Whimsical Spa Experiences Trumped by Whimsical Accommodations by Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider I loved the ad Virtuoso (high-end travel network) ran with us a while ago which showed two fashionable ladies in a cartoon format talking to each other with one saying to the other, “The only thing better than a traditional Balinese massage in
The Olympic’s Closing Ceremony Raise Thoughts on China’s Growing Spa Industry By Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider The blog post I wrote for today about my weekend at Winvian will have to wait and be posted tomorrow. It seems quite unimportant now as I think about the conclusion of the summer Olympics in China which came
Slow is the New Fast – Slow Food, Slow Schools, and How About Slow Spas? by Susie Ellis SpaFinder Insider Just returned from Las Vegas where I attended Virtuoso Travel Mart. Each year Sallie and I teach a Spa Specialist training class there where we help the very savvy Virtuoso travel agents understand the nuances
More Thoughts on the Spa (Skilled) Labor Shortage By Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider In my last blog entry day I quoted Jacqueline Le Sueur, Managing Director of Creative Health & Training as saying, “Our industry does NOT have a labor shortage. What we have is a shortage of spas willing to invest in training.” In
Spa Industry needing Massage Therapists, Aestheticians, Spa Managers. Is there really a Labor Shortage? By Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider Networking sometimes leads to “ah ha” moments. I guess that is why most conference feedback polls show networking as the number one reason people attend. At the recent Australian Spa Conference, held in Hobart, Tasmania, I
I was very impressed with Gwinganna Health Retreat in Australia. But there are always ways in which a spa can improve. Since I have been to many spas around the world and have garnered a certain amount of expertise, I have developed a sensitivity to what’s working and what’s not working. I always wrestle with
Spa’s Colon Cleansing Program, Yin/Yang Exercise Classes, Luxury Villas and Resident Nature Expert Make Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat Uniqueby Susie EllisSpaFinder Insider Before leaving the Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat here in Australia, I wanted to share a few more observations. From my previous posts you will notice that I found their program to be quite thoughtful and
Free Spa Treatments in Aspen next Weekend, August 9th and 10th. By Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider Am still in Australia at the wonderful Gwinganna Health Retreat where last night’s dinner conversation turned to Aspen – someone comparing the skiing here ‘down under’ to Aspen skiing. In her words they were “different leagues” like kindergarten and
Spa at Gwinganna in Australia Shows Innovation in Massage, Facials and Body work – and it worksBy Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider What a novel idea. Instead of creating a spa menu and then hiring therapists to perform the various massages, body scrubs and facials offered, how about hiring the practitioners first and then creating the
Gwinganna Spa Lifestyle Retreat has Got it Right By Susie Elils, SpaFinder Insider Am here in Australia at Gwinganna – a new spa (where Hugh Jackman and many others go). It opened less than two years ago and seems to be a smashing success. After just a few days here, I can see why. More
One fun element of spending time at a spa where you interact with other guests (especially at destination spas – my favorite kind of spa) is that you learn some interesting tidbits from others. Between conversations on a hike or chatting with someone at a meal, I get a glimpse into other people’s lives
Stay Spa Close to New York City – Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa – Worth the RideBy Susie Ellis SpaFinder Insider Last Saturday was a honey-do day for me. Not the melon kind but the “honey do this, honey do that” kind. Peter loves his motorcycles and just loves riding in the beautiful countryside outside