Tag Archives: career

Turning Point Gathering – Always a Winner

Turning Point Gathering – Always a Winner
by Susie Ellis

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

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

shangri la 779858 Turning Point Gathering Always a WinnerThe location this year is particularly attractive. Chiang Mai is a very special region of Thailand and the host hotel – the new Shangri La in Chiang Mai (photo to the right) – will no doubt be a memorable experience. Ian Brewis, group spa director of all of their Chi Spas, is an extraordinary host. There are two other magnificent spa properties in the area – the Four Seasons and the Mandarin Oriental – which alone would make the trip worthwhile. If you are in the region and have the opportunity to attend, I would definitely recommend it. And please tell Don hello from me.

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This Spa Changed My Life (with a twist)

Finally, I have been given the go ahead to begin my blog! After months of preparation, the start date has arrived, February 16, 2006. And since my husband and I just celebrated our 22nd Valentine’s Day together – and 20 years of marriage – it seems appropriate that I begin my blog by sharing with you that we met at a spa!

01 708662 This Spa Changed My Life (with a twist)The scene: the Golden Door in Escondido, California. I was managing the fitness department at the time and it was September Men’s Week where men only enjoyed a one week stay (admittedly one of the staff’s favorite weeks of the year). Since I was doing medical intakes that day, I remember an attractive gentleman, Peter, who came into my office wearing gray-issued warm-ups; he gave me a rather quick summary of his medical history – including a bad shoulder from a skiing accident which might limit his abilities in some of the activities (I later saw no evidence of this in the competitive water volleyball games he attended religiously). His stay at the Golden Door (his first) was somewhat unremarkable to me because he seemed quiet and, in my memory, he blended in with the group. In fact, when he called me a week later to ask me out to dinner, I had to pull the guest files to look at his photograph and remember which one he was. (He doesn’t like my telling that part of the story. But it is true!) Well, fortunately I said yes to dinner and both of us can say, quite truthfully, that a spa changed our lives – forever!

In the future I will share with you how my husband, a spa-virgin at the time, came to love the industry and now, as CEO of Spa Finder, is a dominant force in shaping its future. And, of course, there are many other spa adventures past, present, and future, which will be sure to make for some interesting reading. Please join me on this spa blogging journey!

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If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!