Spa Businesses Coming Together - Is It a Good Match?
by Susie Ellis
SpaFinder Insider

Last Wednesday evening I had dinner with Nancy Griffin, founder of Spa Trade and Spa Exec, and Joyce Jamison, Vice President/Group Publisher of Questex's Beauty & Spa Media Group which publishes American Spa and American Salon Magazines. It was a chance for the three of us – all with varied careers in the spa world – to share experiences, opinions and ideas.

Of course the big news, is that Joyce’s company, Questex, just purchased Nancy’s companies, Spa Trade and Spa Exec.

I think it was a smart move and the kind of consolidation we will likely see more of in the future. Spa Trade and Spa Exec seems to fit well into the Questex portfolio.

I have known Nancy for many years – ever since we bonded over a shared interest in spa data when she was at Cornell. Peter and Nancy have always enjoyed a common interest and understanding of the value of the Internet for the spa industry. (Many years ago there were few who saw the possibilities, however Nancy and Peter were always on the same page.) Nancy worked for SpaFinder briefly when she ran our day spa retreats. We have seen her grow from someone interested in the spa arena to someone who now has great influence in it. In some ways, she has even become a sort of "watchdog" for our industry. While her tendency to sound alarms may not always make her the most popular person in the room, she is more often than not, right.

Joyce and I had met before although we have never had the chance to spend time together so dinner with Nancy in New York was a treat. Of course I read American Spa magazine cover to cover and have always enjoyed and admired the magazine. Since American Spa is sent directly to subscribers and is not sold on newsstands, it is possible to have beautiful covers on which you don’t have to have a lot of cover lines (they help with newsstand sales). Joyce seems like a
kind-hearted person with a good sense of "next steps" for our industry.

We will all have to stay tuned to see how their new collaboration works. My guess is that it will be a home run.

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Kids & Teens at Spas...Supply or Demand?
by Susie Ellis
SpaFinder Insider

This article, "Spas Go All Out To Give Kids the Treatment" by Andrea Petersen and Miriam Foster was in the Wall Street Journal yesterday. It's about the trend of more kids and teens going to spas for treatments. I have two comments. Both relate to this paragraph:

"Spas say they are responding to increasing demand among parents, especially from moms who themselves enjoy spa pampering and want to share the experience with their daughters. Spas also clearly see an opportunity with the kiddie market: Hooking kids on pricey pedicures and facials when they are young can lead to decades of repeat business. Tapping these new markets is particular crucial these days, as the spa industry is seeing revenue slip: Revenue in the U.S. spa industry fell to $9.4 billion in 2006, from $9.7 billion in 2005, according to the International SPA Association, an industry trade group."

1. Often, it seems, the WSJ has a bit of a "spas are adding x-y-z to their program because they need to increase revenue" drum beat. So many of their articles have this premise. I remember one article a while back about spas adding ice cream to their menus (Canyon Ranch for example). The inference was that this was done to attract more business. I am sure that Canyon Ranch did NOT add mini-sundaes to their menu to bring in more business....rather, they are modeling how a small portion of a healthy dessert (their "hot fudge" is fruitbased and delicious) can be incorporated into a life enhancement program.

This article about kids and teens at spas has a similar bent. The authors theorize that this is a trend pushed by spas to bring in more money. I disagree and so would almost anyone else in our industry. The increase in this trend is clearly due to demand - from teens, kids and their parents. I know this because the number one consumer email question we have gotten here at SpaFinder this past year is "Where can I go where my 12-, 13-, 14-year-old, etc. can also get spa treatments?" It doesn't really surprise me because this younger generation has grown up seeing their parents go to spas (unlike baby boomers whose parents were not spa-goers). Also it really is a good solution for busy moms (and increasingly dads too) to spend time with young kids.

2. My second comment has to do with the unfortunate perception that spa industry revenue is slipping. This is generally a result of last year's ISPA report which compared some revenue numbers from 2005 to 2006. I have written about this before in my blog so won't belabor the point again here, except to say that it is important for everyone to remember that 80 percent of the spas in that ISPA survey were day spas and that the slippage mentioned does not apply to resort spas, hotel spas, medical spas, or almost any other category of spas. And if ISPA's definition of what counts as a day spa were to include all the many new business models and facilities which have opened and cater to people who are having massages and facials and other spa-services, the day spa sector would be showing revenue growth as well.

We are a young industry. We should expect that it will take more time for writers to understand the various nuances of the spa industry. And we need to work together to help them. I do however see progress!! Most reporters I talk with these days know the difference between destination spas and resort/hotel spas. That is a huge step forward!

