I know we're all very busy and find it difficult to keep up with the latest spa-related news, so once in a while when I run across something really important, I'll alert you through e-mail. I thought I'd call this letter the SpaFinder Insider.
Here are three new and noteworthy items:
1. An article in the Wall Street Journal acknowledges the increasing popularity of spa treatments at medical centers.
An encouraging article entitled "The Holistic Hospital" by Nancy Keates appeared in last Friday's Wall Street Journal (3/28/03). Ms. Keates reports upon the ways in which spa treatments and wellness philosophies have penetrated the medical world. The article begins with this statement: "From acupuncture to yoga, alternative treatments are cropping up at hospitals at a remarkable pace." The writer goes on to share a prescription one woman was given: "Her doctor advised her to get a chest scan and blood tests and undergo major valve-replacement surgery. The doctor's next suggestion: 'Try massage and music therapy, too.'" This article validates what the spa industry has been saying (and doing) for many years.
Also mentioned in the article were the benefits of aromatherapy, meditation, chiropractic, spiritual counseling, and less sterile, spa-like settings in hospitals. The author also reports that "just a decade ago, it would have been almost unheard of for hospitals to offer such services."
I'll be happy to e-mail you a copy of the text-or better yet, order the March 28th paper directly from the Wall Street Journal. (Call 1-800-568-7625, then dial 0#. You'll speak with a customer service representative who will send you the paper for a small charge on your credit card.)
I think it would be great for every spa to get a copy of this article and display it prominently. This would help consumers make the connection between the medical community and the spa, a connection that we in the spa industry have pioneered. And it would be an encouragement to all spa professionals who have been dedicated to this vision for a long time.
While I think that hospitals offering spa services is a welcome addition to preventive healthcare, and a strong acknowledgement of the value of spa services, I think the very best spa experiences will continue to be delivered by spa professionals at spas. We have been doing this a long time. It is our passion and we do it very well.
2. A spa cookbook reaches The New York Times best-seller list — thanks to Oprah Winfrey.
Saturday morning, as I was reading The New York Times (yes, on the treadmill), I turned to the book section to check out the best-seller lists. (I like to see what people are reading to get a sense for what people are thinking.) I was shocked-and thrilled-to find a spa cookbook on one of the lists! Conscious Cuisine by Miraval's chef Cary Neff was ranked fifth in the hardcover advice/how-to section.
I called Amy McDonald, spa director at Miraval, Life in Balance, to get the details. She explained that ever since March 11th, when Cary Neff appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the phone has been ringing off the hook — and book sales have skyrocketed. Sincere congratulations to Cary Neff and Miraval! It is such an encouragement for our entire industry that Americans are embracing a healthy cuisine spa cookbook. They've made the entire spa industry proud.
3. The famous Barbie doll has become a spa enthusiast!
This really made me smile Spa Barbie is debuting in 2004.
Till the next Insider...
Susie
