Spa Hotels and Resorts - Ultimate Wellness Destinations

The emergence of spas is not recent. Earlier spas were located near a natural spring offering holistic wellness treatment to the visiting public. The term is more than often referred in conjunction with healing and curing than wellness. Spas got a make over from the Roman royals. They developed spas with a touch of class and a feel of luxury. In fact, they started using spas more or less like wellness centres, soaking in spring water, taking steam or hot air bath in a marble clad chamber, giving the body the luxury of soft massage, taking a cool dip in spring water and finishing with a relaxing drink.

Present day hectic pace of life, a busy social lifestyle of the lap top carrying corporate executives has created a profitable business opportunity for the hospitality industry - wellness travel. The concept of wellness is quite different than curative or medical travel. Wellness is for healthy people wanting to live healthier, whereas medical travel is for patients wanting to get well. This fine distinction makes wellness travel or spa tourism an interesting marketing proposition.

Spa

The term spa is derived from its Latin origin - salus per aquam, literally translating as water gifted health. No wonder then that the earlier wellness spots were located near natural springs as aqua therapy is considered mother of all detox therapies. The German health destinations like Baden Baden and Bad Neunehar, to name a few, have the prefix Bad, meaning spa or literally bath. Spa hotels and resorts today offer holistic wellness, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual in luxurious surroundings and atmosphere.

Spa Hotels and Resorts - Ultimate Wellness Destinations

According to the first ever spa report published by Christine Tetreault at the 2008 Global Spa Summit in New York, the global spa economy stood at US$ 250 billion. This confirms the fact that the economic slow down had no impact on wellness business.

Spa business has come of age generating employment opportunities by millions. It has become very focused, specialised and professional. Spas can be classified into three categories - the day spa, offering a specific therapy, destination spa- as the name suggests, these are spas where guests stay, get healthier, have an entertaining time as the spa offers a whole range of body pampering treatments and therapies, and finally the medical spas which are more on clinical and medicine based treatments. The industry thrives on day spas in the city hotels and destination spas in resort hotels.

Spa planning for a luxury city hotel and a spa resort is a very complex exercise. Since wellness is the main marketing tool, the planning and implementing team must be fully aware of various processes and procedures, the flow of activity, space planning, knowledge of latest spa, gym and therapy equipments, technology, lay outs etc. The spa planning and executing team normally consists of a technical resource, interior decorator and the facility planner.

Staff in a spa plays an important role. They are educated and well trained in various therapies, processes and operations. These include massages - Swedish, Thai, deep tissue etc, water therapies like flotation, water dance, Jacuzzi etc. Most spas offer yoga sessions and various alternate therapies like Chinese, Egyptian and many more.

Wellness being the focus of the entire concept, beauty therapies become an integral part of a spa. These are available for both men and women. The beauty segment includes areas like hair, facial and body treatments. Food and nutrition counselling is part of spa management for the resident and day spa users.

A well-planned spa hotel or a spa resort has all the essentials of a luxury city hotel or a luxury resort hotel. Wellness becomes the core activity for the guests as well as the management. Well appointed guest rooms, state of the art fitted bath rooms, a wow lobby, gourmet restaurants, bars, discotheque, lounges, business centre, swimming pool and sports complex etc make the product complete.

As we look ahead, we must remember that enjoying good health and well being is the most desired wish of humans, the demand for a luxury, upscale spa hotel or spa resort will always remain high, it is an evergreen business niche. Forget get well! Keep well! is the mantra for a beautiful and enjoyable life.
You have permission to publish this article without any change what so ever electronically, in print, in your e-book, or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author by-lines are included.

Spa Hotels and Resorts - Ultimate Wellness Destinations

Ram Gupta is a professional hotel and resort consultant with over four decades of experience in Asia, Far East, Middle East and Europe. He has been associated with over two dozen hotel projects. His web site can be viewed at http://www.bcgglobal.com and can be contacted at ramgupta@bcgglobal.com

Relate Link Buy 3 Tier Round Riser 10 14 18 Clear Lot Of 5 Each Lowest Price Buy New Yamaha Starter Generator G1 Golf Cart W 2 Cycle Eng Lowest Price Buy Best Diana Carmichael Handmade Pewter Cheetah Africa Bread Board

Spa Party Games and Activities

In a world of pre-teens trying to grow up way too fast, having a spa party is all the rage. Make it even better by designing it as a Spa Party sleep over. Set the scene for your Spa Party with lots of candles, have soothing music CDs available, and access to a sink with lots of towels on hand. A spa party should be as much like a real spa visit, so take care to have bottled water and a selection of herbal teas or juices and refreshments on hand. You may wish to invite your guests to bring pajamas and/or robes.

