SPAAology by Melinda Minton

Best of the Best: London Based Magazine Names Best Destination Spa Worldwide

2006-09-14T15:22:00.000-06:00

London based tourism and travel magainze Conde Nast Traveller just named the Ananda Spa in India's Himalayan mountains as the number one destination spa worldwide.

Ananda combines the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda with the contemporary western spa approach in its numerous body and beauty treatments. The 21,000 square foot spa acts as the perfect destination for rejuvenation and relaxtion while overlooking the holy River Ganges. Beautifully nestled in the Himalayans the Ananda Spa is a destination that can't be missed.

The highest ranking U.S. spa was the Mii Amo Enchantment Spa in Arizona coming in at #13. Next weeks Spa Profile of the Week. Stay tuned.

Don't Worry, The West Coast Isn't Alone... Spa Week Expands!

2006-09-14T15:14:00.000-06:00

As we previously reported the West Coast is having a wide spread spa week Sept. 18th - 24th. Well, the rest of the US has no reason to feel left out because the $50 Spa Week treatment price is hitting other cities Oct. 16th - 22nd.

Over 225 spas in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Miami, Atlanta, Minnesota, Chicago and Dallas will be giving spa treatments for $50. The website is the same as before, and don't forget to book early!

New Destination: The Spa at Zermatt

2006-09-14T13:37:00.000-06:00

Yesterday marked the grand opening of the Zermatt Resort & Spa in Miday, Utah. Zermatt's 17,000 square foot spa is going to quickly become a destination hot spot in the Rocky Mountains. Deriving inspiration from traditional spas and baths in Europe the Spa at Zermatt follows the resorts Swiss decor with Swiss influenced body treatments and products from Switzerland.

Only an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport and adjacent to Park City this wonderful resort is sure to bring in locals and tourists alike. Find more information at zermatt.dolce.com

Spas in The News: GSpa & Lounge

2006-09-14T11:13:00.000-06:00

Located on the corner of Ninth Ave. and 13th St. in New York, NY GSpa is one of the trendiest new clubs around. This past week GSpa was all over national news after playing host to album release parties held by both Jessica Simpson and Justin Timberlake. With all this national exposure and buzz, we wanted to bring you, the spa enthusiast, more than just a celebrity and a name.

The sexy and sleak new Spa and Lounge is unlike most other spas. Beginning at nine o' clock the spa begins to show signs of a trendy nightclub by bringing in a DJ and catered food from Japenese hot spot Ono. G Spa offers their clients a unique massage that happens in the roof top's cabana- a real "destination" type massage that is very special in NYC. The spa is rather small, only offering three treatment rooms. However, what it lacks in size it makes up for in its sleak and sophisticated design, fresh approach, and overall trend setting appeal. It has quickly become a celebrity hotspot, not just for album releases, but for many beauty concious celebs. Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, Lindsay Lohan, Alexis Bledel, Naomi Campbell and Joaquin Phoenix are just some of the people who have been spotted hanging out at the trendy spot.

With such A-list clients the normal spa enthusiast may see this as an exclusive spa. This is not the case. A quick search on the internet shows Gspa Lounge offers specials to spa goers from everywhere. Be sure to keep it in mind for your next visit to The Big Apple.

Spa Profile of the Week: The Phoenician (Scottsdale, AZ)

2006-09-14T10:56:00.000-06:00

The Phoenician's Centre for Well-Being is this weeks spa profile. More than just a spa, it offers an adult environment for relaxation and rejuvenation spanning 22,000 square feet. Spend time shopping for anything from bath & body products to home decor. Their focus on an all encompasing area of health and relaxation doesn't mean they took any focus away from the spa itself.

The Spa Boutique is a fantastic way to continue your unique spa experience at home. Browse through a plethora of beauty and meditation products such as meditation CDs, candles and even a signature line of bath products (shampoo, conditioner, etc.)

Internet reviewers and bloggers alike have raved about the Phoenicians spa services. Make sure to check out their signature menu services such as The Tranquility Massage and the Thai Table. A one of a kind experience for business people, spa enthusiasts and every day travelers alike.

