According to the study, 69% of aging men between the ages of 44 and 62 want to look younger and more attractive to women and are interested in purchasing anti-aging products and getting anti-aging treatments. This is particularly true for aging single males who want to look young, stay fit, and dress well in order to remain attractive to the opposite sex.

Another important anti-aging market you should consider targeting are aging Asian-American women. The study found that Asian-American women were typically twice as likely to spend money on anti-aging products and treatments as other aging women groups were.

Popularity: 64%