Spa party games should include basic spa activities. Invite your guests to participate in a chocolate facial. Have all guests put their hair up or pull back from their faces. Then have them scoop up some of this excellent moisturizing mask and spread it onto their face. Mix 1/3 C cocoa powder, 3 Tbs heavy cream, 2 tsp cottage cheese, 1/4 C honey and 3 tsp oatmeal powder (found in the health food section) in a food processor. Mix until smooth. Relax for 10 minutes (putting cucumber slices over eyes will help guests relax even more completely and do a great number on eye puffiness). The mask washes off easily with warm water and if it happens to get on the lips, it really tastes great.

Spa

Other activities can include designing body glitter, or giving each other manicures or pedicures. After all the spa activities are over, more traditional games will keep the guests occupied. Simple games like Not Me Never! mix truths, fibs and candy. Could a spa party have a better combination? To play the game, give each guest a set number of miniature tootsie rolls, jellybeans, or caramels - just make sure it's something yummy. Then the first person makes a statement about themselves that starts with "I Never . . . Nope. Not me. Never. " If for example the person said "I have never kissed a boy. Nope. Not me. Never!" Anyone else that has never kissed a boy has to eat a piece of their candy. Everyone will get the opportunity to take at least one turn - hopefully more. Keep playing until someone ends up with the most candy and everyone else had eaten theirs. The one with the most candy left is the winner.

Spa Party Games and Activities

A Spa Party will encourage pre-teens to take care of their skin and relax at a time when their life can seem very out of control. It's a great idea for a party and with the right accessories can be a great bonding experience that creates lots of BFF (best friends forever).

Spa Party Games and Activities

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette, and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes (PartyThemeShop.com) to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Relate Link Buy Cheap Thermo Scientific Barnstead Easypure Ii Ultrapure Deionization Replacement Cartridge 10 L Purchase First Team Intruder Adjustable In Ground Basketball Hoop With 44In Acrylic Backboard New Bright Lights Wedding Decor 20 Sets Of 100 Clear White 24 Long Christmas Wedding Lights

Ferrari 275 GTB , early morning Paris streets 1976

A gyro-stabilized camera mounted to the bumper of a Ferrari 275 GTB ,In 1976, through the heart of Paris. No streets were closed, No dialogue, just the squeal of tires and the sound of The 275 GTB.

Top 10 Salon & Spa Promotions and Marketing Ideas

1. Networking and Connecting to gain the Leading Edge.

Getting out and making a name for yourself is important. It's not enough to place a sign out front and run an advertisement in the paper and wait for the phone to ring. You are more likely to get business from people who have made contact with you or know you. Participate in your community and join groups where you can network with people in your suburb or town, you'll be able to make connections, get the word out about your salon and spa and bring in some new clients. Get out, meet people and increase your business visibility.

Spa

2. Stealth Marketing

Top 10 Salon & Spa Promotions and Marketing Ideas

Use Viral Marketing to build your brand awareness and enhance your marketing efforts. By using pre-existing social networks like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter you can get the word out and create buzz for your salon and spa. Stealth marketing can encompass social networks, text messages, blogs and blog posting all with the purpose of gaining visibility and increasing your marketing objectives.

3. Email Marketing

As a day Spa, Beauty or Hair Salon owner your client list is a precious asset. Consider the lifetime value of a client. How much does each of your clients spend on average per month, per year and over a lifetime? It costs anywhere from 5 to 8 times more to gain a new client as opposed to retaining your clients. Therefore, you need to place a strong emphasis on keeping existing clients. Keeping in touch with your clients to stay top of mind is important to gain repeat business. Email Marketing is a highly effective way to build and maintain relationships.

4. Praise from Happy clients

The marketing giants use celebrity endorsements (testimonials) to expose their products and give their products credibility and appeal. You too can get testimonials from your happy clients. Identify people who can influence your target market and get them to endorse your treatments and techniques. Get key leaders within your community to try your products and treatments for free and get their feedback in writing. Get their permission to use their feedback, comments and photos in your promotional material.Endorsements can come from friends, the most powerful endorsement is when friends and clients recommend your product or service to another friend. This is powerful word of mouth advertising and more believable than any other form of endorsement.