New Destination: The Spa at Callaway Gardens

2006-09-13T11:24:00.000-06:00

Sure to give the Golf Resorts below a run for their money in the coming years is The Spa at Callaway Gardens. Set to open by February of 2007, Callaway Gardens is merging the tranquillity of the surrounding woodlands with the most up-to-date treatments and services around.

The Spa at Callaway Gardens is poised to blend nature and relaxation with unique massages, 13 different treatment rooms as well as an Image Center where your rejuvenated self can polish your new glow with hair, skin and nail care.

Set your calendars because February 2007 is fast approaching and you won't want to miss this exciting new destination in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

Arizona Triumphs in Poll of Best Golf/Spa Resorts

2006-09-13T11:23:00.000-06:00

Ever crave a relaxing massage, but can't pull yourself too far away from the driving range? T+L Golf recently completed a poll of their readers asking for the best golf resorts with the best spas. While The Kiawah Island Resort in South Carolina received the best score in the U.S., it was the state of Arizona that seemed to dominate the competition. The top three ranked spas in the Southwest came from the spa capitol and Arizona received the highest average score for any state in the United States.

Their top three in the southwest were:

3. Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa

2. The Phoenician (our Spa Profile of the Week)

1. The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa

Congratulations to all the spas that made this list. Stay tuned for more updates.

West Coast Get Ready! Spa Week is Coming

2006-09-12T13:49:00.000-06:00

Sept. 18th-24th is Spa Week along the west coast, and major cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Fransisco and Seattle all have day spas gearing up to offer their services for $50 to try and bring in new customers. If you're a spa rookie or looking to try a new treatment this will be a great way to immerse yourself in the relaxating environments that spas have to offer.

Check out www.spaweek.org for more information.

New Spa Television Show in the Works

2006-09-11T13:49:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Television Show Promises To Bring Wide-Spread Attention to the Growing Spa Industry

Scottsdale, AZ August 31st, 2006: Melinda Minton, Executive Director of The Spa Association and founder of Minton, Expect The Best, has partnered with “Arizona’s Own” AZ-TV to produce and host a 12 episode half hour television program to focus solely on the spa industry. Immediate plans are under way to profile the best spas in North America’s spa capital and eventually expand to a nation wide market.

The yet to be named television show will feature industry trends, news and interviews that will surely bring even more attention to one of the fastest growing industries around. Given that the spa industry is not yet media saturated and yet is a timely topic for a media affluent audience, the time is ripe for this type of programming. Initially, spas across the Arizona region will be profiled and the spots will act as advertising not only for the spas themselves, but for the spa industry as a whole. In time, the show will expand to bring attention to spas in other parts of the U.S. and internationally. The Spa Association (SPAA) is acting as a major sponsor for the television program and is currently looking for spas in the Arizona area to be among the first profiled.

SPAA is your one stop professional association for information, resources, education, and community in the spa industry. With this extra media outlet, The Spa Association can only grow in its ability to assist with consumer and professional standards, while helping vendors, spa owners and technicians run a more profitable business and enjoy robust career options. SPAA is taking the professional beauty industry to the next level with this innovative strategy to make our members and the industry more successful.

Find out more about The Spa Association by going to our website at http://www.thespaassociation.com/ or by calling Angela Whaley, Programs Director at 970-988-1912.

Advertise With The Spa Association and Affiliates

2006-09-11T11:41:00.000-06:00

Interested in advertising with The Spa Association and Minton Consulting? With four unique websites it is a great way to make your advertisements seen in our industry.

2006 - 2007 Industry Study Press Release

2006-09-11T10:07:00.000-06:00

Here is The Spa Association's latest press release concerning their industry study for 2006 and 2007. This is a great tool for anyone in the spa industry looking for comprehensive research.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New SPAA Industry Study Shows Booming Market and Unique Trends

Fort Collins, CO September 1st, 2006: The Spa Association (SPAA) has recently completed its 2006 Industry Study and is ready to offer it to the public. SPAA researchers compiled data covering a variety of spa industry topics from the most popular treatments and services to the amount of men regularly attending spas and how marketing has increased that number. The number of Spas in America has tripled since 2003 and consumers are visiting resort and hotel spas as frequently as they do day spas. The resort and hotel spa industry is a strong trend to keep an eye on. “Much of the new competition has come in the form of new hotel spas. Marriott International Inc., for example, has increased its number of spas to 70 from 28 over the past five years; its spa at the Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott Hotel in Scottsdale, Ariz., now brings in 50% more revenue than the golf course.”

