Spa and Medical Tourism - Learning From What Happened in Detroit
by Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider

Many of you know that one of the top spa trends SpaFinder predicted for 2009 was the Medical and Spa Tourism Shuffle, so it didn't surprise us when the New York Times recently ran an article titled, "Heads Up - Medical Tourism: Sometimes, Sightseeing Is a Look at Your X-Rays." I wanted to share my thoughts on this article (which I thought was fine) but more importantly on the editorials that appeared subsequently. They, in my opinion, showed naivety.

The article, was written by Joshua Kurlantzick and ran May 20th - at just about the same time we were listening to a panel of experts on Medical Tourism and Spas at the Global Spa Summit (GSS). Joshua shared his experience while in Thailand where he fainted and was rushed to the hospital by a taxi. He was taken to Bumrungrad International Hospital (lobby pictured below) where there was no waiting, where he had first class service from a very competent doctor, and ended up paying just $100 for all the care, the room and medication provided. He goes on to talk about the pluses and minuses of getting medical care in a foreign country.

I have been to that very hospital - Bumrungrad in Bangkok. I toured it a few years ago because I had been told it was a cross between a Ritz Carlton, a hospital, and a spa. And to some degree it was – I was very impressed with their concierge service welcoming people, entire floors dedicated to certain nationalities (like the Japanese) with translators, and unique décor, etc. Their children’s area had fun small furniture and play stations and the walls were brightly colored and doors painted to resemble living in a small world. There was a gym to work out at, spa services available, and an outdoor meditation area (which I thought they should scrap and make into a spa because who wants to spend time meditating out on the top floor of a building in Bangkok where it is hot and smoggy). Other than some of the fast food franchises on one of their shopping floors, it seemed like a “hospital of the future” to me.

The NY Times article was interesting and raised some good questions and made some great points. But some editorials (many from doctors) that appeared in the Times a few weeks later had me rolling my eyes. Here is the gist of some of the comments:

“Is Medical tourism a good thing? Not really, I’m afraid. Here in the United States, hospitals lose revenue. That’s dollars that used to cross-subsidize emergency rooms, charity care and chronic medical admissions for sick citizens here.”

“I wonder about the quality of the services provided…what about the blood supplies? How safe are they? What kind of regulation and oversight is there?”

“Medical tourism in the end, hurts poor countries who end up subsidizing the cost of heath care for rich countries.”

In general...most of the editorials brought up “red flags” about medical tourism warning that it is not good for the U.S.


To that I say – wake up!

Fortunately there was one comment which, in my opinion, had a wiser point of view. The writer stated, “The American medical industry should view with concern the off shoring of medical care. When foreign cars began appearing with greater frequency in the 1960s, Detroit mostly dismissed them as filling a small niche for people who wanted cheap, perhaps inferior transportation. But the cars got better, and look who is commanding the market today.”

I thought the analogy of the U.S. car industry and medical tourism was a good one. While clearly we need to ask questions and insist on transparency and quality when it comes to Medical Tourism abroad, it might be a good idea for us to think about what happened to Detroit when we start talking like Detroit was talking for the past few decades. To stubbornly stick with systems which are unsustainable financially while the rest of the world innovates, catches up and surpasses us is foolish. How unwise to dismiss what is happening in other countries – especially when it comes to medical care given that our system is already plagued with problems. We do so at our peril.

In some ways I feel that spa industry professionals are way ahead of doctors on this – I saw it at the GSS where the medical tourism panel was well received. In general I don’t see the “protectionist” attitude within the spa industry – perhaps it is because there are fewer dollars involved as there are with medicine. Spa professionals are not compensated at the high levels that many in the medical field are (insurance companies, some doctors, etc.) and so perhaps they aren’t as rabid about keeping the status quo. Spa professionals seem to genuinely encourage people to avail themselves of a variety of services – whether within the U.S. or outside of the U.S - whether to keep well or get well.

In my view, spas are great bookends for medical tourism procedures. After flying to Bangkok (or India, or South Africa, or Costa Rica, or the Philippines, etc.), it makes sense to me to spend some time at a good spa getting adjusted from jet lag, eating healthfully, and getting body mind and spirit ready for a medical procedure. After then checking into a hospital and having a procedure, it would make good sense to recover at a spa where healing treatments, healthy food, light exercise, fresh air and such could help optimize healing.

Next time you hear the term “medical tourism” – think “U.S. car industry.” Perhaps we can learn from our mistakes in Detroit and participate more successfully in a global world of health care and spa experiences.
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India Spa Millionaire
by Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider

As you probably know each year SpaFinder announces the top ten spa trends we are seeing for the spa industry in general. In addition, sometimes we take a closer look at one particular country. Last year we looked at Japan, this year it is India. With a rapidly growing economy and vibrant growth in their spa sector (2,300 spas and $384 million in revenue to be exact) it turned out to be a good choice.

My thanks goes to Komal Shah who has been the Director of Research for SpaFinder this past year. She did most of the research. Komal is from India and has many family members there. I think this research project ended up being a labor of love for her and it was fun and insightful for us. Pictured to the left is the Oberoi Rajvilas - just one of the many outstanding award-winning spas in India. Turns out there are many more spas - and even more in the pipeline.

India is certainly on everyone’s radar, following the terror attacks in Mumbai, the popularization of “Bollywood,” and the release of the critically-acclaimed film, Slumdog Millionaire. Here then is a glimpse of what is happening in the world of spas in India. For the full story, visit the Press Room.

1. Thou Who Seekest a Spa, Will Find One: With more than 700 spas predicted to open doors in the next two-four years, there’s no doubt that the spa industry in India is growing fast...

2. Yoga, Ayurveda Represent Serious Business, Now More Than Ever: Yoga, one of the most powerful and profitable wellness modalities in the word, is a lifestyle for millions of people who are increasingly enthusiastic about traveling to the spiritual and cultural source: India...

3. Alternative Healing Back in Vogue: Alternative healing has always been a traditional part of the Indian cultural milieu. Spearheaded by spas, 2009 will see a renewed interest in a wellness lifestyle and diverse alternative healing approaches...

4. The Spa-Savvy Indian Male: The urban Indian male increasingly wants to look good and feel good: and now seeks wellness treatments—like Champissage (head massage) and full-body massage on a regular basis...

5. For the Love of Luxury: The affluent Indian consumer loves brands. To cater to the brand-conscious consumer, local Indian spas (like Chandan Sparsh and Fountain Spa) will increasingly establish themselves as multi-city spa brands...

6. Medical Tourists Will Spa!: With the extended global spa economy now estimated to be worth $255 billion, there has never been a better time for medical tourism in India. India will continue to be a hot spot for medical tourists that seek travel services that incorporate diverse wellness packages...

7. Aesthetic Treatments Get More Attractive: Look for an uptick in medical spas, dental spas and cosmetic clinics that cater to both locals and traveling medical tourists...

8. The Spa Tween-Teen Year: While some spas (such as the Dinacharya course at Sanjeeva medical spa at Vedic Village, Kolkaka) are already offering packages designed specifically for teens, numerous other spas will follow suit...

9. Bollywood Stars Spice Up Spas: While some celebrities enjoy spa-ing, many also actively promote health and wellness initiatives. Look for more Bollywood stars to inculcate the importance of spa-going in their own lives...

10. Culture, Myth, History Catch Spa Fancy: Many of the newer spas of India are fashionably designed around Indian history, astrology and values, and offer incredible immersive spa experiences, dedicated to indigenous culture, myth, materials and design...
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Spa Trend Bingo

Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider

Just received an email this morning announcing the brand new book by Mark Hyman, M.D. It is called The UltraMind Solution. You may know Dr. Hyman from his time at Canyon Ranch in Lenox or perhaps you know his other books, UltraPrevention and UltraLongevity.

It put a smile on my face. Why you ask? Well, because in our recently released top 10 spa trend predictions for 2009, brain health was one of them! (And no, I didn't know he was writing this book!)

While it is an encouragement to know that we have a pretty good pulse on what is going on out there and I wanted to brag a little (ok, I know it isn't flattering), I also wanted to encourage you to buy the book so you can really be ahead of the trend curve.

Dr. Hyman describes the UltraMind Solution as "The Simple Plan to Sharpen Your Mind; Boost Your Mood; Increase Your Memory; and Even Reverse Autism, ADD, Depression, Alzheimer's and More..."

I think this is the beginning of a conversation which will be going on for quite some time in the spa industry. How exciting!

P.S. If you missed our top ten spa trends for 2009 that I posted in a previous blog, I've added a quick summary for you below and you can read the full report here.

SpaFinder's Top 10 Spa Trends for 2009

Energy Medicine – People are more open to alternative medicine, and there is more scientific evidence lending credibiity to the field.
Casinos & Spas – The combination of gaming and relaxation is quite complementary, and casino hotels have the money and creativity to build unique and exciting spas.
The Medical and Spa Tourism Shuffle – Traveling for health is happening for many different reasons and in many different ways, all over the globe.
Eco-Embedded Spas: A Deeper Shade of Green – It’s the most relaxing way for spa-goers to enjoy and feel good about their spa experiences.
Trains, Boats & Planes: In-Transit Spa-Going – The presence of de-stressing outlets during travel helps to make trips much more enjoyable.
Brain Health and ‘Mind’ Gyms - As people age they recognize that their minds need to be healthy also. Exercise your body, exercise your mind.
Stress – the 2009 Buzzword – As the entire global population is seeing unprecedented stress levels, and the number-one reason people go to spas is to reduce stress.
Mindful Spending – Discounts, bargains, and added values are expected in almost every transaction, and spas will be no exception.
Move Over Baby Boomers: Gen X & Y Are Spa-ing Their Own Way – The younger generation has unique spa-going habits, such as starting at a younger age, spa-ing with friends, and using technology 24/7.
Brands, Brands, Brands – There are so many spas to chose from, and brands help consumers distinguish one from another.

