“In Tough Times, Spas Stress Stress” was the Headline in NY Times Travel Piece this Weekend

Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider

My hat goes off to Michelle Higgins who wrote this article. I have noticed over many years of reading her writings that she really understands spas – and she understands people – therefore her articles are almost always insightful and helpful to the traveler. The caricature on the right by Julia Kuo was also part of the article.

It’s great to have a writer at the NY Times who “gets it” about spas because many other newspapers and writers follow her lead. What she truly understands is that spa-going has shifted from a focus on pampering to a focus on wellness. And that didn’t just happen a few months ago when the economy headed south. The spa industry has been making this shift for years. Now we see some of the fruit of our labor. As the NY Times piece said, “A trip to the spa has become an investment of sorts, in well-being." Bingo.

Stress management experts often recommend things such as: exercise, eating a healthy diet, reducing caffeine and sugar, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, getting enough sleep, relaxation techniques such as meditation, breath work and massage, thermal and hydro experiences, etc. to reduce stress. And these are exactly the type of activities that happen at spas. I also feel that spas offer a bonus not often mentioned by stress management professionals - aesthetic treatments which help people look better. As most of us know, that can be a great stress-reliever too.

If you have a few minutes, read Michelle’s article on "Spas Stress Stress" (or perhaps slightly more accurately, "Spas Stress De-stress.")

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