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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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New York Times Travel Show Always Makes Me Want to Go To A Spa (Now!)

by Susie Ellis

Just returned from the New York Times Travel Show at the Javits Center. Good Day New York, Fox 5 did some interviews to show viewers what they can expect at the show. Since SpaFinder is hosting the Spa Pavilion, they did a short interview with me. And when I say short, I mean short! I had just enough time to mention Ojai Valley Inn and Spa (who will be providing aromatherapy experiences), the Hotel Del Coronado Spa, and Hotel Grand Del Mar Spa – each giving mini massages. Then they cut to interview “the Illusionist” who levitated a table. Yikes. I am sure our PR people will be unhappy with me because I didn’t even get the word SpaFinder out of my mouth! Oh well….can’t win them all. At least our spa partners got a mention.

Snooping around the Travel Show (pre-opening) I saw that it is going to be jam-packed with all kinds of happenings. The official guide mentions cultural performances, seminars, events, sweepstakes, etc. My favorite parts are always the food tastings from places around the world, and of course the mini spa treatments. These looked particularly interesting:

· Mongolian Throat Singers
· Lithuanian Children’s Choir
· Drumming from Korea
· Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (from that TV show where he is eats outrageous foods that turn my stomach).
· Packing with a Purpose
· Trends in Honeymoon Travel (our Executive Editor, Ann Abel, will be on this panel – very fitting since she is getting married in May!)
· Daisy Martinez, author and host of “Daisy Cooks” on PBS

And I should probably mention that I will be on a panel Saturday titled, “Affordable Luxury Travel” where I will share secrets of getting good spa deals. I have to say, after spending time at this show, having a relaxing massage is all I want to do.

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The Spa Experience Day 1: Media Preview, 20/20, Longevity, and Preventative BOTOX®!

By Susie Ellis

Just returned from Grand Central Terminal (I learned that it is incorrect to call it Grand Central Station – but not sure why) here in Manhattan where the Spa Experience Event just got underway. It’s a four day event where consumers can sample free spa treatments from a variety of spas all over the world. It took the event team two full days just to set everything up!

It was a good sign that people were lined up behind the ropes waiting for it to open and that it has been crowded ever since. This morning was also the media preview and there were more than 100 media people there. The big news was that 20/20 is doing a Barbara Walters special on longevity next spring and they wanted to film footage of what spas are doing to help with longevity at the Spa Experience! They learned a lot and filmed a lot. It is exciting to know that when people think of longevity these days they are not just thinking medical and doctors but also the spa setting. A major angle for them is the fact that the interest in longevity is not just confined to the aging baby boomer, but that people in their 30’s, 20’s and even younger are already investing in longevity.

Indeed, one of the young 30’ish models who was with us on the photo shoot was telling me that tomorrow she is getting her first BOTOX® shot. When I asked her why (clearly there was not a wrinkle on her face), she said, “prevention.” Well….there is some truth to that. All those years I spent squinting in the sun caused some pretty visible lines on my face. Preventative BOTOX® would have helped. However, I hate to think how much I would have spent on “prevention” twice a year, for 20 years (approximately $24,000!)

A Week with the SpaFinder Europe Team
By Susie Ellis

Flew to London late Sunday evening to spend a week with our SpaFinder Europe team. Victoria Fuller (Founder and Director of PRCo) and IndigoPR (a subsidiary of PRCo and our PR agency in Europe) had set up 2 days of media appointments for me. I would be sharing the latest spa trends and also attending a media party at Spa Illuminata introducing the fact that SpaFinder.com has now also launched SpaFinder.co.uk (United Kingdom), SpaFinder.fr (in French) and SpaFinder.de (in German) and that spa gift cards and certificates (called vouchers in the UK) were now available in some of the top retail centers throughout England. I would then have a few days to visit some spas.

New York Spa Media Event: ISPA Presents their Latest Research - Caution Advised
By Susie Ellis

The International Spa Association (ISPA) presented some of their new research data during their annual New York press event last week. Highlights were included from their soon-to-be-released 2007 Spa Industry Study as well as some data from their inaugural research on Global Spa Consumers.

As always, I am grateful for the research that ISPA does. I believe that ISPA has made a significant contribution in many ways to the growth of the spa industry over the years. Their annual conference has always been a “must attend” for many in the industry and their early research numbers gave some shape to an industry that was still very young. Spa Finder is happy to be an ISPA member.