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Spa Trends 2008 – Report Card

Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider

Before we take a closer look at spa trends we are predicting for 2009, I thought it might be fun to go back and look at the ones we predicted for 2008 and see how well we did. I think we were “right on” with quite a few of the trends, dead wrong on one (thanks to the developing negative economic climate), and compromised on another because the trend toward eco-friendly practices trumped it. (More details below.) If I was giving out grades, I think we earned a B+. Let me know what you think!

The "Feng Shui’d" Gym
We got this one right. Gyms are getting a lot more respect these days. Even Interior Design Magazine’s international “best of the best” featured a gorgeous yoga space in Shanghai with an elevated ebonized South African walnut floor enclosed by a curtain of shaped ropes to represent abstracted trees. The futuristic-themed gym at the brand new Dolder Grand in Switzerland even gave cutting-edge shape to its towel holders. Unfortunately, it’s mostly the new gyms that are wowing us – we aren’t seeing a lot of feng shui’d gym redesigns.

A Star (Therapist) Is Born
Great progress has been made in terms of recognizing the importance of the personnel at spas. Skill and attitude of the therapist is counting more than marble and gold. More is being written about top aestheticians, therapists, and practitioners and this year’s highlight at our Readers’ Choice Awards gala was the emotional reaction from the top spa managers and top therapists when they were handed their awards.

Wellness, Wellness, Wellness
As we predicted, this term is becoming more and more popular all over the world. We are even seeing an increased reference to the $1 trillion dollar figure that Paul Zane Pilzeran used to quantify the size of the wellness phenomenon which he outlined in his book, The Wellness Revolution. Wellness is becoming an umbrella term under which fitness, medical, spa, anti-aging, nutrition and a host of other categories are beginning to fit nicely.

Luxury Detox and Luxury Boot camps
The terms detox and boot camp are buzzwords that continue to attract clients. While the term ‘luxury’ started waning in popularity toward the end of the year with the deepening financial crisis, the desire for comfortable environments coupled with feel-good spa treatments while adhering to regimes which promise to produce results, continues. This combination of grace and truth remains resilient.

Spa Real Estate Mania
Here is where we were way-off. Instead of mania, we had meltdown. What looked promising at the beginning of the year – living at a place with a major spa focus among like-minded people – ended up falling flat with the economic climate. Although Canyon Ranch Living in Miami did finally open at the end of 2008 and consumers are still attracted to the idea of living in a spa lifestyle community, any real estate purchase – whether primary or secondary residence – has pretty much been placed on-hold for now. It’s going to be aromatherapy candles, bath salts, and dry brushing at home for a while.

Taking Sleep Seriously… Especially if you Want to Lose Weight
2008 saw an emergence of many more sleep health programs at hotels, resorts and destination spas all over the world. I checked in with sleep guru Robert de Stefano who lectures on sleep health at spas around the world. He reports that his business has been great all year and that next year looks strong as well. Just this morning I received a press release from Crowne Plaza hotels, which already has what they call their Sleep Advantage Program, about a new option they are trying called the “switch off call” where guests are reminded that it is time to wind down for better sleep. While taking sleep seriously has definitely happened, connecting it to weight loss lags behind.

Fertility Tranquility
We have seen an increase in the amount of fertility-oriented programs in spas and more discussions about the topic in general. This “niche trend” continues as fertility yoga, acupuncture, and many of the mind-body awareness activities at spas address this need. In August a new infertility program for couples called Fertile Intentions was announced. Their all day retreats are done at day spas.

Hydro and Thermal Super-Experiences
Dedicated space in spas featuring various water and heat experiences has increased. Popular in Europe, these are now increasingly seen in other parts of the world. Circuits often include various combinations of saunas, steams, laconiums, tepidariums, caldariums, whirlpools, experience showers, and snow rooms, etc. Canyon Ranch SpaClub in Las Vegas opened their impressive new thermal and hydro circuit toward the end of the year and other large projects such as the Fontainebleau are in the pipeline. One limiting factor has been the eco-green-sustainability trend which reminds us that water is in short supply in many parts of the planet and using large amounts for bathing or in Vichy Showers is beginning to be viewed as indulgent.

Urban Spa Explorer
This trend ended up being even more popular than we thought. We fielded lots of media calls about the concepts of consumers trying out various ethnically oriented spas with authentic Korean, Russian, Thai – as well as others – ways to de-stress and rejuvenate.

Plug-in or Unplug: It’s up to You

It seems that this has not only happened but become a standard this year. Almost every spa I have visited recently provides places where one can use personal phones and electronic devices and places where one must unplug. As we had predicted, it has become the consumer’s choice.

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2009 Spa Trends Continued...

Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider

My last post was the list of SpaFinder’s Top Ten Spa Trends for 2009.

Most people (except Peter who has to put up with my endless musings and Betsy and Beth at RBI who help me edit the report) don’t realize how long it takes me to write these spa trend reports. Actually, an entire year. Not that I am writing the whole time – but I am definitely thinking about spa trends all year long.

As I travel, read, and interact with people, I am continually evaluating whether what I am observing is something old, something new, a fad, a trend, important, not important, etc. I study the spa research we do at SpaFinder, dig into our internal reports which show where consumers are clicking on our website, and read through as many spa press releases and spa magazines from around the world as I can. (Even the photography in the magazines written in a foreign language that I can't read tell me a lot.) And this past year, thanks to my involvement with the Global Spa Summit and the work we did on the Global Spa Economy Report, I had the chance to read through almost every bit of spa research that is out there.

So – I decided that I wasn’t finished blogging about trends just because I already shared the list with you. I thought it might be fun to tell you about some of the 'insider stuff' which led up to the spa trends report. I would also like to get your input on the spa trends that made the list and ask you to share examples as you come across them. Some blog topics...

a) which spa trends almost made the list but didn’t?
b) which one of the spa trends has already garnered the most media interest?

c) which two or three spa trends I am most excited about
d) which spa trend has been on my 'watch list' for five years and finally made it?
e) which trend makes me flat-out giddy!

Here is the list again. Care to take a guess on e?

Energy Medicine
Medical and Spa Tourism Shuffle
Eco-Embedded Spas
Trains, Boats & Planes
Brain Health
The Buzz Word? Stress
Casino & Spas
Mindful Spending
Gen X & Y Spa-ing Their Way
Brands, Brands, Brands
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Top Spa Trends for 2009
by Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider

Each year SpaFinder announces the top spa trends that will likely make headlines and have people talking in the upcoming year. The information that follows is a result of a great deal of study and research. Simply click on each trend introduced below to learn more and get examples of spas that are already "on trend."

Enjoy this glimpse into the spa future!

SpaFinder's Top Ten 2009 Spa Trends:
Energy Medicine: Everyone’s "talking about energy," and for 2009 the spa industry will follow suit, with a lot of high-voltage buzz around "energy medicine" and therapies like...

Casinos and Spas: Placing a high-end spa in a casino hotel was a long-shot idea when Elaine and Steve Wynn (both Golden Door regulars) opened the first spa at the Golden Nugget Casino Hotel in the 1980s. But today...

The Medical and Spa Tourism Shuffle: Two years ago SpaFinder named medical tourism, the phenomenon of people traveling to medical spas in another country or region for aesthetic or traditional procedures, a top trend. Two years later...

Eco-Embedded Spas: A Deeper Shade of Green: Back in 2005, SpaFinder identified the eco-spa boom, crystallizing the first industry definition, still widely used today. In our 2007 forecast...

Trains, Boats, & Planes: In-Transit Spa-Going: With overbooked flights, tight security, and longer delays, there’s no doubt that the stress of modern travel has increased. Thankfully...

Brain Health and "Mind" Gyms: With a vast, aging Baby Boomer population, well-publicized medical reports revealing that with brains you’ve got to "use them" or "lose them," and an Alzheimer’s pandemic, brain health is increasingly on the spa-goer's mind. So don’t be surprised...

Learning Labs for Stress Reduction: The number-one reason people hit the spa is to relax and de-stress, and in nerve-wracking times, the impulse is significantly magnified, especially if the price and overall value are right. Stress is a huge spa buzzword, and at Spafinder.com...

Mindful Spending: In a challenging economic year, spa-goers will obviously be looking closely for value and tangible results. Spas will be experimenting...

Move Over Baby Boomers: Gen X and Y Are Spa-Ing Their Way: The shift from a core spa clientele comprising of Baby Boomers to one made up of Gen X and Y represents more than a simple demographic switch. As Gen X (born 1965 to 1980) and Gen Y (born 1981 to 1995) hit spas in record numbers, they’re shaping the experience to meet their unique wants and desires. The trick for spas...

Brands, Brands, Brands: With almost 72,000 spas around the world, consumers may ultimately need some help distinguishing them. Can the casual spa-goer tell the difference between a Mandarin Oriental Spa and a Shangri-La spa? Spas that establish...

