Spas Throwback to the Basics

Throwback Thursday had a whole new meaning at the recent ISPA Media Event. A number of spas showcased their latest treatments, with an apparent common theme: old is new again, with an added twist, thanks to innovative technology.

“Spas are getting back to the basics. The number one reason worldwide why men and women visit a spa is to manage their stress,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “When it comes to stress relief, spa-goers are looking for treatments that help them achieve their desired results.”

A variety of massages, facials and food-inspired experiences were offered at the event.

• Aspira Spa offered their Sacred Waters Massage based on native indigenous healing traditions, where warm deer skin pouches filled with water from the lake are placed on the seven chakras.
• Awaken Whole Life Center demonstrated their warming massage technique featuring a heated rose compress and warm wild rose candle massage oil.
• Kohler Waters Spa presented their Mini De’lite treatment, a taste of their newest detoxifying treatment, which incorporates dry brushing, warming oil, and pressure point massage.
• Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group provided their signature head massage, Calm Mind, designed to completely relax both the body and mind.
• Massage Envy Spa discussed new research on massage benefits and offered their Healthy Vitamin C Infusion Facial, designed and proven to deliver pure Vitamin C to the skin, helping combat free radical damage from environmental exposure.
• Miraval Resort & Spa offered manicures and with celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann on hand to greet the guests.
• The Oaks at Ojai provided samples of their newest gluten-free offerings, including an opportunity to grind and bottle ones’ own blend of herbs.

Exercise has long been a core foundation of the spa industry. A few spas presented experiences that added in a fitness twist to reflect that historic focus.

• Glen Ivy Hot Springs offered a relaxation walk through a labyrinth, allowing the guests to tune out the noise and stress of daily life and find a deeper sense of wellbeing.
• Rancho La Puerta featured their “Salsa y Salsa” class, which combines an energetic salsa class with an added treat of fresh salsa and chips.
• Travaasa Experiential Resorts demonstrated their innovative Blender Bike, a cycling bike that generates power for a blender to create a post-workout smoothie.

While technology may not be a historic element of the spa industry, several companies showed how technology can be incorporated effectively into the spa industry.

• Bellus Academy brought their Biophotonic LED treatment which displayed the image of the scalp onto a monitor and to determine the recommended scalp and hair treatment.
• Matrix Fitness Systems demonstrated their 7xi machine, which connects the user to their social media accounts to stay connected while exercising.
• ResortSuite was the software provider facilitating all appointment scheduling online prior to the event.

Each attendee received a Haiku tote bag, sponsored by SpaWeek.