The study also includes:

Consumer trends
What the Consumer Looks for When Selecting a Spa
Latest Procedures
Certification Programs
Popularity of Services
Homecare Purchasing Habits
Spa Amenities
Results vs. Experience
Purchasing Habits
Packages and Gift Certificates
Hotel Spa Usage
Destination & Resort Spa Preferences
Annual and Individual Visit Spending Habits
Detailed Breakdown of Spa Visit Preferences
Customer Service Industry Statistics
Industry Trends
Financial Data

The SPAA Industry Study is available online at www.thespaassociation.com or by calling 970-207-4293. The Study is $95 for SPAA members and $195 for all non-members.

The Spa Association is your one stop professional association for information, resources, education, and community in the spa industry. No other organization unites medical spas, day spas, stay spas, fitness and wellness centers. Moreover, SPAA offers member benefits such as free educational materials, group insurance rates, an online virtual marketplace, national directory, business tools and marketing assistance.

The Spa Association assists with consumer and professional standards, while helping vendors, spa owners and technicians run a more profitable business and enjoy robust career options. SPAA is taking the professional beauty industry to the next level with innovative strategies to make our members more successful. Find out more about The Spa Association by going to our website at www.thespaassociation.com or by calling Angela Whaley, Programs Director at 970-207-4293.

History of Spas Pt. 1: Greek and Roman Baths

2006-09-10T10:54:00.000-06:00

The history of spas goes back alot further than face peels and organic wraps. The Spa Association is happy to bring you an 8 part SPAAology exclusive chronicaling the evolution of early water treatments and how they laid the ground work for the modern day spa.
The Greek and Roman Baths

Seemingly more of a leisurely activity than the modern necessity we know it to be, the Roman bath houses are the source of the daily routine that has become such a staple in modern day society. Today, the Roman baths are often thought of as extravagant and architecturally stunning meeting places, but before Emperor Agrippa designed and created the first thermae of this scale in 25 BC, the smaller baths had been enjoyed by Romans for over 200 years. However, the Romans weren’t the inventors of the great baths. While less is known and documented on their side, credited with planting the seed are the Greeks, and though their baths never reached the colossal size or detail of the Roman baths, they were as important to the development of their society as the Roman baths had been.

The thermaes in Rome were more than just bathing areas, but rather were all encompassing recreational centers. Similar to modern day spa and health clubs, Mikkel Aaland says in 1997’s Sweat that “Most thermae walls enclosed sports centers, swimming pools, parks, libraries, little theatres for poetry readings and music, and great halls for parties--a city within a city.” Similar to modern day spas he goes on to assert that the baths themselves and the cleansing aspects were always the central focus. Not to be outdone the Greeks were known for being the first to incorporate the gymnasium into their baths. Many would work up a natural sweat from exercise as the Greeks believe this was a way to do away with “bad blood”. They would then sweat more in the heated rooms and finally cleanse themselves of it all.

As technology advanced so did the Roman baths. The Romans valued much of what the Greeks had in their baths, but took the structures and capacities to an extravagant level. The Diocletian could hold 6,000 bathers. Vaulted ceilings and the creation of the hypocaust heating systems allowed for such extravagancies. Mikkel Aaland also said “Roman engineers devised the hypocaust method to heat bath air to temperatures exceeding 210 degrees F. (l00 degrees C.) …so hot that bathers had to wear special shoes to protect their feet from the blistering floor. They accomplished this by heating the marble floor, raised on pillars, with a log fire.” Another necessary technological hurdle the Romans faced was transferring large amounts of water to the thermaes. Large aqueducts eventually brought cool running water throughout the empire. These technological advances helped turn the thermaes into a communal meeting ground only rivaled by a town’s forum.