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Spa at Gwinganna in Australia Shows Innovation in Massage, Facials and Body work - and it works
By Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider

What a novel idea. Instead of creating a spa menu and then hiring therapists to perform the various massages, body scrubs and facials offered, how about hiring the practitioners first and then creating the spa menu to include unique treatments that they have created and perfected?

That's what Sharon Kolkka, the general manager here at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Queensland, Australia decided to do, and it works beautifully. I think it might be a glimpse into the future actually.

I have never seen this done so extensively before. It isn't just a matter of offering a few unique treatments. This is a core part of their philosophy.

You would wonder then, what if a therapist leaves? Well let me tell you, they don't have many leaving because these therapists are so happy doing what they feel called to do and doing it largely the way their healing hands and hearts work best.

The spa menu is printed in a "Kinko's" kind of way, bound with a white spiral so that it can be reprinted quite easily when necessary. And yes there are some generic/standard offerings such as Thai massage, shiatsu, hot stones and a Hydrating Facial, however the "Specialty" section of the spa menu is extensive.

Here are some of the amazing treatments offered:

• Music to My Muscles
• Heavenessence
• Soul Search
• Sound and Stone
• Annoint Chakratherapy

So far I had one therapist who included some chanting in her starting ritual for a Ka Huna Hawaiian massage, with beautiful oils, indigenous dance music, and a dark room with multiple candle clusters. Last evening I joined the group on the floor in the quaint old church, which they had saved from destruction and moved from somewhere in the area to the Gwinganna property. With cushions and blankets, we relaxed on the floor while the practitioner took us through a "Garden of Sound" which included a combination of vibrational music and gongs and singing bowls and drums.

I won't easily forget these magnificent and unique experiences.

Kudos to Sharon who oversees this approach and assures that all of these specialties are done by seasoned practitioners at a "wow" level and the owner Tony de Leede, who has encouraged this novel direction.

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Stay Spa Close to New York City - Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa - Worth the Ride
By Susie Ellis SpaFinder Insider

Last Saturday was a honey-do day for me. Not the melon kind but the "honey do this, honey do that" kind. Peter loves his motorcycles and just loves riding in the beautiful countryside outside of New York City. Although I have done long rides with him in the past (thousands of miles), these days I am only up for shorter rides. And he knows that if there is a spa at the end of the ride, I am more apt to say yes.

So, we decided to check out the new spa at the Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa. It's only about 90 minutes from the city and I had been hearing good things about the place. I even had a chance to mention it to some reporters who are doing stories on "Staycations"...where New Yorkers can stay close to home yet get far away. So off we went on his Boss Hoss motorcycle (it's a bit like a Harley on steroids.)

A quick summary regarding Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa: 70 acres, right on the Hudson, romantic, 13 cozy inn-like guest rooms, new spa with a contemporary eco-building design and some wildlife including chickens who lay the eggs you eat for breakfast. On the other hand...they don't serve dinner (only breakfast and lunch) which would probably be ok if you know that ahead of time. And they do take day spa guests and have lots of weddings and special events. That may make the experience a bit less luxurious but it is a good trade-off because the price is very reasonable.

Although we didn't have time to stay for a spa treatment, I imagine they are excellent. And here is why: what many people don't know is that Buttermilk is owned by the same person who owns the Great Jones Spa in Manhattan. You may have read what I have written in the past in my blog about Great Jones...it is one of my favorite day spas in the city because all the therapists are superb. If they achieve that level of excellence in their spa services at Buttermilk, I think this would be a home run.

Best to go soon...they aren't going to be a secret much longer.

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Advice from Seasoned Spa Consultants

By Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider

Judy Singer and Patti Monteson are spa consultants who I have known for almost 20 years. In fact, they were the first spa consultants I ever met. Their company HFD, Heath Fitness Dynamics, is based in Florida. (Sometimes I wonder if they would select the same name were they starting their consulting company today. Interesting how the term fitness has taken a back seat to the word spa. However, it matters not. They are so successful and have created so many spas that they can use any name they want!)

I met them at one of the early ISPA conferences where they shared some of their research data. It was one of the first times I had ever seen any research from the spa world. It was generous of them to share information they had learned from their years of consulting. Just think, today they have had 20 more than years of consulting experience and have completed literally hundreds of projects! So whenever either of them writes an article or gives a speech, I become a sponge – learning a lot.

A while ago they sent me a link to an article Judy had written called Profitable Spas: Be On-Trend Rather than Trendy. Since we find ourselves in turbulent economic times these days, it seemed like a good time to re-read it and share it with you in case some of their wisdom might apply to your situation. Here is the link so you can read the entire article (which I would recommend).

If you don’t have time for that, here is Judy’s list of 18 trends she feels can help your spa be more marketable and profitable (I’ve added a quick summary):

1. Resort-Based “Hybrid” Spa: Diversify by welcoming resort and day guests, and club members
2. Spas are a Business: Expect and plan for profits
3. Lifestyle, Workstyle and Medical Real Estate: People want to really “live the spa life”
4. Spas are Places of Celebration and Connection: Include spaces for these elements
5. Spa Spot Specialty Areas: Think about creating a “spa on the spot”
6. Spa Anywhere/Everywhere: Add spa-like touches to guest rooms, lobby, pool area, etc.
7. Spa Playgrounds: Go beyond steam, sauna, and whirlpool. Provide interactive elements
8. Spas Need to Offer Service and Not Just Services: Think “Experience makers” and “memory makers” versus order taking
9. Spas Will Go Mainstream: More affordable, more accessible and gender-friendly
10. Male-Friendly Spas: Change the things that make your spa seem less female-oriented
11. Wellness and Completeness: Add education and personal enrichment opportunities
12. Spas Need to be Experience-Driven: Customize and personalize spa treatments to touch all five senses
13. Customize & Personalize: (obvious)
14. Green is Good: Guests want this but don’t inconvenience them
15. Minimize Stress…Keep Things Simple: Shorten menus, be careful about up-charging
16. Welcome the “Spa Virgin”: Help people overcome unknowns like nudity, tipping and guilt
17. Spas as Theater: Think as if you were producing a play
18. Design for a Profitable Experience: Have flexible treatment rooms and a good flow
    

Today I feel inspired by #15. Minimize Stress…Keep Things Simple. Not only is this a good idea in spa menus, but in many other aspects of life.

Hmmm, am thinking a simple baked potato with some toppings tonight for dinner.

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Spa Related Highlights from a Hospitality Forum: Through my Spa Eyes
by Susie Ellis

A few things got my attention at yesterday’s 2008 Leadership in Hospitality & Leisure Executive Forum (an Argyle Executive Forum) which was held here in New York. Some of us “spa-types” were in attendance - Judy Singer, Patti Monteson, and Jeff Kohl – but most were either hotel executives from companies such as Ritz-Carlton, Starwood, Marriott, Loews, Jumeirah, Wyndham, and Disney or financial/investor folks. From my notes, here are a few spa and hotel related highlights. I will elaborate as I have time in future blogs.

• Theatrical hospitality is a new buzzword (I like that)
• Walt Disney is expanding their brand and getting more into hotels and spas (for families, no doubt)
• Hotels need to keep up with consumer expectations – this can often be costly. Currently the big “must have” is the flat screen TV. Next will be the curved shower curtain. (Yep, love those curved shower curtain rods where I don’t have to have my body come in contact with the curtain!)
• Highest growth potential for hotels/resorts/spas currently is in Russia, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Malaysia. (Turkey was the surprise for me on this list)
• A new growth area for hotels and spas which is not yet on people’s radar, is the northern part of Africa (Interesting)

• Blue Harmony “Renew you inner Rhythm” is the spa and fitness program that Wyndham is going to be rolling out. The blue is for water and the name kind of fits with their Gen X positioning. (Wonder if they can execute…)
• Aber and Kent is getting into the Exclusive Resorts arena…interesting idea to have this new product category with a recognized brand name. (Clever)
• Jumeirah wants to help people not feel guilty while enjoying their luxury. (at least they admit it…am sure they aren’t the only ones)
• High touch and good architecture is not so easy for Asia to duplicate quickly. (It’s the high touch part that’s tough with a language barrier)
• Residences are becoming more and more a part of the hotel/resort formula. In fact, I am now seeing brands say they are in the hotel/resort/residence business. (Pardon me while I revert to third grade antics: “I told you so” – hmmm that felt good)
• People are really starting to talk about Gen X. (Makes me think we are right on trend with our switch to the new SpaFinder Interactive Magazine in 6 different languages.)
• Even the people in emerging markets know “what is in.” (The Internet and TV make what’s “in” instantly known)
• The other shoe has dropped in Las Vegas. There were ten projects under construction and now it appears as if the Fountainbleu will be the only one to make it to the finish line at the end of this year. It will cost more than $4 billion, be the tallest hotel on the strip (63 stories), will not have a “theme,” and their 50,000-square-foot spa will be in the sky. (With all that investment, I hope they get the spa right…but time and time again, I see people miss the opportunity to do something extraordinary. Fingers crossed.)

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Spa Lifestyle Real Estate Experiences a Hiccup: Spa Lifestyle Living Still Resonates
by Susie Ellis

Sad news. Canyon Ranch Living Chicago, which was in the design and pre-sale phase, has been cancelled. This article, "End of the Trail", gives some of the details. From the few mentions I could find on the web, it appears that there were insufficient sales of condos and that it fell victim to the current market crunch. Too bad. The design seemed really inspired and I love the idea of "wellness condos."