5. The Power of Free!

We all like getting a little bonus, a gift, a little something extra. Your clients do, too. The acronym "GWP" stands for "Gift with Purchase". As the name suggests, a GWP is an item that is given to your client when she spends above a specified amount on beauty treatments, hairdressing or skin care products. The Gift with purchase (free item) could be anything from cosmetics, skin care products, hair care products, salon voucher, product samples, etc. Free offers for example Buy 10, Get One free, Buy a Facial and Pedicure and Get a Free Manicure adds transactional value and enhances allure. Free introductory offers entice clients to trial a product.  Free offers help with the buying decision and increase sales. 

6. Referral Programs

Getting clients through referrals is one of the best ways to build your business. Have a referral incentive program in place to encourage clients to refer business to you. Having a specific referral program gets people thinking about who they can refer to you. A referral program encourages word of mouth advertising. Make it a habit to ask your clients for referrals. Tell them you would really appreciate it if they could recommend you to anyone who would be interested in a cut/colour/any service you provide." And of course tell them about your referral incentive program - let them know what's in for them. 

7. Effective Words that Sell

Copywritingis the use of words to promote your salon and spa. You know the saying, "It's not what you say, but how you say it. You can tell clients we cut hair, do facial and waxing. Or you can start defining your product or service in a whole new light. Literally turn the spot light on what you say.

Before: We sell xyz products

After: The Best Clinically Proven Anti-ageing Formulation for Fine Lines and Wrinkles.

Before: We do Facials

After: Our Facials will Rejuvenate your Skin, Leaving it Looking Radiantly Healthy and Feeling Absolutely Fabulous.

Every word in every single message, advert and presentation forms a perception, either good or bad. Choose your words wisely. Too many salon and spa owners study what the competition is doing and do and say the same. Make you words count, make them unique, succinct, persuasive, enticing, juicy and delicious.

8. A Niche Strategy to Focus your Marketing efforts

Don't try to be everything to everyone. Focus on your specific niche. Know what makes you different from your competitors. Analyse your competitor's strengths and weaknesses. Offer more value by differentiating your specific treatments and results. One of the biggest niche strategy advantages is the ability to quickly become a dominant player your specific area of expertise. There are salons that cater specifically for rejuvenation, slimming, tanning, hair design, waxing and massage. Niche marketing can be a focused strategy at a niche group such as pregnant women, teenagers, couples, men. A massage and relaxation niche may encompass Yoga, Shiatsu, Meditation and an array of Massage techniques such as deep tissue, Swedish, aromatherapy and Thai massage. Spas are increasingly offering unique services and products to differentiate themselves from the usual facials and body treatments. A new spa niche may be carved out with Asian healing practices and rituals.

9. Win them over and Build relationships

Treat each client like they are special. Listen sincerely to their concerns. Communicate with your clients, what are their interests, likes, dislikes. Educate your clients on the many benefits of your service and products. Have promotional tools such as educational Pamphlet/Flyer/Email/Booklet/Blog/eBook which includes interesting and useful information. Make sure your clients are pampered, comfortable and give them your full attention. Recognise that you serve clients, that client relationship is part of your job. Be helpful, friendly and courteous at all times.

10. Bold & Beautiful Business.

Who gets the attention? Attractive men and women, the loud mouth and the exceptional offer. Start attracting attention to your salon and spa. Have attractive staff with flawless skin, well groomed with full make-up. You think I'm joking, but its fact that good looking people attract more business. And as a salon and spa, you are in the health and beauty business, so your people need to look the part. Would you go to an overweight personal fitness trainer, or would you want the lean muscular trainer? Who gets the attention? The budget salon with posters on the wall or the salon with a gorgeous reception, water feature, glossy magazines, top notch furnishing and finishes. We know that packaging is everything; clients pay big money for professional skin care because the marketing messages tell us its special and the packaging supports the message. Is your salon and spa supporting your marketing message? Attractive people, places and objects are attractive because they literally attract attention and interest. Is your salon and spa attractive and attracting attention? Attractive refers to everything: your marketing messages, the way you answer the phone, answer questions, the way you present yourself, your advertising. It all needs to be bold, beautiful, attractive, and appealing to draw people in.

