Spa Operations
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ISPA Members Reflect on Technology in the Spa
A summertime ISPA snapshot survey asked respondents to share details about technology in the workplace. Survey responses highlight the types of technology-driven services and treatments being offered, types of operational resources, guest policy on technology usage, cell phone policies and other tech-focused spa practices.
It’s Time To Glow Up: How to audit and elevate your spa service menu in 12 steps
In the competitive realm of spa marketing and positioning, success lies in the art of evolution. A strategic audit of your service menu is not just a task to check off your list; it’s a paramount decision for distinguishing your spa among the competition and attracting your customers to book services. While a menu audit is appropriate at any time, the start of a new year is an excellent reminder to view your spa’s service offerings with fresh eyes. Picture your spa menu as a dynamic reflection of client expectations and industry trends. This is your call-to-action: an audit that goes beyond routine scrutiny, unlocking avenues for innovation and market relevance. Below are 12 concise tips to guide spa owners and directors in the quest for an elevated menu. From reimagining signature offerings to embracing sustain ability, these insights promise to reshape your spa’s identity and captivate the hearts of your discerning clientele.
Log In and Level Up: Your New Learning Experience Awaits with iLearn
With ISPA celebrating its 35th anniversary and holding its Conference in a five-star resort in the unprecedented altitude of Colorado Springs, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of new heights—and iLearn, a powerful new tool exclusive to ISPA members, may just top everything.
iLearn is the latest member benefit from ISPA, and it will help revolutionize industry-wide learning, spa culture and employee engagement. A learning management system (LMS) at its core, iLearn will give spa management the ability to summon knowledge from industry leaders, experts and visionaries on a whim.
Mastering Your Time: Tactics to Declutter Your Daily Routine and Lead Efficiently
In ISPA’s February Town Hall, Andrew Mellen- known as the “most organized man in America”- joined members for an insightful conversation on time management. Mellen’s presentation helped identify easy-to-implement ways to reclaim lost time and declutter our daily routines.
Member Perspectives: Conquering Staffing Challenges During COVID-19
STAFFING HAS LONG BEEN AN ISSUE IN THE SPA INDUSTRY before the pandemic began: for years, data from the ISPA U.S. Spa Industry showed that there were more open positions than there were qualified applicants to fill them.
Mind and Body: How to Promote Mental Well-Being in Your Spa
Many people who enter the spa industry see themselves as healers by nature, whether they are working as a practitioner or creating products that are sold in a spa. That strong desire to help and take care of people is often the common thread between spa managers and vendors. When it comes to employees’ mental well-being, however, spa leaders must balance that impulse with a clear understanding of the limits of their role and the ability to recognize when employees may be best served by outside resources.
Minimum Gap Restriction: A smart strategy to reduce unsold gaps in the spa schedule and maximize revenue potential
As a spa director or revenue manager, you know how important it is to fill your spa schedule with as many appointments as possible. But you also know not all appointments are equal. Some leave unsold holes in the schedule that are hard to fill, especially if the gaps are short or irregular. These gaps can reduce your revenue potential and waste your therapists’ time. How can you avoid these gaps and optimize your spa revenue?
November 2015 Snapshot Survey – Gratuities and Fees
Topic of focus – Spa Gratuities and Service Fees
When asked whether their spas have automatic service fees/ charges, 45 percent of all spas responded yes; with only 15 percent of day spas saying yes; with only 15 percent of day spas saying yes compared to 56 percent of resort/hotel spas.Â
November 2017 Snapshot Survey – Partnerships
Topic of focus –Â Partnerships
More than half of all spa respondents (52 percent) have partnered with a local business in 2017. This number was more than two-thirds for day spa respondents at 70 percent, compared to just 41 percent of Resort/Hotel Spas. For resource partner respondents, just 39 percent partnered with a local business, while the largest segment (55 percent) partnered with a national non-profit organization.
Pathway To Tranquility: Guiding the Guest Through the Spa Retail Space
An often overlooked aspect of a harmonious guest experience is the design of the spa’s retail area, where a deliberate traffic flow pattern can ensure guests are exposed to a diverse range of purchase options while every step leads them further into the spa’s brand story.
Creating an Inviting Entrance
The journey begins at the entrance to the retail space, where a welcoming and unobtrusive display draws guests into the retail space. A well-designed entrance not only sets the tone for the shopping experience, but also serves as a natural starting point for the traffic flow. Placing eye-catching and seasonal items near the entrance can pique interest, enticing guests to explore further.
Guiding the Flow
The layout should encourage a circular or serpentine path, allowing guests to navigate seamlessly through the retail area. Placing focal points strategically along this path ensures high-end items receive the attention they deserve. Consider incorporating feature displays, highlighting premium products and utilizing effective signage to guide guests through different sections.