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Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.1 | Philosophy of Spa
Philosophy of Spa
Philosophy is often considered a foundation upon which people build their knowledge and belief structures. The Greek word for philosophy translates to “love of wisdom.” It is appropriate then, that this text begins its exploration of spa by delving beyond the business models and types of treatments to take a close look at the wisdom and “why” of spa philosophy encompasses the deeper meaning and sacred significance of spa.
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.2 | Defining Spa
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
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
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.
Retail Management for Spas
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 5.8 | Inventory Turnover
While inventory has been thoroughly covered in a previous chapter, some of the concepts apply directly to evaluating performance and maximizing a spa’s profits.
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 5.9 | Spa Retail Budgeting
Spa professionals prepare the retail department annual budget at the same time that they prepare the budget for the entire spa operation. For the budget to be most useful and accurate, spa professionals have to prepare a forecast of retail activities as it represents the road map of the retail operation.
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 6 | Introduction
At the Seasons Spa …
Jazmine and the Seasons Spa are avid participants in the Jelly Bean League. They meet monthly to compete against other spa retail staffs.
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 6.1 | Sales is Part of Service
The spa’s services are a great sampling opportunity to generate a product sale. They are a process that creates a unique form of dialogue around the experience of using spa products such as skin care, body care, apparel, books, and relaxation CDs. The spa’s services are unique opportunities to connect with guests in a traditional sales manner. Therapists are able to build rapport through experience and education.
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. The recommendations set forth in this uniform system are based on a consensus of spa industry financial executives, public accounting authorities, consulting specialists, and a leading academy expert, and are consistent with generally accepted accounting principles.
Financial Management for Spas
This text is intended to provide spa beginners and veterans alike with a better understanding of financial management. Our hope is that you will learn to embrace the accounting process and to understand that, while accounting is in many ways a science, there is also an art to financial management. In the end, you will be able to appreciate the beauty in numbers.
Spa Operations Manual
The customizable manual includes comprehensive materials for spa job descriptions, new hire checklists, standard departmental information, specific departmental procedures, staff training, common spa treatments, reference guide templates and more.