Top 10 Salon & Spa Promotions and Marketing Ideas

For more Free Salon & Spa Tips, Strategies and Ideas, go to http://www.salonprofit.net

Relate Link Cheap Big Mens Medium Weight Vest By Tr Gold Big And Tall And Regular Sizes Best Price Free Shipping

Wedding in Kenya

This wedding ceremony was performed on the Shanzu beach Flamingo hotel complex. The first bit shows the preperations that had been done before the couple arrived for the cerenomy,Then the couple being escorted by the Masai to the ceremony. After the wedding vows the Masai perform the wedding ritual dancing.

Choosing Spa Treatments - It's All in the Name

Shakespeare's much-loved heroine Juliet may well have felt that "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" as far as her beloved Romeo was concerned. However, when it comes to the names of spa treatments, there's no doubt that a well-chosen and imaginative name certainly helps to grab the attention of prospective spa visitors more than a mundane, literal one.

Let's face it, if you were choosing between two treatments - one called "scrub treatment to remove dead skin" and the other called "Lavender and Tea Tree Exfoliation" - which would be more likely to appeal to you? For most of us, the latter would almost certainly seem more alluring, even if we knew deep down that a "Lavender and Tea Tree Exfoliation" may well involve precisely what the first option suggests...

Spa

Other scrub pseudonyms at top UK spas include intriguingly titled treatments such as "Li'Tya Yanko" or "Madagascan Red Island Ritual". Unsurprisingly, names like these have spa-goers signing up in droves and, in fairness, these treatments don't tend to disappoint.

Choosing Spa Treatments - It's All in the Name

The first treatment involves a full body exfoliation that cleanses the spirit and revitalises the energy meridians, bringing tone and clarity to the skin. During this treatment, Australian oils are applied and desert salts are sprinkled over your skin, then massaged in to exfoliate and purify the skin. Finally, a warm shower rinses away any residual stresses, before cherry alder body lotion is applied to soothe and nurture. Sounds gooooood!

And judging by the detailed description of the Madagascan Red Island Ritual, this one is equally worth adding to your list of "spa treatments I'd love to try". It's billed as "a ritual with a strong sensorial dimension directly inspired by the rich and resourceful nature of Madagascar Island" - but what does it actually involve? Well, for a start, it appears that a fabulously fruity experience is in store...

This ingenious treatment combines the sweet scents of apricot, orange and argan fruit powders, blending them with spices such as cinnamon and ginger, and incorporating essential oils including grape, sunflower and apricot. All these natural ingredients conspire to create an indulgent, nurturing beauty treatment that leaves your whole body superbly silky and soft.

During the treatment, the therapist's professional hand massage technique is expertly complemented by the use of a unique wooden relaxer to apply 100% natural aromatherapy balms - the end result is that tension and knots simply melt away, to be replaced by feelings of comfort and relaxation.

So much for fabulous exfoliation techniques - what about other types of spa treatments? Are they blessed with equally irresistible names? A quick glance at the "pamper menu" of any self-respecting spa reveals that they certainly are.

For example, during your spa visit you could choose spa experiences such as Shakra Silks, Crystal Wand Therapy or even Visibly Stoned - not to mention Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage) or Mini Lava Shell Tummy Treatment.

Alternatively, if you're more of a "get-up-and-go" than a "lie-back-and-be-pampered" type, energetically inspiring exercise class names such as Pom Pom Workout, Sinatra Swing and Hoola Hooping are sure to have you heading hotfoot for your chosen spa's gym or aerobics studio. Somehow, the rather pedestrian term "keep fit class" just doesn't have quite the same magnetic appeal.

So it seems that, despite what star-crossed lover Juliet may have thought, modern-day spa managers know that designations do matter. It really is all in the name.

Choosing Spa Treatments - It's All in the Name

Many of today's spa treatments boast truly fabulous names - and luckily for spa guests, the majority of them live up to those names.

Relate Link Discount 13 Optima Batteries 8012 021 D34 Yellowtop Dual Purpose Battery For 188 79

Sewing Technique - How To Sew A Spa Wrap Or Beach Cover-Up

Discover how to sew a spa wrap or beach cover-up with this simple sewing lesson.

Spa wraps are great gift ideas or bazaar items, too.