We see this trend continuing in spas today. Julie Register, Spa Enthusiast and creator of about.com’s Spa site says “I believe that the basic intention of all spas is to reach out to their community to provide a nurturing and healing place for their clients.” Many spas have been encouraging customer-customer relations by designing lounges that are more conducive to a social atmosphere. Many spas are becoming popular during lunch hours and the hours immediately following work, adapting the perks of the Roman thermaes to our hectic urban lifestyles. In other parts of the world this trend seems to be even more prevalent Doug Chambers, co-owner of Benu Salon and Spa in Dallas, Texas said in an interview with the Dallas Voice on February 23rd of 2006 “In Hong Kong, one of the things we really admired was the social atmosphere of some of the spas… We try to recreate in a Western version some of the social aspects we see in Asia. We make it accessible but not take ourselves too seriously.”

The Greek baths never reached the social success of the Roman baths. However they were important and even Homer mentions in the Illiad the Greek’s fondness for bathing. As the Roman Empire dissolved, so did the thermaes. Christians had previously foreboded bathing on Sundays and holidays and when the Roman Empire had finally deceased the Christians finally said goodbye to what they had called “Cathedrals of Flesh”.

2006-2007 Trade Shows

2006-09-06T13:26:00.000-06:00

Looking to learn more about the spa industry? Spa trade shows are constantly growing and SPAAology has your comprehensive list of the 2006 and 2007 industry shows. Here are the ones in the near future, and feel free to contact The Spa Association for more information and we'll help you find the best show for your company.

Sept. '06

La Cumbre - America's Travel Marketplace (Sept. 6th - 8th)
NV - Las Vegas Convention Center

Mind Body Fitness Conference (Sept. 7th - 10th)
CO - Denver Marriott City Center

World of Aromatherapy International Conference (Sept. 7th - 10th)
MA - Boston Hyatt Harber Side

Cosmetic Enhancement Expo (Sept. 9th - 10th)
TX - Dallas Market Hall

International Beauty Expo (Sept. 9th & 10th)
Australia, Sydney

Cosmeeting - International Exhibition of Beauty Brands (Sept. 11th - 13th)
France, Paris

International Beauty HBA Expo (Sept. 12th - 14th)
NY - New York City Jacob Javits Center

Sibec - Fitness Managers and Vendors Forum (Sept. 15th - 17th)
CT - Norwich Mohegan Sun Resort

Anti-Aging Medicine Conference (Sept. 15th - 17th)
Great Britain, London

International Congress of Esthetics (Sept. 16th - 18th)
CA - Long Beach Convention Center

Spa & Resort and Medical Spa Expo (Sept. 16th - 18th)
NY - New York City Jacob Javits Center

Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (Sept. 16th - 17th)
Canada, Ontario

Hospitality Design Boutique Hotels Expo (Sept. 18th - 19th)
FL - Miami Convention Center

Fitness Latin America (Sept. 20th - 23rd)
Brazil - Sao Paulo

Spa Asia Wellness Center (Sept. 21st - 23rd)
Thailan - Hua Hin

Your Beauty Network Business Retreat (Sept. 23rd - 25th)
CA - Newport Beach Hyatt Regency

Mind Body Fitness Conference (Sept. 24th - Oct. 1st)
FL - Miami Ocean Point Resort & Spa

ISPA Knowledge Network (Sept. 25th - 26th)
PA - Hersey Hotel Hershey

Motivation Incentive Show (Sept. 26th - 28th)
IL - Chicago McCormick Place

Premiere BIRMINGHAM (Sept. 30th - Oct. 1st)
AL - Birmingham

Wanna see more? E-mail us

Partnering With SPAAology Blog

2006-09-06T12:06:00.000-06:00

Want to see your link on our site? Contact us for details.

Welcome!

2006-09-06T11:16:00.000-06:00

The Spa Association (SPAA) and Minton Consulting welcome you to SPAAology. Updates are already under way to bring you loads of information, fun and news concerning the ever growing spa industry. Stay tuned!!!