But timing is a big factor in these kinds of things. What would have worked several years ago - and may very well work several years from now - is struggling today amidst the bad economic news. Who knows, it may have been the size of the project, the price point, the location, or maybe the marketing plan that didn't work. And I can't help but wonder if the condo project was kept alive longer than it might have been because of its unique spa aspect.

One thing I am convinced about, however, is that the idea of spa lifestyle real estate is here to stay and it will find its ideal expression as time goes on. Canyon Ranch Living in Miami looks to be a successful project - as does Miraval Living in New York. Red Mountain keeps building more residences because of the demand and our spa real estate section on Spafinder.com keeps growing.

This situation reminds me a bit of the time when the internet bubble burst. Remember? The bubble grew from approximately 1995 - 2001 and then it "burst" and share prices fell dramatically. The pendulum swung from being gung-ho regarding the Internet to doom and gloom. I remember noticing only one person during the "down" time who kept saying, "don't worry about it. The future of the Internet is still so amazing that even with this "correction" there will be huge upsides and the Internet world will continue to grow exponentially." That person was my husband. In time, he was proven correct.

Alas...I feel the same way about setbacks in the evolution of spa lifestyle real estate. To me it is a two steps forward and one step back kind of thing. The fundamentals are just too compelling: aging baby boomers who are reaching retirement age, who value their health and well-being above almost anything else and who have money (much of it inherited) to spend. We also have a younger generation embracing the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) lifestyle and wanting to raise their families in a healthy environment.

Real estate with spa components is here to stay.

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Spas and Sleep Health: A Sizzling Hot Topic in Spas and Beyond
by Susie Ellis
You know that something is a "hot" topic when it comes to you from many different angles at around the same time. Here are three things that came across my desk in the past 48 hours:

1. “Great Reads: Nonfiction,” People Magazine, April 7, 2008

It isn't every day that my People Magazine reading alerts me to a book that is useful for my work. However, when I saw this positive mention for Gayle Greene's new book, Insomniac, and a mention that it is the last book you ever need to read about sleep, I went right to my computer and ordered it.

2. This morning, I received a press release with this headline: "NEW YORK STATE HOTELS AND INNS HELP GUESTS GET A RESTFUL NIGHT DURING NATIONAL BETTER SLEEP MONTH." It seems there are a variety of hotels offering packages and products to guests in May for Better Sleep Month. These are "designed to celebrate the healthy quality of life difference that only a good night's sleep can provide."

3. Also this morning I received an urgent message from Cassandra at our SpaFinder Europe office stating that one of the big papers is doing a story on sleep health and wants me to comment. Their questions included: Is sleep really 'the new wellness frontier'? Why are spas suddenly taking sleep so seriously? Which spas in the UK do you recommend for Insomniacs?

Even though we at SpaFinder predicted sleep health as a top spa trend for 2007 and again in 2008 as it relates to weight loss, I wasn't prepared for such a groundswell of interest. The more I learn, the more I am convinced that this pillar of health will become of even greater importance and interest to all of us in the future. Researchers are just beginning to understand this part of our lives in which we spend almost 1/3 of our time.

Stay tuned!

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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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Power Plate Fitness Equipment in Spas and Clubs. Hype or Hot?
By Susie Ellis

During my vacation I got to spend a bit more time at the gym and decided to try out a new piece of equipment they just added - the Power Plate!

I have seen the Power Plate at many trade shows recently and in several gyms in Europe. I have also read that celebrities like Madonna, Sting, and several professional sports teams were using it with great enthusiasm. I have to admit I was a bit dubious when I first started seeing and reading about the Power Plate and its vibration technology. It reminded me of another piece of vibrating equipment I had witnessed many years ago when I first started my career in the spa industry. It was the mid-70’s at the Golden Door in California and, yes, there were vibrating belts in the gym. They were popular with the female guests - including the Gabor sisters who would spend what seemed like hours with the belt around their hips and thighs jiggling away while chatting or even reading a book. When vibrator belts went out of style due to unsubstantiated weight loss claims, it was certainly fine with me.

But positive talk about vibration surfaced again when mini-trampolines emerged onto the scene (often used in fitness classes) in the 1980’s and today we are hearing about the vibration technology of the Power Plate – or similar products with different names. Their story seems pretty compelling. Apparently this technology was developed by a Russian scientist for cosmonauts as whole-vibration training and was used to prevent muscles and bones from wasting away while in space. Later it was used by Russian ballet dances and their elite Olympic athletes with very positive results. Research showed that regular use can improve bone density.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Power Plate, there is a photo to the right. The device has a large plate that vibrates in a specific motion 30 to 50 times per second. The idea is that the vibration forces muscle contractions – kind of like dynamic tension exercise. Your body feels the instability and strives to stabilize by tensing the muscles. It takes very little concentration on your part and is in actuality a fairly pleasant sensation. You are supposed to spend between 10 and 30 minutes on the equipment, alternating between various exercise positions and resting in between.

So I decided to ask for a session with Stephanie, a personal trainer and the gym’s director, who had fortunately just taken a very thorough training program. She was able to demonstrate a myriad of exercises, explain some of the science, and help me do a short workout.

I have to say that I was impressed. Not only did I learn about the vast amount of muscle groups that can be worked through the exercises, but I have to admit that I was actually tired at the end of the few minutes of my vibration workout. During one exercise – push-ups with my feet on the floor and arms on the plate to work the arms and chest – I was positively convinced that this was doing much more than my regular push-ups do for me.

We will of course all learn more as time goes on….but if I had to predict whether this Power Plate equipment is here to stay, I would have to say yes. Not as a substitute, but as an addition to a well rounded exercise program that includes strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. I think that the aging baby boomer concerned about bone density will want to add this to their exercise routine.

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SpaFinder’s Hot Spa Trends for 2008!
By Susie Ellis

Buzz Words: New Spa Gyms, Star Therapists, Wellness, Luxury Detox, Spa Real Estate, Sleep, Spa and Weight-loss, Fertility and Spa, Hydro and Thermal Spa Experiences, Urban Ethnic Spas, Spa and Technology.

This week is Trend Week at SpaFinder! We released the findings of our year-long studies on emerging trends for the spa industry. The links below will take you to the SpaFinder Insider, which was emailed to industry professionals who have signed up to receive this email newsletter. In it, I outlined each of the top 10 Spa Trends for 2008.

SpaFinder Insider on Trends

I am also giving you a link to the press release that went to the media. As there is always a flurry of media interest in our trends, do let me know if you have spotted an example of one of them (perhaps you have experienced a fertility spa or know of an urban ethnic spa “gem”) or you are a spa which is an example of one of these trends.

SpaFinder Global Trends Press Release

For a quick snapshot….here are SpaFinder's 10 Spa Trends to Watch in 2008!

The "Feng Shui'd" Gym
A Star (Therapist) Is Born
Wellness, Wellness, Wellness
Luxury Detox and Luxury Bootcamps
Spa Real Estate Mania
Taking Sleep Seriously... Especially if you Want to Lose Weight
Fertility Tranquility
Hydro and Thermal Super-Experiences
Urban Spa Explorer
Plug-in or Unplug: It's up to You

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Nap Spa, Sleep Spa, Yelo Spa: Napping in New York City - $24 for 40 minutes
by Susie Ellis

Ever since SpaFinder and Yelo were mentioned in the same New York Times article, I have been wanting to give Yelo - the nap spa - a try. Late last year when we came out with our list of top 10 spa trends for 2007, "Sleep Health Added to Spa Menus" was at the top of our list. And coincidentally (or not) Yelo was just opening. Yelo is a place in Manhattan where you can go for some quick r & r. Basically they offer foot reflexology and naps - in a kind of sleep cab, equipped with a special sleep chair designed for the most comfortable sleep position, music and lighting, all perfectly conducive to sleep.

Here is my report:
It was late Sunday afternoon as I rushed in a cab to get to my nap before Yelo closed. No one was available for foot reflexology because "they were all booked" which in spa-speak usually means "we don't have enough therapists." Indeed that seemed to be the case...but understandable since they just started opening on Sundays. I paid $18 for a 30 minute nap (and was told if I wanted to extend it I could). So I went to sleep cabin number 3 with the attendant and sat in the chair. She gave me a choice of music - or no music - or white noise. I choose a dreamy kind of music, she put a cashmere blanket over my legs, checked my temperature and adjusted the chair so that my knees were bent and my legs were slightly elevated above my torso. She is turned out the lights and let me know I will be awakened gradually with a simulated sunrise.

It takes me time to relax....my mind is wandering, thinking about the financials of this concept, whether or not I chose the right music, etc. Before I knew it, 30 minutes had passed and the sunrise light is coming up and I have only slept a few minutes. I asked for an extension and also for a music change to white noise. As soon as she closed the door, turned the music off, and added white noise, I noticed I was falling asleep almost instantly. 15 minutes and another sunrise later I meandered back to the front desk, payed for my extra nap, perused the retail area(which had various sleep aid products) before heading out to the sound of mid-town Manhattan.

Bottom line? Clever concept. Has possibilities. Could do more for sleep health. Anticipate expansion in other big cities. Not sure how profitable it is.

It will be fun to watch if the sleep cabs catches on...clearly sleep health is an important issue and there certainly have been times (like in airports or at work) when I would love to crawl into a sleep cab for a few minutes.

As promised here are my thoughts regarding the presentations by the various vendors at the ISPA media event. Tomorrow I will talk about the research that was presented.

