Spa Trends to Watch for in 2007

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).