Spa Operations
<<< Back to ISPA Academy
The 2025 Insider’s Guide to What’s Shaping Spa Now
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
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.
The Hidden Gem of Horse Country: Inside the Kentucky Castle
Towering over the picturesque rolling hills of horse country lies a hidden gem, The Kentucky Castle Spa— a time capsule of tranquility and rejuvenation in the heart of Kentucky farmland. Chief Operating Officer Christie Eckerline invites Open House readers into this locally iconic space, sharing insights into its mysterious origin, transformation and retail philosophy.
The Statistics Behind Optimizing Online Reviews this Holiday Season
Each year, the holiday season seems to come quicker and quicker, pulling behind it a dependable stream of decorations, family gatherings and heightened consumerism. For spa professionals, the holidays present a tremendous opportunity to welcome new spa-goers into your universe and reach untapped segments of your community. More than at any other time of the year, friends and family give the gift of relaxation and restoration to loved ones in desperate need of a break from busy, sometimes backbreaking lifestyles. Many of them know the benefits of spa but are not intimately familiar with their local spa scene. Where do these thoughtful gift-givers go to get the lowdown on the best spas in town?
You guessed it—they go to online reviews. Waiting patiently in their pocket or within an arm’s reach, their phone is a gateway to all the gab and gossip surrounding local businesses. Review sites receive a constant flow of star ratings and reflections from customers whose experience with a local business, whether positive or negative, motivates them to let the world know. As we will see, understanding the statistics behind online reviews and managing your online reputation is of the utmost importance—especially during the holiday season.
Town Hall Examines “Hidden Fees Statute”
A new California law with ramifications for the spa industry went into effect July 1. Known as SB478 (California Senate Bill 478) and nicknamed the “Hidden Fees Statute,” this law prohibits businesses from advertising a price lower than the actual price consumers will ultimately pay for a good or service. SB478 aims to increase transparency for consumers by eliminating mandatory charges and fees, such as service fees and surcharges.
Town Hall Panel: Takeaways From the 2024 ISPA Conference
The Town Hall presented at the end of May took on a different twist. One month removed from the 2024 ISPA Conference in Phoenix, participants considered opportunities and outcomes from the annual gathering. Panelists Shana Ominsky, Catherine Warren and Eric Wilkinson identified notable takeaways and innovative offerings that will help ISPA members drive business growth in the months and years ahead.
Training for Success
According to a recent study conducted by the American Society for Training and Development, “companies with comprehensive employee training programs have 218 percent higher income per employee than companies without formalized training.” In addition, LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report found that “93 percent of organizations are concerned about employee retention—and that the number one way to improve retention is by ‘providing learning opportunities.’ In fact, 94 percent of workers said development opportunities would keep them in a role at their company.” These stats show that providing training makes good business sense, but figuring out the whats and hows of a training program can be a challenge for many small businesses. A good place to start is by creating standards and protocols that match your mission, vision and values. And there are resources that can help.
Trending: Cannabis in Spa
Word is getting around about the many benefits of cannabis and is particularly catching the attention of people who are into natural health and wellness.
Trends in Business Well-being
Straight from the leading business publications, Pulse brings you the most exciting trends and news shaping the spa industry. From the surging demand for holistic wellness to the innovative fusion of sustainability and hospitality in spa operations, here are the top stories you need to know to stay ahead of the curve. Dive into these updates to see how corporate life is evolving and how you can leverage these trends to enhance your spa business.
Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Spas
A uniform system of financial reporting establishes standardized formats and account classifications to guide individuals in the preparation and presentation of financial statements.