spa industry

Interesting industry news this week: Lather Spa, an L.A.-based skincare company (with a great name in my opinion), opened in Manhattan. What is even more interesting is that it opened in the same space that used to be the Greenhouse Day Spa. That took me by surprise, as the Greenhouse closing was not on my […]

Integrative medicine and ayurvedic medicine makes its way to mainstream as Western philosophies turn to Eastern philosophy for guidance on well being.

I remember they were doing some very new things back then – like launching a “Spiritual Fitness” program. And today they are still pioneering programs and leading the spa world in so many ways. I’ll share highs and lows in my next few entries, but suffice it to say that so far I am most impressed that the guests seem very, very happy to be here.

Had a fun outing with three friends last evening to the new G Spa & Lounge in the meatpacking district of Manhattan. G Spa is the new underground space at the Gansevoort Hotel that is a spa by day and a “hot” nightclub at night. Hmmmm, that means Gansevoort is generating income from a basement […]

Highs The “Awakening Theme”. Like Miraval with its “Mindfulness,” awakening is seen in their logo, their purpose, their conversation, and in time will likely join the lexicon of spa experiences even outside of The Lodge at Woodloch Food is some of the best I’ve ever had at a spa. Healthy but five-star quality presentation and […]

Before I continue with more branding tidbits, I have to tell you about today’s experience. Two of the four yearly meetings of the Spa Finder Board of Directors take place at spas. This time, we are at the brand-new Lodge at Woodloch. In fact, we are their “soft opening” group, here for three days to […]

Six Senses Spas has one of my favorite spa brand names and logos. I remember when I first saw one of their ads (they are well known for gorgeous photography) with the name Six Senses. It was instantly memorable because it made me wonder, “Hmmm, don’t we have five senses? What would the sixth be?” […]

Having just returned from my trip to Dubai, I am planning to rest over the weekend. But my husband Peter calls from the Spa at Grand Lake in Lebanon, Connecticut, where he had ridden his Harley-Davidson motorcycle for an overnight stay. He tells me the weather is so gorgeous and the scenery so beautiful that […]

My final day in Dubai included a spa forum organized by Michael Loh from Spa Asia Magazine and Christiane Walter, from Messe Frankfurt Exhibition. The organizers invited a panel of spa managers from Dubai to address our international group of spa enthusiasts who had come to learn about the industry in the Middle East. The […]

The next stop was back in Dubai: Park Hyatt, Amara Spa. Loved it! The entire property was impressive with a beautifully done Moroccan theme, while avoiding being “over-themed”. I understand why people quite often describe Dubai as something between Las Vegas (without gambling) and Disneyland. We arrived at the Park Hyatt just as the sun […]

The spa at the Madinat Jumeirah is next on my schedule. I had been looking forward to seeing their Six Senses Spa ever since it was ranked top spa in the Middle East in our 2005 Readers’ Choice Awards. The readers did not disappoint me. I have to say, I liked this spa’s Arabian-themed design. […]

My spa touring continues. Grand Hyatt is next on my list, where I find a fairly traditional spa facility very much like the spas I see in the US health clubs, but with gracious hospitality a la Dubai from Steven, the spa director, and Peter, the regional GM. Note to self: Showing enthusiasm when someone […]

Today is our day to visit the Middle East Beauty, Spa and Wellness Expo. We wander through aisles upon aisles of beauty products and spa wares. I was told by umpteen people not to expect too much from this trade show, but I am pleasantly surprised that it is much grander and more interesting than […]

Can’t believe I am sitting here in the locker room at Ski Dubai with my rental parka, pants, and ski boots on, while the temperature outside is close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, my twin sister got to plan the day, and she insisted on this outing because she likes to do everything that is […]

After a very pleasant 12-hour trip on Emirates Airlines from New York to Dubai, I’m at the airport awaiting my luggage. With me is my identical twin sister, Katrine, and we are both giddy with excitement to see what this scene is all about. I have tours of spas planned, plus I will be attending […]

Driving back to the city from the NYSPA meeting at The Sagamore, we were accompanied by Ingo Schweder (Corporate Spa Director, Mandarin Oriental ) and his delightful fiancé. We stopped at the Roosevelt baths in Saratoga Springs right next to the Gideon Putnam resort, which were remodeled into a beautiful spa just a few years […]

Yesterday I was up at The Sagamore in northern New York to attend the first meeting of the recently formed New York Spa Association (NYSPA), a new organization whose mission includes revitalizing the historically rich spa industry in the state of New York. Professor Mary Tabacchi, from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, the major […]

Earlier this week Peter and I were in the “audience” during a presentation given by two Cornell University students who are getting their Masters of Management in Hospitality (MMH). They had chosen the topic of revenue management in the spa industry and used the two of us as resources. The students’ primary and secondary research […]

“Women use an average of 12 products on their skin every morning just to get ready for work.” Dori Soukup shared that wisdom at last week’s panel on spa residential living when someone asked her whether enough products would be sold if a spa were not open to the general public but only to members […]

One of my dreams came true on Monday. Having been the “lone ranger” three years ago when predicting the popularity of spa lifestyle communities, it was heartening to have the privilege of moderating a panel at the American Spa Expo on Spa Residential Living. And it was even sweeter that my husband, Peter, was there. […]