Spa Lockers are Not Safe for Major Valuables
by Susie Ellis

My neighbor’s valuable Cartier watch was stolen from his spa locker at the Wynn in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. He had changed into his spa robe, put his clothes and watch in the locker, and then punched in his “secret” four digit code to lock the locker. He walked away to enjoy the spa amenities and a massage. When he came back he punched in his “secret” four digit code again, opened the locker and saw immediately that his watch was gone.

Unfortunately, reporting the incident didn’t resolve anything with the Wynn (nor gain any sympathy I understand.) Perhaps Las Vegas hotels deal with these sorts of things often. I once saw a 60 Minutes TV report in which hidden cameras caught people purposely slipping and falling at casinos who later tried to sue in hopes of getting a settlement. Perhaps the same thing happens with people reporting missing valuables. In my friend’s case, it really happened.

This brings me to one of my “insider tidbits.” NEVER LEAVE JEWELRY OR MONEY IN A GYM OR SPA LOCKER – THEY AREN’T SAFE!

Here is why:

• With a key system, it is too easy for attendants to access the master key which opens every locker.
• With a punch system, there is an override code used by attendants if a guest forgets the code they entered. If this isn't changed daily, someone who worked yesterday could access lockers today, for example.
• It is easy for other clients (or attendants) to watch you enter a "secret" combination. My friend suspects that’s what happened in his case.

The issue of valuables in spas is a major concern to all spas. Have you ever wondered why your spa robe doesn’t have pockets? Many spas have pocket less robes because too many clients have left jewelry in them and then some laundry person had to spend hours going through stacks of robes trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Although the best advice is to never bring jewelry or money to the spa at all, oftentimes it is hard to avoid. For more than 20 years now I have worn my wedding ring and watch into my massage or facial room, taken them off and put them on the counter (or in a small dish provided by the therapist) before my treatment. Of course there are risks with this also, however for me it beats worrying about valuables in my locker. The safest set up I have encountered thus far is a spa in Asia with a safe in each massage room for clients to lock things up.

I suppose there is still the possibility that I could forget to retrieve them.

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Spa Services and the Spa World Through a Teenager's Eyes
by Susie Ellis

Well, I'm really convinced now. If I ever doubted that the younger generation is embracing spa-going enthusiastically (but in a different way than baby boomers), I need only remember yesterday - the day I spent with my niece (16-years-old) and her girlfriend.

Niece Christa is on spring break and visiting me with her girlfriend here in Palm Desert, California. I would say she is a typical teenager - into cheerleading competitions, text messaging, and guys. They started the day with working out at the gym, then headed to a spa/salon to get their eyebrows waxed and one had a bikini wax. When I asked them what they wanted to do in the afternoon during our planned time together - they said manicures and pedicures. On the way home we talked about girly things, whereupon Christa mentioned that what she wants for Christmas this year from all of the family is laser hair removal. Later I overheard them talking about a girl from their school (18-years-old) spending spring break getting a boob job. Wow - I am amazed.

When I was her age, I hadn't even had a manicure and my mom was still cutting my hair (not a good thing). Things sure are different now...for better or for worse. It seems:

1) Young girls have grown up seeing their parents go to spas and see it as a natural part of growing up.
2) They save money earned babysitting and working part time and spend it on salon and spa services.
3) They talk openly about what procedures they have had and "what so and so had done," etc. There is absolutely no thought of keeping any of this a secret!

And if all of this wasn't eye-opening enough, at our last lunch together today, I asked them if they had conversations at school comparing the differences between baby boomers and Gen X and Gen Y. Whereupon they informed me that they didn't know what Gen X and Gen Y was, but they seemed to remember reading about baby boomers in their history class. Oh dear....just shoot me now.

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Sleep Health at Vacation Spas May be more Important than Massages, Facials, Manicures/Pedicures, Diet, or even Exercise!

by Susie Ellis

The importance of sleep is something that has been on our SpaFinder top 10 spa trends list for the past two years. In 2007 the focus was on adding sleep health to diet and exercise as an equally (if not more) important pillar of health in spas. In 2008, because of the growing research which shows sleep deprivation is linked to obesity, emphasizing sleep health in weight-loss programs at spas was the focus.

Tonight's piece on CBS's 60 Minutes made these points clearer through video than I ever could in writing. I hope everyone who didn't see it would watch it. Here is the link. A new thing I learned is that it appears we can add diabetes to the long list of consequences of sleep deprivation.

Sometimes I think that sleep health is my mantra. And for this upcoming week - it is no exception. Here is why....

I was thinking this morning about the volatile financial market situation we witnessed last Friday and how this might affect the spa industry. And what advice I might give.

I remember the October 1997 stock market plunge (which was later called Black Monday) and ever since have been aware that bad news at the end of a week might result in even worse news on Mondays. It just makes sense to me that after a weekend when people kind of regroup, they begin thinking about their personal financial situation and start taking steps toward self preservation. Too many people making financial moves all at once on a Monday can spell disaster.

Of course, I hope that I am wrong. My advice, however, for both spa consumers as well as the spa industry would be the same - be extra careful to get enough sleep. Dealing with challenges wisely necessitates clear thinking and emotional balance. Eating well is a good idea, exercising helps, however getting healthy and adequate amounts of sleep is possibly even more important. If you aren't convinced, please do me (and yourself) a favor, and watch The Science of Sleep Part 1 and Part 2 from last night's 60 Minutes.

Well...am off to bed.