25 spas had booths each showcasing something special. I think that 25 might be a tad too many as I wasn’t able to get around to see everything despite staying the entire time from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. I suppose I could have gone more quickly but everyone’s booth seems to have interesting ways to keep you engaged. Here is what stood out to me:

1. Since Spa Finder predicted the sleep health trend for 2007 it was especially gratifying to see Sundara Inn & Spa's presentation since they really have made sleep health a cornerstone of their program! Sundara Inn & Spa brought in one of their famous featherbeds dressed with great sheets, duvet, pillows, etc. They were showcasing their new “Insomnia Relief Dream Facial” – an 80 minute facial with massage that relieves tension especially around the jaw. The guest can then sleep right where they are for another 30 minutes – or all night if they are in their room.

Sundara also gave out a little booklet titled, “Longing…for a good night’s sleep” which includes tips and testimonials from their hundreds of guests who write them saying things like “I don’t think we’ve slept that well since our son was born,” “The bed itself is worth the trip,Sinc” etc.

2. Since they had a Harley in their booth (and my hubby is a major motorcycle fan as you can see from recent posts), Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa got my attention. They now have a 40% men/60% women split of clientele which is great. (Most spas are more like 30%/70% and many day spas 20%/80% men to women.)

3. The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa had someone doing handwriting analysis and they gave out a beautiful journal. The analyst was quite accurate saying, among other things, that I am a detail person. (As my husband says, that’s a blessing and a curse.)

4. Mandarin Oriental, Miami demonstrated a massage with a bamboo stalk, tuning forks, and gem stones. I liked the idea of the bamboo stalk but it seemed like matching it with tuning forks and gem stones put a bit too much into the soup. The bamboo stalk massage could have stood on its own in my opinion.

5. Montage Resort & Spa presented its signature Surrender Retreat, a Personal Journey. They’ve been doing that for years now but you can’t argue with success. They are the only spa to have received the five star diamond award 2 years in a row. Kudos that they invest so much in their therapist training.

6. Spa of Colonial Williamsburg was interesting because I learned that Sylvia Sepielli created their treatment menu along the lines of various centuries. Since the spa used to be a museum, each century has a unique treatment. I always love the way Sylvia creates interesting spas and menus.

All in all, if someone were to ask me what trends I was seeing, I would say that there were a lot of “customized” treatments. This seems in line with what spas are really about… meeting individual needs.

I wonder if I will begin seeing the term “Bespoke” replace customized in the future. Bespoke is an old term used in tailoring which refers to something being customized exactly for you. I see this quite often now on European spa menus.

And in terms of future trends, I think the Willow Stream Spas at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts were right on the money – literally. They showcased a luxurious and expensive facial using real gold leaf as well as a “Generosity Massage” with proceeds going to a local charity.

Sleep Well, Siesta Time. That was the name of the class on the Rancho La Puerta schedule at 2:00pm on Monday and Tuesday. I was so glad to see it, since the issue of healthy sleep was one of the top trends we predicted for 2007. But what I liked about this class in particular was the timing; after lunch is a great time because our body rhythms tell us that this is an ideal time for a nap (or since we were in Mexico - a siesta). In a few months they are going to have couple’s specialty weeks featuring a sleep sanctuary class with Robert deStefano from Sleep Garden. Sort of “sleep intensive!"Then when I got back to my office in New York, I was reading through some of the latest spa press releases and noticed that the Qua Baths and Spa at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas has announced some of their special classes coming up; once again, one was a wellness series on sleep health. Wow, in Las Vegas no less! What a great contribution our industry could make if every spa would emphasize sleep as one of the pillars of health. It would also save a lot of money in health care costs and even lives. So many car and industrial (think Exon Valdez) accidents happen because of sleep deprivation.

I had the privilege of flying down to Greenville, South Carolina on a private plane Friday with the guys from Cliffs Communities. They have been wanting Peter and me to see their wellness communities ever since we all first met.

I think it was about two years ago when I was in my office working late one evening when I received a call from someone who turned out to be a very nice southern gentleman asking me some questions about spa lifestyle real estate - an up and coming trend Spa Finder had just identified. He told me a bit about what the Cliffs Communities was doing and how his father, Jim Anthony, had this passion for health and wellness, and had begun a program called ZestQuest which assisted kids in area schools with becoming more fit. He went on to explain that although they were famous for their six golfing communities set among the Carolina Preserve, they were increasingly putting more and more emphasis on wellness facilities and activities for their communities.

I shared with him some of the research Spa Finder had conducted, showing how aging baby boomers were attracted to these spa-lifestyle living communities and how major areas of interest were outdoor hiking and biking trails, organized activities and healthy nutrition, all to be enjoyed with other like-minded people. It seemed like their research showed very much the same thing. I learned that the lots and homes in their communities were selling briskly and that the wellness aspect had become a major draw. It was the beginning of what has now become a great business partnership and a delightful friendship.

Sitting in the Citation, which they use routinely to fly interested clients to South Carolina, I was really looking forward to seeing the blue ridge mountains, the dense greenery and bountiful lakes which their gorgeous collateral material showcases. I had spent some time in this very area about 15 years ago and remember it fondly. I also knew that most people who the Cliffs' fly down to South Carolina end up buying a home or lot, and was hoping that Peter wouldn't get impulsive - which he is known to do at times - as I was not ready to have yet one more reason to travel.

I was in for a real adventure.

Another interesting tidbit came out of our L.A. press breakfast on the topic of the latest spa trends. In addition to sharing Spa Finder’s predicted top ten spa trends of the year for the U.S. in general, I presented some specific information from the current area. We talked about the hot trend in L.A. of moms and babies going to spas together.

One writer for a yoga publication (who brought her eight-month-old!) shared her recent experience at a mommy and baby yoga class with 40 other women. What she found fascinating is that during much of the session there were many babies fussing, as you would expect when there are 40 in the room. But at one point the instructor asked all the moms to join her in a slow and lengthy chant of “ommmmm." Every single baby became quiet. Amazing what powerful transformations can happen in these settings.

Yesterday morning's press breakfast in Santa Monica on the terrace of Exhale's new spa was great fun. I especially enjoy these major-city breakfasts we sometimes hold because all the writers and reporters in attendance are really interested in the topic of spa. Many of the members of the press who were there have had a lot of experience visiting and writing about spas.

I shared in detail the top Spa Trends that Spa Finder predicted for 2007. Much of what I had to say was about the number-one trend for this year - spas adding sleep health to their menus. I shared some of the recent data from sleep scientists as well as a list of what various spas are doing currently - and what a few have in the works for later this year in terms of helping clients improve the quality of their sleep. I think the press found this trend - as well as the other nine I referenced - fascinating, as I saw them take copious notes.

But the most fun moment for me came later that evening. I was watching ABC News with Charles Gibson at the home of my host and friend, Carol Karlin, when a special segment came on about...You'll never guess the topic! The value of sleep for losing weight. The timing could not have been better. And yes, I had a sweet sleep last night in the knowledge that we are truly "on trend" and that this important aspect of health and well-being is going to be receiving a great deal more visibility and emphasis. As it should.

Well, I just finished a quick video interview for NBC as part of a story they are doing on spa services such as the BlackBerry Hand Massage. They are trying to ascertain whether or not this is a trend. Since we had the BlackBerry Hand Massage as part of our "Hot and Getting Hotter List," it was easy for me to confirm that we do see this as a trend.

Preparing for the interview gave me a chance to read up on RSI (repetitive stress injuries) and to take a look at what spas are doing to address some of these technology-related maladies. I found names such as "tech neck," "BlackBerry thumb," and "iPod finger." Some of the more progressive spas out there are indeed offering treatments to help clients suffering from these problems.

It's fascinating how widespread (and expensive!) these injuries have gotten. Here is a quote I found astonishing: "Repetitive musculoskeletal injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome have become the nation's leading workplace health cost. RSI represents 62% of all North American WC claims and result in nearly $15-20 billion in lost work time and Workers Compensation claims each year." That's from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

And I think this is just the beginning…..

Heading to the Monaco Spa Event. After a mad dash to the airport for my 7:15 p.m. flight and trying to catch up on emails on my Treo (right up until the time the door of the plane closed - OK, and a few minutes beyond), it's finally time to wind down. I love long flights for just that reason - and in a way the longer the better. I'm guessing we had tail winds because the flight was only 5.5 hours. Bummer… They woke us around one a.m. for the transfer from London to Nice.

I have added one more reason (to my growing list) of why spas should offer sleep health programs, one of my Top 10 Spa Trends for 2007. The guy in front of me on the airplane put his seat all the way back, strapped on a pair of sleeping blinders, and fell asleep. Just a few minutes later he began to snore - loudly. It was absolutely dreadful. The man sitting next to him got up and moved as the rest of us tried to muffle the sound with headsets/music/tv - anything. I couldn't help noticing that the snorer was overweight and appeared to be breathing irregularly. Clearly a potential sleep apnea case.

This situation reminded me of my friend Rick Aidekman (he and his wife Ellen own the beautiful Cornelia Day Resort in Manhattan). Rick was diagnosed with sleep apnea at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires about eight months ago. He is now using a small breathing apparatus and reports that his life has changed dramatically for the better. He has lost a lot of weight, the color in his face is restored, and he is no longer exhausted during the day. If more people would take the time to be tested and treated for sleep disorders, not only would they experience personal health benefits, but neighbors on airplanes would also not have to endure being terribly inconvenienced during a lengthy international flight.