That being said, I do have some concerns with the recent spa industry data they presented last week, in particular, their conclusion that US spa revenues showed a negative growth rate of -3.4% from 2005 to 2006 (or a flattening if the margin of error is factored in). I mention this because as an industry, I feel we need to be concerned about a negative growth rate report from a resource that says they are the voice of the spa industry. The ripple affect through the consumer, investment, and spa communities could be quite negative for all of us.

My guess is that the numbers are more of a reflection of what is happening in the day spa segment and not so much about the rest of the robust industry. I look forward to the full report in November.

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.

Each summer ISPA has a media event in New York where 25 spas exhibit "what's new" for the press and traditionally Spa Finder hosts a cocktail party the evening before for all the participants. The theme of our cocktail party this year was "Meet the Editors" and all attendees had a chance to meet with the brilliant people who write and edit various part of Luxury Spa Finder Magazine: our beauty editor, our travel editor, writers from Spa Rx, Spa Lifestyle Real Estate, Home Spa Design, etc.

Peter and I were flying back from our Sturgis trip trying to make it back for the end of the party (we had planned to come right from the airport in our biker clothes) but unfortunately the flight was delayed due to weather and we didn't make it in time. But Sallie and the team reported a record number of attendees, press and an outstanding array of spa cuisine and spa drinks. I know it is always fun for everyone who comes in from all over the country to gather the night before and catch up. I really hated to have missed it.

This year's ISPA media event was held at Cipriani's - a venue I thought worked much better than any of their past venues. The ISPA media event began with a presentation of their most recent spa research results - this time more international - and then followed with time to visit the various booths to see what's new at each of the 25 spas who exhibited. Next posts will include: 1. My analysis of the research they presented 2. My take on "what's new" as presented by the spas who exhibited

I see this mostly when I am visiting a spa outside of the U.S., but I saw it today in a spa in New York: a spa trade magazine lying in the lounge area of a spa, for consumers to read. Ugh.

When I am in Bali and I see one of our North American spa trade publications in the waiting area I kind of cringe, figuring that a non-English speaking staff member might have inadvertently placed it there.

In fact, we have several very good spa trade magazines in our industry. (I read most of them and find them very useful.) These magazines are often sent to spa managers either because they subscribe, or are given as complimentary issues, and more importantly they are intended for spa staff to help them improve their business.

But I wonder, what a client must think if they happen to pick one up while relaxing in the spa lounge and read articles like "How to Improve Your Retail Closing Ratio" or "How to Deal with Difficult Clients".

It really bugs me. Just doesn't seem professional. Am I overreacting?

This morning I attended a "Breakfast with a Leader" gathering organized by Magazine Publishers of America. The guest speaker was Cathleen Black, president of Hearst Magazines. She drew quite a crowd. Hearst has some of these well-known titles: Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper's BAZAAR, O, The Oprah Magazine, Town & Country, etc. (a total of 18!).

She is a great speaker and shared some interesting insights. One I thought was particularly notable is that she had gone back to her notes from a speech she gave five years ago and realized how little attention was paid to the web back then. And how today’s internet megatrends – MySpace, Google Video, YouTube, etc. – have profoundly changed the landscape of magazine publishing. She said that magazine companies need to become "nimble" in order to meet the challenges of this new world.

Of course, the word "nimble" has been used to describe one of the key advantages of the internet - where, I would argue, it is much easier to be nimble. It will be interesting to watch how a large company like Hearst Publishing achieves nimbleness. (OK, that may not be a word, but I'm sure you know what I mean.)

I also like this comment from her talk: "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."

'Twas a good morning.

The Arizona Daily Star ran a story on Thursday, December 7 announcing that Dr. Andrew Weil was in conversation with developers and Tucson, AZ city politicians about opening a new integrative-medicine wellness center to promote “health tourism." Later that day, I received a call from a writer asking for my comments. At first I was a bit confused. I knew that Dr. Weil was working with Miraval, Life in Balance to establish a new center, which will open on the property in a few years. I wasn’t quite sure whether the wellness center the Star described was “in addition to” or “instead of” the forthcoming center I knew about.

Dr. Weil’s office, and in particular Dr. Weil’s business partner Richard Baxter, filled me in on the specifics. The project Dr. Weil was proposing was not only an additional health-tourism attraction but also a museum and education center - it would not have any overnight or spa components. The idea is to create a place where people could get information about integrative medicine via interactive exhibits, including computers and access to online courses on nutrition and health as well as botanical and mind/body medicine. Also part of this resource center would be a reference library and an auditorium for films, demonstrations, and lectures. In addition, there would be outdoor attractions, such as a garden of indigenous medicinal plants.

