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Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 9 | A Day in the Life of a Spa Director

July 31, 2020

Spa director careers are more rewarding and more challenging than many people realize. Spa directors—whether of day spas, resort spas, or destination spas—must master many diverse skill sets to be successful.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 9.1 | A Spa Director’s Roles and Relationships

July 31, 2020

Key elements of spa directors’ jobs can be broken down by the various groups with whom they interact.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 9.2 | Similarities and Differences Among Spa Types

July 31, 2020

Different types of spas present their directors with unique challenges and opportunities. These range from attracting guests to developing programs to meeting revenue goals. Knowing how resort spas, destination spas, and day spas differ may help a spa professional choose which spa segment is right for them.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 9.3 | A Day in the Life of Three Spa Directors

July 31, 2020

Every day, spa directors around the world deal with the challenges of leading employees, managing profitability, and serving guests. While there are many types of spas, this chapter will follow hypothetical directors at three of the most common types of spas: resort spas, destination spas, and day spas.

Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 9.4 | A Career That Makes a Difference

July 31, 2020

Spa director is one of the most demanding and rewarding careers in the spa industry. The job requires an extensive knowledge of all aspects of spa operations, from financial management and human resources to facilities management and marketing and public relations.

Staying Connected to Today’s Spa-Goer

July 11, 2024

Understanding spa-goers is paramount for industry professionals seeking to tailor experiences that resonate with their clientele and maximize profits. The 2024 ISPA Consumer Snapshot Report offers a comprehensive glimpse into the behaviors, preferences and priorities of today’s spa-goers, empowering professionals to stay connected to the nature and habits of their audience. While members can access the full, robust study in the ISPA Research Library at experienceispa.com, the following five callouts are a helpful introduction to the study’s extensive findings.

Strategic Savings: Navigating the Tax Benefits of Section 179 for Spa Owners

January 4, 2024

In the ever-evolving spa and wellness industry, savvy owners are keen to optimize their financial strategies. Among various options, Section 179 of the tax code stands out. This underused provision offers significant tax advantages, serving as a key to financial growth for spa businesses.

UNDERSTANDING SECTION 179:

A Financial Lifeline for Spa Owners Section 179 is a vital part of the IRS tax code for spa owners. It allows businesses to deduct the full cost of eligible equipment purchased within the tax year. This encompasses a wide range of assets, from luxurious massage tables to advanced skincare technology.

Technology-driven Services in the Spa: ISPA Town Hall uncovers lessons learned by tech-forward spa leaders

December 16, 2024

Technology in the workplace has transformed how we work and communicate and even the services spas offer to their guests. In a recent ISPA Town Hall, panelists Jennifer Kirby, Luane McWhorter, Daniel Spencer and Geraldine Kasuba shared insights on the types of technology-driven services available in their spas. In addition, they discussed technology-based operational tools and resources they use to help improve efficiencies within their business.

The 2025 Insider’s Guide to What’s Shaping Spa Now

December 16, 2024

These days you can’t go to a spa without a blessing with water. You can’t go to a spa without a little prayer to yourself—an intention. You can’t go to a spa without taking a bath—in sound—downsized from pipe organs to singing bowls. What’s shaping spa now is church-like. But it’s older than any organized religion. We’re embracing the ritualization of everything.

Classic rituals are morphing—as always. Sitting cross-legged and focusing on your breath has become a knee-shaking immersion in breathtakingly cold water. A home ice bath is now $199 at Costco (buy the ice on the way out) or buy Kohler’s new home version, which will take your breath away anytime for about 10 grand. It (ultimately) feels so good and is so good for you—but it’s called a plunge for a reason.

The Facial Upsell

June 12, 2018

My definition of a great facial is when I fall asleep. Once I make it past the torture of the pore extractions, I settle in to a peaceful, meditative state. If I have to ask if I was purring (because, of course, I don’t snore), then it was an exceptional experience. 

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