Bob Henry, award-winning architect and author of Spa: The Sensuous Experience (and personal friend), recommended a bodyworker named Gary Wohlman a few months ago. Since Bob is "in the know," I decided to give Gary a try.

My session with Gary last night began with his specialized form of Deep Tissue Body Sculpting, which he described as having three parts: Creative Release, Emotional Release, and Physical Release. According to Gary, these steps respectively represent the concepts of "fine tuning," "retraining the patterns," and "freeing the stress."

What a great example of the Spa Fusion Trend we predicted as one of our Top Ten Spa Trends for 2007. Gary has fused massage, breath work, and verbal affirmations. While he did the deep massage and affirmations, I did the breath work; we continued this pattern throughout the entire hourlong session.

Results? Well, I can't say I love having to take such an active role by breathing a certain way with every stroke, visualizing the sun rising, water flowing, anxiety releasing, etc., when I would rather lie there like a blob and nod off. However, I have to say that not only did I feel as though I could perform ballet after the session, but I also slept well and felt more energetic this morning than I have in a long time.

As you probably know, Spa Finder issues an annual forecast of spa trends. While we have already issued our Top Ten Spa Trends for 2007, at the beginning of January I like to review all of the trends we are tracking at Spa Finder and share with you a few more of the buzzwords that made it to our "Hot" and "Getting Hotter" list for the upcoming year. Here they are!

HOT..............................................................................GETTING HOTTER
Fitness Boot Camp................................................................................................Sleep Boot Camp
Metrosexual................................................................................................................Metrospiritual
Pilates....................................................................................................................................Kinesis
Power Yoga..................................................................................................................Power Plate
Medical Spas..........................................................................................................Medical Tourism
Mommy Spa..................................................................................................Mommy and Baby Spa
Body Work..................................................................................................................Energy Work
Sauna.......................................................................................................................Infrared Sauna
Extreme Detox....................................................................................................Comfortable Detox
Facial.............................................................................................................................Body Facial
Topical Skin Care.............................................................................................Ingestible Skin Care
Retreats at Destination Spas....................................................................Retreats at Resort Spas
Book Vacation Online....................................................................................Book Massage Online
Variable Prices for Airlines.........................................................Variable Prices for Spa Services
Ayurveda.................................................................................TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Personal Jacuzzi.............................................................................................Social Hydrotherapy Warm/Hot/Cold Bath.................................................................Tepidarium, Caldarium, Frigidarium
Flourescent-Lighted Gym ...................................................................................Feng Shui'd Gym
Spa Communities................................................................................ Spa Communities with Kids
Spa Brands....................................................................................................Brands Adding Spas
Computer Neck Massage......................................................................Blackberry Hand Massage
Green..................................................................................................................................Greener
Anti-Aging.......................................................................................................................Aging Well
Living........................................................................................................................Inspired Living


I would love to hear feedback from those who read my blog! Please post a comment by clicking on the link below that reads "Comments."

Happy New Year to everyone. Like all of us, I think about making some improvements in my personal life at this time of year. This year’s resolutions include eating more healthfully, exercising more, and getting more quality sleep. I thought it might be interesting to see what the statistics say regarding New Year’s resolutions.

ACNielsen, a global research group, surveyed consumers in 46 countries and found the following results for their top three New Year resolutions for 2007:

1) Striking a better balance between work and play
2) Exercising more
3) Avoiding disastrous relationships – detoxing in more intimate parts of life

Those were the global results. In addition, 33% of people in the U.S. mentioned going on a diet. Eating more natural and organic food was another popular resolution.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, then, that January is one of the top months for spa inquiries. We tracked a record number of emailed booking inquiries through Spafinder.com for yesterday alone. And when you look at the list of popular New Year’s resolutions, it is crystal-clear why people look for spas at this time of year!

USA Today shared Gerald Celente's (Trends Journal) predictions of the top trends for 2007 in yesterday's issue. Interesting that one of those trends is the same as what Spa Finder predicted for 2007 - a rise in medical tourism.



Here is how the Trends Journal describes medical tourism:



"American consumers will be "globetrotting to find the best prices for the best medical care," seeking out overseas doctors to perform procedures not readily available or not covered by insurance. Celente calls this "medical outsourcing."



Here is how Spa Finder described the same trend in last month's press release:



"In 2007, more and more people will travel to another city, state or country for medical spa experiences, creating a new trend: medical tourism. A range of new technologies will attract these medical tourists - DNA analysis, for example, and new generations of anti-aging medicines, injectables and lasers. But another big draw will be cost. Squeezed by domestic health care costs, many Americans are going online and discovering global destinations that offer cutting-edge medical procedures for a fraction of the cost ... often in beautiful, culturally rich locales like Bangkok, South Africa and India, to name a few."


I think that when a trend gets noticed both inside and outside the spa industry, we can be quite sure that this trend is gathering steam.

Sunday’s New York Times (December 12) ran a short, somewhat humorous piece, entitled “Spa Trends: Goodbye Pampering, Hello Rehab.” Jennifer Colin poked some fun at Spa Finder’s top spa trends for 2007, in which we predicted a new emphasis on healthy sleep at spas, detox programs, retreats, medical tourism, spa lifestyle communities with kids, bottom-line considerations, social spa-ing, and words such as "green," "beauty inside out and outside in," and "spa fusion." Apparently, it all seemed a bit too strenuous for her.

I will give her credit for her point, however. For people who are not very familiar with the spa world, it might be a bit overwhelming to think that all these things are now available at spas. After all, we know that the number-one reason people go to spas is to relax and de-stress. That list of trends might not sound very relaxing!

So let me correct the perception. Spas are still about relaxing and de-stressing – even pampering and taking baths – but they are also about a whole lot more. The trends we see are making it that much more worthwhile to go to a spa.

I have gotten hooked on a few reality shows over the past years, but the only one on my TiVo list this season was The Biggest Loser. Even if you haven't been following it, you will probably come across something about last night's finale today. It was quite extraordinary.

The winner was Erik from New York. He lost 214 pounds in about eight months. What amazed me was how fit and healthy he looked - trim, muscular, energized. The footage of him when he started at more than 400 pounds, with high blood pressure (which you could see in his face) and diabetes (with which he was diagnosed during the filming of the show), was such a contrast to the man he had become at the end. It brought tears to my eyes.

Something else that struck me about the program is that all of the people who were "on the ranch" for the four months lost a great deal of weight. The show's formula really works: exercise, nutrition, education and motivation from leadership, and forming a community among the participants. Their format is so much like some of the destination spas (pure spa settings) I know.

Last year, we started getting calls at our Spa Finder office from people wanting to know where "the ranch" was so that they could sign up and go. Well, we have learned that "the ranch" is in California, and it is only "made for TV." But thankfully there are destination spas.

It's been kind of a baby-focus week for me. Our Executive VP Technology, Daniel Lizio-Katzen, and his wife Noa had a baby boy they named Enzo. The day before I left for Thanksgiving in California, I had lunch with my friend Heidi who has just teamed up with Julie of Maternal Fitness to add the Spa Bebe program. She gave me a tour of the space where I was able to see how they welcome mothers-to-be, as well as new mothers and mothers and babies.

Then a few days ago I was contacted by a TV news program regarding a piece they are considering doing on Mommy and Babies at spas.

Although I have been following this trend since it came on the scene when the Greenhouse destination spa in Texas announced their first Mommy and Baby week in 2002, it was fun to brush up on how it has developed.

One of the newest spas on the scene is Baby Spa at Skin Spa in Encino, California which had its grand opening this month. Apparently it is a new business venture for Jonathan Baker - the Amazing Race contestant - who had a baby with wife Victoria Fuller just last month. I do like the names of some of their classes: in addition to the more traditional Infant Massage, Mommy and Baby Yoga they have Baby Sign Language, Belly Bonding, Kindermusick, Princess Ballet, Broadway Tots, Storeytime, etc.

Let me know what other programs you are coming across for mommies and babies. It seems like such a fun trend.

Yesterday I flew from New York to Palm Springs for a few days of Thanksgiving vacation. I had some time en route to catch up on reading. Mostly I read spa press releases, industry magazines, and articles people brought to my attention. My favorite from yesterday's batch was this article from the LA Times titled, "Rest: It's required. Adequate sleep is as crucial to a healthy life as diet and exercise, researchers are finding." Written by Susan Brink and published last month, the article seemed appropriate for perusal on my way to a vacation. And it made me smile, since the sleep factor was one of our predicted trends for spas in 2007. Since you might be having a few days off this week (or especially if you aren't), take a moment and read about the value of a good night's sleep.

Impressive. Clinique La Prairie Spa will be opening a 50-story residential tower in Miami next year called Ten Museum Park, which they term "a revolutionary evolution of spa living." I may have to agree with them. If they execute their plan according to current available information, I think it will be very appealing for a very specific audience.

What I like about this concept is that it seems as though they really know their customer. The famous Swiss company, known for its spa and its beauty products, is endeavoring to create a haven for that luxury, spa loving, beauty-oriented consumer. After 75 years of pampering kings, queens, heads of state, and movie stars at their spa in Switzerland, they should be able to satisfy those who purchase residences at this address. Here are the highlights:

• Sensational water views
• Opposite the new Miami Art Museum
• Famous Clinique La Prairie amenities in all condos, penthouses, and suites
• State-of-the-art Wellness Center on eighth and ninth floors
• Six pools including infinity-edge sunrise and sunset pools
• Forward-thinking Oppenheim Architecture + Design firm
• 25,000-square-foot sky garden with fruit trees and tropical vegetation
• Water water everywhere - views, pools, sounds
• 10,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor restaurant for residents and neighboring performing arts devotees
• Beauty-related businesses on lower floors
• Exclusive nightclub and lounge
• Massage, beauty care, thalasso, VIP cabins
• Hammam, Vichy shower and myriad electro, micro, and chromo treatments
• Proprietary beauty and health technology
• "Endless pampering, Swiss perfection, and service"

In typical European fashion they didn't mention anything about fitness in their press release, but thankfully I found a mention of cardio and fitness facilities on their website. Clearly, beauty is the focus here.