All of a sudden I “got it." It dawned on me that they were describing something similar to the marvelous Living Desert in Palm Desert, California. The Living Desert is a museum/education center with gardens and a wilderness park that focuses on desert terrain and animal life. What a great idea it is to create someplace similar to educate people about integrative medicine in a location that can lay claim to being a mecca of health tourism, with Canyon Ranch, Miraval, Life in Balance, and the University of Arizona all in support.

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.

Qua Baths & Spa Brings the Social Experience to Caesars Palace in Vegas
Encino's Baby Spa Offers Wellness and Relaxation Services for Pregnant Women, New Mothers, and Infants
New Four Seasons Hotel Spa in Westlake Village, California, Offers Health and Wellness Services alongside Luxury
Home Spa Treatments for Winter
January's Monaco Spa Event Will Facilitate Dialogue within the Global Spa Community (I will be speaking at this event)
Hotel in Skegness, England, Will Reopen Historic Victorian Baths

On Friday night, the segment on spas for babies ran on Nightline. You can watch the piece here. I thought that the cutest parts were the mention of Baby Chakra Chi and the babies playing in the noodles.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the piece, which you can share by clicking the "Comments" link below.

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.

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

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


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."

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%

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."

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."

I received a call yesterday from New York 1 requesting an interview about pedicure equipment at spas and what consumers should know to make sure they are safe when receiving a pedicure. Since manicures and pedicures are the most popular beauty services at spas, this is clearly an important topic.

With the hundreds of thousands of pedicures performed yearly most are excellent experiences with great results. Some people, however, are concerned especially if they read a story in the news that questions the safety of a pedicure. So here are some tips to help you be safe:

• Skip having a pedicure (or manicure) if you have any open wounds. This is best for your health and is considerate of other spa-goers and the person performing your pedicure.
• When you make an appointment, be sure to let the spa know that you are concerned about safety and ask them what steps they take to assure you will receive a safe manicure or pedicure. Be familiar with sanitation regulations. For example, in many states, nail care tools that can not be sterilized, including nail files, porous buffing stones and toe separators need to be thrown away (or given to you) after being used in your pedicure. Tools that can be sterilized must be sterilized after each use.
• Licenses of technicians must be displayed at their stations.
• Don't assume that just because a pedicure is expensive, you will be safer. Sometimes the fanciest pedicure stations are among the most troubling. One of the most challenging sanitary issues regarding pedicures is the unseen piping and jets in pedicure tubs that can not be cleaned 100 percent.
• If the spa has a whirlpool unit, ask if the technology is ³pipe-free². If they say no, ask to forgo the hydrotherapy portion of the treatment.
  
  I would love to hear feedback about your pedicure experiences from those who read my blog! Please post a comment by clicking on the link below that reads "Comments."

I'm sitting in the cyber cafe of Bumrungrad International here in Bangkok, Thailand. Bumrungrad is the hospital that 60 Minutes called, "The number-one international hospital in the world." NBC's Peter Greenberg recently featured it on the Today show. It is getting a lot of attention because the price (low), access (you can walk in and see a doctor within 20 minutes), and quality (tops) are what everyone wants.

I've been told it is the health care of the future - so naturally I wanted to see for myself.

There are 750 doctors on staff, and they see one million patients a year. The nurses and large support staff (many of whom are concierges) have smiles and serve refreshments. The children's area was filled with little ones having fun on the colorful tubes - the kind you see at some McDonald's playgrounds - playing with toys, and crawling over couches and chairs that look like soccer balls. The doctor's offices for the kids resemble little play houses. I bet parents have no problem taking their kids to the doctor around here!

This large, very clean facility looks like a cross between a mall (with a Starbuck's, shopping, restaurants), hospital, clinic, and high-end hotel. The only thing they are missing is a really forward thinking spa facility which could be integrated for patients, visitors and staff.

People fly in from all over the world for low-cost medical procedures here, such as executive health physicals, heart surgery, plastic surgery, or Lasik eye procedures, to name just a few. Although they don't currently have a spa, there are some spa elements available: A gym, hair salon, and massage therapists who can come to your hospital room. There is also a rooftop garden overlooking the city of Bangkok with beautiful landscaping. As lovely as this outdoor space was, no one was using it. And because it is always hot and humid in Bangkok, I don't imagine it gets much use at all. (Looks like great space for a spa to me!)

Ruben Toral, the hospital's group marketing director who is quite passionate about the work they do there, gave me a full tour, explained the business model, and shared with me that they are expanding this facility and also building a new Bumrungrad in Dubai.

I hope he is right about their model - low cost, high quality and quick accessibility - being the future of health care. And now if they could get the spa element right, it would be a real winner.

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