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Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.2 | Defining Spa

December 16, 2016

Defining Spa

Most of the world begins its definition of spa with water. Without water, most say, there is no spa. The original spas—mineral springs and hot springs—have been a part of relaxation and healing in many cultures for millennia. Towns with hot springs grew into popular destinations for holiday retreats.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.3 | Variations of Spa

December 16, 2016

Variations of Spa

There are many approaches to spa throughout the world and each spa provides services according to its own unique vision and mission. As the number of spa locations increased dramatically during the 1990s and into this century, classifications became necessary to categorize the array of spa experiences being offered in the market.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.4 | Spa-Goers

December 16, 2016

Spa-Goers

When spa-goers talk about spa, the language they use includes such words as:

  • Stress-free
  • Get-away
  • Fun
  • Pampering
  • Serene
  • Calming
  • Tranquility
  • Peaceful
  • Nurturing
  • Holistic

These images and associations create exceedingly high expectations among guests for their visits to spas. They expect from spas deep gratification, or something close to it. Their high expectations derive, in part, from the way the word “spa” stands in their minds as a symbolic promise of unusually meaningful and pleasurable life experiences.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.5 | Interpretation of Spa

December 16, 2016

Interpretation of Spa

While spa professionals can research those using spas, people will continue to approach the spa world with their own interpretations. Individuals will come to spas with different needs and receive different benefits. Spas will offer a variety of services and build their mission around those needs they can best meet.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.6 | Business and Philosophy of Spa Working in Harmony

December 16, 2016

Business and Philosophy of Spa Working in Harmony

While spas are about healing people, they are also businesses that can survive to do good work only if financially stable and operating on a sound business model. Spa professionals have the challenge of ensuring that they operate as a business while staying true to the mission of spa.

Just as spas teach balance to their guests, they themselves must practice balance by keeping the business and philosophy working in harmony. Spas exist to put other people first and care for them. It is a service to humanity that goes beyond profit and spa professionals must enjoy doing it to be successful.

How does a spa go about keeping its “spa-ness” without becoming simply a retail provider of services? It begins with spa professionals. Spa professionals have to believe in and be connected to the spa concept and the spa experience. Business development begins with personal development. They also have to have sincere conversations with their guests and find out what their guests need and desire.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.7 | Expression and Emotional Responses

December 16, 2016

Expression and Emotional Responses

One spa professional described the spa experience as a chance to “go in good and come out better.” Guests who go to spas want to do work and accomplish something, but someone else has to do it for them. They go to a spa and connect with the therapist or the technician to receive the service.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.8 | Value of Spa

December 16, 2016

Value of Spa

Spas have survived and thrived throughout history because of the value they offer to individuals and society. They have blazed the trail of whole body wellness by caring for the body, mind, and spirit. They have explored methods of healing and relaxation that appeal to the whole person.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 10 | Leadership and Ethics

August 3, 2020

Leadership is needed from many people in the spa organization and it is not the spa director alone who drives every decision to create the necessary environment. Rather, a spa leader is a disciplined, focused, consistent communicator whose goal is to take the spa from good to great.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 10.1 | Management: Building Blocks for Leaders

August 3, 2020

While a professional can become a manager on the virtue of what he or she accomplishes, being a leader is in part determined by others and their willingness and acceptance of the professional’s leadership. Whether others accept the leadership of a professional will depend in large part on how they manage and, even more importantly, how they behave and believe.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 10.2 | The Importance of Leadership

August 3, 2020

To manage means to bring about, to accomplish, to have charge of, responsibility for, to conduct. Leading is influencing, guiding in direction, course, action, and opinion. The distinction is crucial.

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