Monaco Spa Event and Monaco Spa Symposium – Expect to be Dazzled!
by Susie Ellis

I spent some time this afternoon studying the brochure for the Monaco Spa Event and the program for the Monaco Spa Symposium. Since I attended last year I thought I would share some things I learned in case anyone is thinking about attending.

1. The event is January 18, 19, and 20th from approximately 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
2. Fly into Nice and from there it is an easy bus ride of 45 minutes or a helicopter ride of 7 minutes to Monaco.
3. Know that there is the Exhibition and then there is the Spa Symposium. These are two separate happenings though held at the same place – the famous Grimaldi Forum.
4. Signing up for the Symposium (around 610 Euros for all three days) allows you to see the Exhibition. However just going to the Exhibition (which is either 25 Euros or 50 Euros depending on whether or not you are in the spa business) doesn’t get you into the Symposium. The Symposium looks stellar, so I would suggest going that route and then you’ll have access to Exhibition also.
5. If you want to stay near the Exhibition/Symposium, select the Hotel Meridian. Another close hotel is the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel. Both are within walking distance.

If you are on the fence in terms of whether or not you should attend:

Here are some reasons to go:
1. Spas in Europe are different than in the U.S. and in many ways more progressive. The area in which they are truly on the cutting edge is in architecture and design – especially thermal and water experiences. Walking through the Exhibition will make that crystal clear.
2. The list of exhibitors is much more hydro, balneo, thalasso, décor, and architecturally oriented. It isn’t just skin care after skin care after skin care (which is what I find at most of the U.S. shows). Here you will see dazzling design…but yes, some skin care.
3. There are plenty of spas to visit in Monaco which will give you a glimpse of what the European hotel spa scene is like. And do make an appointment for a treatment at Les Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo. Although I find their website dreadful, it will at least give you the contact information. But best to just walk in when you are there and make an appointment.
4. The Symposium has some compelling topics and speakers. Of particular interest to me:

• Results and Conclusions of a 3 year Research Study of the Spa Market
• Validating research regarding Energy Medicine
• An entire morning on future spa design
• Spa quality as discussed by the CEO of Relais & Chateaux – France

Here are some reasons not to go:
1. The exchange rate does not favor dollars at the moment so Europe in general feels expensive.
2. If you prefer to have a myopic view of the spa industry.

And finally…just a mention about why I like to promote certain quality spa events outside of the U.S. I think it makes the spa industry stronger when we learn from each other internationally. Having worked at some of the top spas in the U.S. and having visited countless other top spa properties, I must admit that when I go to Europe and see some of what is happening there spa-wise I am, quite frankly, humbled. Since this is the top quality spa event in Europe, it's the one to attend.
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