Spa

Sew spa wraps for all the men, women and children in your family. Everyone needs one. Use for after the shower, bath, or when you do your hair or at the spa or pool or the beach.

Sewing Technique - How To Sew A Spa Wrap Or Beach Cover-Up

Spa wraps have elasticized tops that can be worn above the bust or at the waist.

Sewing a spa wrap is a quick and easy sewing project. All you need is a beach towel, approximately 1-1/4 yards of 1 inch to 1-1/4 inch wide sport sew through elastic and about 6 inches of hook and loop tape or large snaps.

Here is the how to sew instructions.

First of all, make a decision about what you want to use to sew the spa wrap. Colorful beach towels are great to use as well as fabric. Your choice may be based on what size you need the spa wrap to be.

Smaller towels work well for small children.

Lighter weight towels work better than heavier ones. They aren't as bulky to sew or wear and also dry faster.

Sewing Tip: Always preshrink all fabrics including towels before you sew.

The average beach towel is about 62 inches long x 34 inches wide. Find some good bargains at your local flea market.

The length of the beach towel will generally go around most bodies with some over lap. If you need more, sew 2 towels together or add half a towel.

Cut a piece of 1 inch to 1-1/4 inch wide sturdy sport sew through elastic to be about 2/3 of the length of the towel or fabric that you are using. This depends on the stretch of the elastic.

Example: For a 62 inch long towel, cut the elastic about42 inches long.

Divide the towel and the elastic into eighths. First fold in half, then again in fourths, then again in eighths. These smaller sections are easier to handle at the sewing machine.

Pin the elastic at the eighth marks to one long edge on the wrong side of the towel.

Set your sewing machine for your largest and longest zigzag stitch.

As you stitch, stretch the elastic to fit each pinned section of the towel.

First stitch along the outer edge of the elastic and then go back and stitch along the inner edge of the elastic also stretching as you sew.

If you prefer, you can sew a lightweight fabric casing to the wrong side of the towel and insert the elastic drawing it up to fit the size you want.

Cut two strips of hook and loop tape about 3" long.

Pin the rough (hook) side of one strip to the inside edge of the overlap on top of the elastic.

Stitch around the hook tape to hold securely.

Pin the soft (loop) side of one strip to the outside edge on the right side of the underlap.

Stitch around that tape.

Now place the corresponding pieces of hook and loop tape up against the stitched in place pieces of tape.

Put the wrap on your body to help determine where to sew the corresponding pieces of tape.

Pin those pieces where they should go and unhook them from the stitched tapes. Remove the wrap.

Stitch around these tapes where you have them pinned.

WOW! You just made a spa wrap!

Now, for some designer touches, try these ideas:

Add a large pocket cut from contrasting or matching fabric or even mesh fabric on the front.

Monogram or use one of your embroidery designs on the pocket before applying it to the wrap.

You could bind the outer edges of towel with fabric to match the pocket.

If you decide to bind the outer edges of the towel, round the square corners first. It looks better and is easier to bind. See the following sewing tip to make a nice curve.

Sewing Tip: Lay a dinner plate down at the corners of the towel lining up the edges of the plate with the edges of the towel. Draw the outer curve of the plate to get a very nice even curve.

If you are using a plain towel, add a fun embroidery design using instructions to embroider on terry cloth to decorate your wrap.

Applique a unique design on the spa wrap.

If you prefer not to use hook and loop tape, use very large snaps or heavy duty gripper snaps to hold the wrap closed.

You are the designer! Have fun with it!

It just makes sense!

Sewing Technique - How To Sew A Spa Wrap Or Beach Cover-Up

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved 1st Step To Sewing Success

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor and the creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks. In her ebook, "Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants", find out step-by-step WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

For more information, go to http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

Marian is also the author of other eBooks related to sewing including, "Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids" and "Classy Designer Straight Skirt" where she teaches basic and advanced sewing techniques.

To learn more, go to http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

To discover sewing and fitting secrets to achieve sewing success, follow the link http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com

Relate Link Cheap Powell Warm Cherry Vanity Mirror And Bench Best Price Free Shipping Best Buy Jba 6675Shc 2 5 Stainless Steel Exhaust Mid H Pipe For Mustang Gt 05 10 Cheap Price

Best of Thailand Part 2 HD

Best of Pictures from 10 Years Hollyday in Thailand Die besten Bilder aus 10 Jahren Thailand Urlaub www.youtube.com