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Turning Point Gathering - Always a Winner
by Susie Ellis

Just reviewed some literature about the upcoming Turning Point Spa Seminar in Thailand which looks like it is shaping up nicely. Turning Point is a conference that is held in Asia (last year it was in Shanghai) every year which either Peter or I have attended for the past four years. Unfortunately, neither of us will be able to make it this time since I am heading to Thailand just four weeks later and Peter will be in India just prior. We have always been impressed with how Don Siegel organizes his Turning Point events and he gets extra kudos from me for his great looking marketing materials.

Because his events are generally fairly small and intimate, it is easy to get to know people and his topics are always timely. This year it appears as if much of the focus will be on the environment and sustainability with LOHAS research and green initiatives on the agenda.

The location this year is particularly attractive. Chiang Mai is a very special region of Thailand and the host hotel - the new Shangri La in Chiang Mai (photo to the right) - will no doubt be a memorable experience. Ian Brewis, group spa director of all of their Chi Spas, is an extraordinary host. There are two other magnificent spa properties in the area – the Four Seasons and the Mandarin Oriental - which alone would make the trip worthwhile. If you are in the region and have the opportunity to attend, I would definitely recommend it. And please tell Don hello from me.

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Daytona Bike Weekend Photos
by Susie Ellis

As promised here are the photos from our weekend in Daytona during their big bike rally. A couple of things I learned:

1. When you are working long hours and going to bed late, etc. there is nothing like a total change of scenery and schedule to revive you.

2. My visionary husband was right (once again) when he predicted a trend in the motorcycle world two years ago. Harleys are no longer “king of the road” – the new story is the Boss Hoss.

3. After riding on a motorcycle, facials (and ear cleaning) are a good idea.

4. Massages at the Hilton in Daytona – post motorcycle day – felt great and both of us had excellent therapists. My only complaint…after filling out a very thorough questionnaire asking me about medical history including how often I get massages, when the therapist came into the room to begin the massage she asked me (questionnaire in hand) if this was my first massage. Pet peeve….therapists who do not read intake forms.

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Beauty, Massage, Pedicure, and Manicure Appointments versus Doctor Appointments
By Susie Ellis

After a weekend in Daytona at “Bike Week,” (my contribution to our marriage) am back at my desk. As soon as Peter sends me some photos of us on his Boss Hoss motorcycle I will post them. It did actually turn out to be a lot of fun.

In the meantime an article in Hospitality Trends this morning caught my attention. It is called “Physical Attractiveness in the Workplace” by Eddy M.Elmer and Jim Houran.

As much as I may not like everything I am reading in this article, I think those of us in the health and beauty world will recognize that these findings explain a lot about why people pursue beauty so intensely. As they say, a woman is more likely to cancel her doctor appointment than her hair appointment. For better or for worse, here are some paragraph headings which may entice you to read the entire article.

The 'Beauty Premium': A Very Real and Powerful Phenomenon
The Beauty Premium in HR and Business
The Darker Side of Beauty
The Anatomy of Physical Attractiveness
Universally Preferred Physical Features
Situational Factors
Cultural and Social Influences
Contextual cues of Physical Un-attractiveness
The Bottom Line on Beauty

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Detox: A Hot Topic Among Club Spa Readers!
By Susie Ellis

In the Club Spa e-newsletter, which goes out twice a month, I get to answer one of the many spa questions our readers send in. Here is the Q & A from this week. Am sharing it because I have received an avalanche of response and follow-up questions. Detox is a hot topic!

Thought I would share the exchange and invite you to respond on the blog as well:

Ask Susie...

QUESTION:
I live in California and would like to spend a week not too far away, with an emphasis on detox.

ANSWER:
There is spa detox and then there is addiction detox. You are probably referring to spa detox, which you will find at both the Sanoviv Medical Institute in Mexico (just 30 minutes south of San Diego) and We Care Spa Juice Fasting & Spiritual Retreat in Palm Springs, California. Other spas with detox programs — some a bit further away — are listed here.

Your questions gives me a chance to mention something about the somewhat controversial reality TV show "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew." It gives a good glimpse into the difference between detoxing at a spa and detoxing at an alcohol and drug addiction treatment center. While yoga and other spa-like components are part of many alcohol and drug addiction residential treatment programs (even the Betty Ford Center in California has a pool, gym, fitness, yoga, meditation classes and massages available on Sundays), detox at these rehab centers is medically supervised and very different than detoxing at a spa. Read more about detox here.

E-mail your spa question to Susie at asksusie@spafinder.com.

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Spa Veteran, Thad Hyland from Ojai Valley Inn Resort & Spa, heads east to open new Spa at Kelley House Martha's Vineyard
by Susie Ellis

Just learned that Thad Hyland, Managing Director of the Ojai Valley Inn Resort and Spa - and one of the spa industry's "stars" - is leaving Ojai. After 12 years and a stellar career there, he is apparently heading "home" to Martha's Vineyard.

Thad is one of my favorite people in the industry - actually probably many people's favorite. He is a great guy and a superb manager. He served as ISPA's President for several years and was also one of the earliest resort GM's to "get" the value of spa for a property.

Hearing the news through a spa colleague, I did a bit of online research to learn more. Here is the press release where the lucky new company he will be working with - Scout Real Estate Capital - announced his recent arrival. He will be the new GM at Harbor View Hotel & Resort and Kelley House. How interesting to find out that he worked there prior to moving to Ojai.

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