LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 6, 2009 - From customizing your style, to customizing
your car - we all want services tailor made to our busy lifestyles. This
is why, as the voice of the spa industry, the International SPA Association
is forecasting customization as one of the hottest trends of 2009.
"In this economy, people are watching their money, plain and simple.
Spa professionals are listening to the needs of customers and creating
specialized treatments. Whether it's a 30-minute pick-me-up massage on
a lunch hour, or soothing those worked-to-the-bone Wi-Fi fingers, it's
all about meeting the demands of consumers," says ISPA President Lynne
McNees.
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Customized Treatments: In addition to 30-minute facials and massages,
spas are listening to the demands and desires of their customers. So whether
you're looking to combine a series of treatments or have one tailored to
fit your needs (i.e., Wi-Fi massage), talk to your spa about how it can
best fit into your lifestyle.
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Mind, Body & Spirit: Consumers are looking to spas to recharge
not only their body, but their spirit and mind as well. Many spas are increasing
self-discovery services like ropes courses, art classes and other learning
activities that help consumers to stop, be still and focus on themselves.
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Family-friendly Resort Spas: In an era where we're all moving at
warp speed, more and more people are looking for spas that cater to families.
These spas are responding to the need for families to communicate and spend
time together, whether it's flying through the air on a trapeze or attending
family yoga.
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Organic Spas: More spas than ever before are offering environmentally
friendly products and services, but that's not all. Many feature outdoor
treatments and eco-friendly facilities, as well as treatments that highlight
indigenous plants and the environment in which the spa is located (i.e.,
seashell body treatment and blueberry body wrap).
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Spa Credits: In this economy, the smart traveler is the one who
de-stresses at the hotel spa after a long flight. Hotels are looking to
entice travelers and increase bookings by offering free treatments or spa
credits when booking a room.
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Spa Memberships: Similar to a gym membership, it allows spa-goers
to experience spas at a lower cost. A 12-month membership could include
unlimited use of the facility, a treatment a month and discounts on additional
monthly services.
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Half-day Spa Vacations: With people watching every penny, many are
canceling their expensive vacations and instead turning to spas. Transform
your morning or afternoon into a full-blown escape with a massage, facial
and pedicure.
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Dental Spas: Your annual cleaning just got more relaxing. The American
Dental Association says about 50 percent of U.S. dentists are providing
spa amenities at no additional charge. With hand massages, paraffin wax
dips and reflexology, you'll never dread the drill again.
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Tried & True: Consumers are moving away from the trendy and
seeking treatments with proven and tangible results. They're getting back
to basics, focusing on core spa services like deep tissue massage and clarifying
facials.
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Increased Spa Amenities: Turn a 60-minute service into an entire
afternoon of rejuvenation by taking advantage of the spa's amenities.
After your hot stone massage, take a plunge in the pool, sit in the sauna
or cool down in an ice room; today's spas encourage loitering.
ISPA represents 3,200 members, both spas and product companies, in 83 countries.
It's simple to find an ISPA member on www.experienceispa.com.
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