You may have noticed that this is becoming a regular Friday feature on my blog. I've decided that sharing with you spa news of interest might offer additional information that you find helpful. What you may not know is that I select the news to share with you out of a barrage of incoming items and that the headlines are altered somewhat to make them more useful to you. My hope is that this will save you time. By simply scanning the headlines posted here each week, you can keep up with what is going on. If you want to read more on a topic, just click on the link.

I hope you find it helpful. Please let me know if you have other suggestions for our spa news digest.

Exclusive Prada Face and Body Treatments Offered at Ritz-Carlton Spas
Hotel Spa Industry Grows to Meet Demand
Breast Tissue Donors Receive Free Treatment at Indiana's Ology Spa
Indian-Wells-Based Spa Resorts Offer Affordable California Getaways
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Launches Pet Massage Program
North American Spas Offer Holiday-Themed "Edible" Treatments
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru Now Open
Spa Vinotherapie Caudalie Espana Debuts in Northern Spain
Barcalo Maya Beach Resort in Mexico Will Open New Spa
EcoTulum Resorts & Spa in Mexico Promotes Toy Distribution for Disadvantaged Children
Bangkok's S Medical Spa Embodies New Trend of Medical Tourism

Yesterday marked an annual event I always look forward to: Our announcement of Spa Finder's “Trends to Watch for” in the upcoming year. This is the fourth consecutive year for which we have issued a spa trend “prediction” report. We always do a press release as well as one of my “Spa Finder Insiders” in which we explain each of the trends. To make this really easy for you, here is the press release and a rundown of the ten trends discussed.

1) Sleep - A New Dawn in Spa Health
Healthy sleep is being added to spa programs, inspired by the emerging field of sleep medicine, which has revealed that sleep has a profound effect on appearance, weight, and well-being - and that we, as a nation, are dangerously sleep-deprived.

2) Detox
As the culture continues to identify more "toxins" - such as dietary no-no's, stress, and environmental pollution - look for more people to turn to spas for a range of detox solutions, including relaxation, all-organic diets, sweating (exercise, steams and saunas), and the purging of emotional baggage through one-on-one or group therapy work.

3) Spa Retreats - On the March
Resorts and hotels are getting into the retreat business, adding specialty programs or special accommodations that appeal to their past guests - in effect becoming "destination spas" for a period of time.

4) Medical Tourism - In Search of Affordable Health
Squeezed by domestic health care costs, many Americans are going online and discovering global destinations that offer cutting-edge medical procedures for a fraction of the cost ... often in beautiful, culturally rich locales like Bangkok, South Africa and India, to name a few.

5) Move into a Spa Lifestyle Community...and Bring the Kids
Recognizing the growing priority among parents on raising their children in an active, healthful, communal environment (and avoiding the growing problems of childhood obesity and diabetes), more spa lifestyle communities will offer structured outdoor/exercise activities and healthy eating options just for children.

6) The Bottom Line Becomes a Top-Line Consideration
More spa trends in the New Year - such as destaffed spa treatments and revenue management - will be driven by the bottom line, which will play an ever-larger role in shaping the competitive landscape and determining what the industry will offer.

7) Social Spa-ing
In 2007, the search for spa solitude will be trumped by the natural desire for community and a growing awareness that social interaction is an important aspect of health.

8) How Green Is My Spa?
Consumers are now factoring in a spa's green commitment when they choose a spa, and they're looking for a spa that does more than just recycle and offer organic food.

9) Beauty Inside-Out and Outside-In
The spa industry will continue to lead innovation in skincare with new technologies and programs that recognize that beauty is much more than skin deep. Consumers will become more aware of anti-aging foods rich in antioxidants - such as berries, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, and nuts - as well as a new generation of clinically enhanced skincare products.

10) Spa Fusion
Look for more combined modalities that are even more beneficial than the sum of their parts, such as Thai massage (a fusion of yoga stretches and massage), Watsu (water and shiatsu), wellness (well-being and fitness) and yogalates (yoga and pilates).

Eco-Conscious Resort and Spa Beginning Construction in Vietnam
The Christina O, Legendary Luxury Motor Yacht, Unveils Six Senses Spa
Platinum Hotel and Spa Opens in Vegas
Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Readies for December Debut
N Reagan Spa Partners with Delray Beach Marriott
$20 Million Renovation of Colorado's Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Will Add Water-Focused Spa
KSL Resorts Acquires The Homestead and Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Costa Blanca Rapidly Becoming Spain's Spa Capital
Spa Real Estate Grows in Visibility
Spa Condos Planned for Galveston, Texas
Evian Spa by Three Becomes First Clarins Partner Spa in China
Dominican Republic Will Host Caribbean Spa Expo in December
Woodhouse Day Spa in Laredo, Texas, Offers Special Night for Breast Cancer Survivors
Calgary's Newbury Spa Joins the Fight Against Breast Cancer


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Miraval Living is getting ready to launch. I have been hearing bits and pieces regarding Miraval opening something in New York for quite some time now. The PR office for Miraval confirms that the pieces are finally coming together. Next week, there will be an "official" announcement, and I think it will cause quite a bit of buzz.

Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 515 72nd Street, this high rise of residences available for purchase will redefine the notion of living the spa lifestyle. Check out their website and take a look at the renderings. In particular, I like the look of the private garden area. And the section that explains "A Week in the Life of a Resident at Miraval Living" gives a good sense of how this lifestyle translates into reality. Click "Inspired Living," then "Miraval Moments."

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Luxury Spa Resort Will Open in Southern Utah
Life Enrichment Day Spa Opens in Ohio Retirement Center
Lapli Spa Opens at St. Lucia's Discovery at Marigot Bay
Maia Spa Opens in the Seychelles
New York's Turning Stone Resort and Casino Features New Spa
Six Senses Spa Opens at PuntaCana Resort & Club, Dominican Republic
Shangri-La Hotel Will Debut in Abu Dhabi in February
Oceanfront Spa Condominium Planned in the Florida Keys
The Peninsula Bangkok Launches The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
New Owner Renames and Relocates Kentucky's Genesis Medical Spa
Barton Creek Resort and Spa Sold
Study Shows Australian Spa Market Expanding by 129%

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Spa May Open in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Shizen Spa in the Cosmopolitan Toronto Hotel Offers Urban Weekend Spa Retreat
Wailea Beach Marriott Begins $60 Million Renovation
Angsana Spa Emirates Hills Opens in Dubai
Spa Opens in Singapore's Changi Airport
Completely Renovated Exhale Spa Reopens in New York City
Ireland's Park Hotel Kenmare Adds Spa Residential Retreats
Playa Hotels & Resorts, S.L., Purchases the Gran Costa Real Resort & Spa Cancun
Steiner Leisure Limited Announces Buyout of Remaining Term of Its Spa at the One & Only Palmilla
Construction of Dam in Turkey Threatens World's Oldest Thermal Spa
Aqua Bodywork Now Available at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
Laguna Beach's Montage Resort Now Offers a Retreat for "Expectant Couples"
Wedding and Event Venue Opens at Conrad Bali Resort & Spa

I would love to hear feedback from those who read my blog! Please post a comment by clicking on the link below that reads "Comments."

Salon and Spa Bellagio had 19 stylists working in the salon the weekend I was there - all the girls have hair extensions. Beautiful girls and beautiful hair. Interesting to know that the salon at Bellagio does tons of hair extensions (at about $2,000 for the procedure). Seems popular with the Vegas crowd.

While in Vegas Sallie and I wanted to take a peak at the new Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace. The spa was scheduled to open in the fall, but now it looks like the opening will be in the last quarter of the year. Although not ready for the pre-announced fall opening, Jennifer, the very bright spa director, was gracious in giving us a hard-hat tour.

Highlights included the various baths labeled caldarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium - the same terms used in ancient Rome. A tea room in both the men's and women's lounge areas is also a unique and nice touch - I think it will be more popular with women than men. Qua's concept of "Social Spa-ing" is also fresh and right on trend.

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Off to Las Vegas for Virtuoso Travel Mart - the exciting (and exhausting) week where Virtuoso travel agents and Virtuoso property management meet. Sallie and I were there to train 50 Virtuoso agents to become spa travel specialists. Our sold-out session became "oversold" as 60 agents came to hear what's new in the spa world.

We ended the three-hour training with a tour of the stunning Spa Bellagio, which spans more than 65,000 square feet following the recent remodel. Always fun to find out what's hot in Vegas spa treatments...at Spa Bellagio it is Ashiatsu, in which therapists massage clients with their feet while holding onto bars that are attached to the ceiling. The other hot trend is hair extensions...More about that later.

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Yesterday I received a request from a reporter asking about casino spas (specifically about why Spa Finder added a Casino Spa category on its website). A colleague, Nikita, and I worked on our response. After we sent it she suggested that I post it on my blog, as she thought others would find it interesting. So here goes…

For a long time gambling and spas have co-existed. As far back as the 19th century, the French, English, Germans, and Russians all had stylish spas with casinos. Even when Saratoga in New York developed, the hot springs were not the only attraction – a casino was built right in the middle of town. And on the West Coast, the Palm Springs Casino Hotel was built on top of a large hot spring. People would gamble and then go downstairs for a hot springs bath.

I remember when Las Vegas was not about spas. The Vegas culture was all about gambling, eating, heavy drinking, late night partying, etc. When it came time for recovery, pleasure too was paramount. So some hotels had steam rooms, whirlpools, and massages (Caesars Palace for example) where people were nurtured back to health so they could hit the tables again as quickly as possible.

Then Elaine and Steve Wynn, who had been frequent guests at the Golden Door and loved spas, decided to add an elaborate spa facility to their Nugget hotel. Jackpot. It worked! They then went on to build the Mirage, where the spa was part of the initial blueprint and, of course, the rest is history. It became clear that not only were the spas popular with casino lovers, but they were also a great option for those who accompanied others to Las Vegas for business or pleasure.

In time, every major Vegas hotel that existed added a spa, and new hotels and resorts under construction today all include elaborate spas. These spas have tremendous appeal because of their massive size and extravagant design. Atlantic City is just now beginning to follow.

The other development worthy of note is that spas in casinos have become the most profitable spas in the country. With a built-in clientele, thanks to the large number of hotel rooms in most casinos, spas have had plenty of business and continue to expand their space exponentially. The Bellagio in Vegas is now at around 90,000 square feet and Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian has plans to double the size of its already very large space. (I understand that at times they do 1,000 treatments a day!)

It was, in fact, the opening of Canyon Ranch at the Venetian that became another milestone in the development of casino spas. When the Canyon Ranch brand with its stellar reputation for life enhancement deemed a casino worthy of its participation, the marriage of spa and casino was permanently sanctioned.

In terms of trends today, we see spas adding more facilities for men (including barber facilities), more emphasis on couples' treatments and romantic extravagant couples' rooms, designs that allow groups and themed parties, large fitness rooms with views, longer hours, and décor that outdoes whatever spa was most recently built or renovated.

Since Spa Finder has been tracking the spa industry for 20 years, we noticed in the past few years that more and more people wanted to know which casinos had spas and which spas had casinos. And people seem to want to know what the spa looks like and how it uses the "wow" factor – at times even deciding which hotel to stay in based on the spa! So we added the Casino Spa category to the Spafinder.com this year.

As Nikita said, the Baby Boomer’s new "theme park" seems to be the casino and spa!

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I came across these photos the other day and wanted to learn more. With obesity increasingly prevalent among young people these days, it was heartening to see youngsters exercising. But I have always felt that gyms were for adults and, indeed, many gyms have age restrictions. In a way, it doesn’t make sense for us to keep kids out of the gym and encourage them to exercise at the same time.

SHOKK® Ltd is a company in the UK that provides exercise equipment and experiences specifically for kids between the ages of eight and 16. The company's stated mission: “Our aim is to create an exciting and stimulating environment to ensure young people are engaging in a positive physical activity experience.” The equipment at these facilities is designed for young people, and so are the gyms themselves. A kid-friendly color scheme, music systems, color-change lighting, educational charts, plasma screens and projectors, branded flooring, mirror effects, and even a chill-out zone complete with healthy vending machines attract youngsters, helping them to forge sensible fitness habits for life.

You can learn more at http://www.shokk.co.uk/corporate/index.htm.

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Today is our day to visit the Middle East Beauty, Spa and Wellness Expo. We wander through aisles upon aisles of beauty products and spa wares. I was told by umpteen people not to expect too much from this trade show, but I am pleasantly surprised that it is much grander and more interesting than I expected.

Saw some new spa room designs including individual hammam cabins – one with a built-in TV for almost $50,000 – hydrotherapy tubs, dry floats, and lots of those advanced vibration-technology exercise units that seem to be all the rage. These units also dominated the fitness area at the London spa expo this spring. You stand on a platform in various positions hanging on to handles, which help stabilize you and get your muscles working, when the strong vibration begins. My doubts about the effectiveness and popularity of these are addressed by the managing director of Power Plate, who informs me that the company sells 800 units a month. Power Plate is soon to be be a featured product on Oprah, where they will be gifting a machine to every audience member. I’m thinking I may need to take a closer look.

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One of my dreams came true on Monday. Having been the "lone ranger" three years ago when predicting the popularity of spa lifestyle communities, it was heartening to have the privilege of moderating a panel at the American Spa Expo on Spa Residential Living. And it was even sweeter that my husband, Peter, was there. It hadn't been easy selling him on the fact that this was really going to be a trend! (He did catch on sooner than most.)

Panelists included Gary Milner representing Canyon Ranch Living, Rick Hayduck from Cliff Communities, Steve Kass from American Leisure, and Dori Soukup from Pevonia. Each shared experiences and views on this burgeoning phenomenon: communities built around a spa/health/wellness lifestyle.

One of the most interesting comments came from Gary Milner, who disclosed that properties at Canyon Ranch Living sell at an almost 50% premium because of the Canyon Ranch life enhancement focus. And Rick shared data that convinced the Cliff Communities - which have primarily been known for golf - to put more resources and emphasis on their wellness-and-lifestyle component. After all, only 10% of consumers are interested in golf, but 75% are interested in health and wellness. So, if golf community real estate is a trillion-dollar industry, the opportunity in spa communities is going to be amazing.

Sigh....very sweet to have this confirmation three years later. And someday my husband and I will likely retire in such a setting. Where we can live at the spa - literally.


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Today I had lunch with some fellow spa professionals. One was from Hong Kong, one was from Bali, one from Australia, and another from the UK. Later in the afternoon I had tea with a spa colleague from Dubai, chatted with spa owners from Brazil, and was introduced to a spa owner from Turkey.

I am in London at the moment attending the London International Spa Convention for the third year in a row – one of my favorite spa conferences in the world because it attracts such an international mix of spa professionals and because I love the clever way they have organized it. It is held in conjunction with a very large Beauty and Spa Exhibition (over 450 companies) where I get to see and try out all the newest spa products and equipment.

There are approximately 40 speakers, and everyone presents as a panel of four with ten-minute presentations from each panelist. This is followed by some Q & A. Result? No boring speeches! They are strict about the ten-minute time limit; if you go on longer than that, they get the cane out. With a seven-slide limit and the snappy pace, it is a joy to hear the speakers and to be one of the presenters. My presentation was on 2006 Spa Trends.

In the next few blogs I’ll share some insights for those of you who are interested in the “tidbits” that I jot down in my notebook while listening to the presentations and the industry gossip that invariably is part of the “networking."

Such as: Can you guess what spa performs more than 1,000 spa treatments per day?

Stay tuned.

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I'm back in New York after my whirlwind trip to LA. Just a quick recap of that press breakfast and the LA Spa Expo. For the press I reviewed the top 10 spa trends for 2006 that we announced at the beginning of the year. (I decided to give them catchy names this time - well, at least some got catchy names - so they would be easier to remember): McSpa, Spa IQ on the Rise, Home Sweet Spa, Water Water Everywhere, Medical and Sanctuary Tourism, The Yin of Luxury and Yang of Discount, Macho Macho Spa, The Pendulum Swings Back to a Pure Spa Experience, Ohmmm Online, and Fun on the Spa Menu.

Then the discussion turned to how LA is shaping trends in the spa world, and I highlighted three things I noticed:

1. Pregnancy and spa-going a natural - celebrities going to spas pre-baby, during pregnancy, post-baby, and with baby!

2. Medical spa services as standard fare in most spas - seems as if every spa in LA has a "medi-spa room" which a nurse practitioner uses several days a week to administer BOTOX®, perform laser hair removal services, medical microdermabrasion, etc. No biggie...just massage in this room, facials in that room, and medi services in the room at the end of the hall.

3. High-end Asian on the scene in addition to discount Asian - the GP Deva spa on Rodeo Drive, a company from Taiwan, offers a Full Body Zen Massage for 2 1/2 hours at $1,000 (and gratuity is not included). I am a bit skeptical. I only had time for a quick tour but look forward to giving it a try if only to see what miracles they work in their $400 one-hour reflexology session. On the other end of the spectrum: locations where you can get a $40 one-hour Thai massage that my colleague Jasmine reports was terrific.

The trip reminds me that there is nothing like going out and visiting spas to get a sense of the industry...It can't be done by just reading and hearing from others.

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Someone just called me from the West Coast and asked me if I thought the “metrospiritual” phenomenon will become a talked-about trend in the spa industry.

Although I’ve been enjoying the break from “metrosexual” and “übersexual”, I must admit that the term “metrospiritual” did immediately resonate with me. After all, we’ve been talking about body/mind/spirit in the spa world for quite some time, and we certainly have many spa-goers who are metro.

So, I did a bit of research to find out who trumpeted this new word “metrospiritual” and just how they are defining it. It seems the term was introduced as “a hot new trend” on the religion Web site Beliefnet.com. “From clothes to food to lifestyle, metrospirituality is about being hip and holistic while seeking inner bliss.” I was having a hard time picturing this type of person until – voilà – I remembered my friend Alex von Bidder. He is the proprietor of the famous Four Seasons Restaurant here in New York – and he teaches yoga. That says metrospiritual to me!

Here is their metrospiritual “quiz” to see how you rate on the metrospiritual scale.

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