Members of the International SPA Association are withstanding the current economic climate, according to a recent survey of ISPA members conducted by the association. Contrary to the current economic struggles many industries are facing, members of ISPA have proven that their businesses are stable as people are seeking out a place to de-stress and relax in these uncertain times.
The International SPA Association is pleased to announce its board of directors for 2009, including three new officers and three new members. ISPA Board members volunteer their time to strategically lead the association and develop plans for enhancing membership and the spa industry through research, events and education. The new ISPA Board of Directors will begin their roles at the upcoming ISPA Conference & Expo, Nov. 10-13, in Las Vegas.
In an ongoing effort to advance educational pathways available to students in the spa and hospitality management field, the University of California, Irvine Extension has signed an articulation agreement with the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. The partnership will allow students who complete the UC Irvine Extension Certificate Program in Spa and Hospitality Management to become eligible for transfer into the University of Houston’s Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management degree program with 10 undergraduate semester credit hours.
“We’re all attracted to water environments, and we associate pools with luxury,” theorizes Elon Kenchington, COO of the Gansevoort Hotel Group. “The swimming pool also captures a desire from our childhoods.”
Solís Cambrian Hotel & Spa in Adelboden, Switzerland is marking its first summer with a fantastic introductory rate. Prices start from just CHF75 (approx £37) per person for bed and breakfast, based on double occupancy of a Deluxe Mountain View room. Those wishing to enjoy the stunning panoramic Alpine views for which the property is known will pay just CHF100 (approx £49) per person B&B in a Deluxe Panoramic room. This special offer is valid until the end of August 2008.
The global spa economy is estimated to be over $255 billion, according to a major report unveiled at the 2008 Global Spa Summit in New York attended by more than 220 industry leaders last May. Prepared by SRI International on behalf of The Global Spa Summit, the first-ever Global Spa Economy Report represents the most comprehensive effort yet to quantify the rapidly expanding global spa industry. According to study sponsor Pete Ellis, CEO of SpaFinder, the data shows investors, policymakers, and spa industry leaders the economic and business benefits of the spa industry.
To create truly unique and memorable experiences for today’s highly diverse and discerning guests, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, the global contemporary luxury brand, has enhanced, upgraded and emboldened spa amenities at select hotels and resorts around the world. The result is a more creative, personalised and destination-inspired portfolio of pampering treatments that meets the needs of business and leisure guests alike.
The Water Club, A Signature Hotel By Borgata, a joint venture between Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD) and MGM MIRAGE (NYSE:MGM) , began accepting hotel reservations today. The $400 million boutique-lifestyle hotel, which will open this June, will feature 800 guestrooms and suites. Guests can reserve a variety of rooms or packages at The Water Club by calling (800) 800.8817, or visiting www.thewaterclubatborgata.com for stays, starting July 1st.
Between work pressures, an active social life, a busy family and the ever-insistent demands of technology, finding time to relax is harder than ever. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong offers the next-best solution to taking a holiday away from it all, with the aptly-named 90-Minute Day Off treatment at The Mandarin Spa.
SpaLEAD™ is a ground breaking spa and wellness leadership development programme, guiding spa leaders towards a more wellness focused approach and business model, enabling them to differentiate their spas in an increasingly competitive market.
The Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort today announced the completion of a dramatic remodeling of its spa. Now under the direction of Alan Navarette, Spa Oasis opened its doors to unveil a 7,000 square-foot two-story sanctuary of tranquility designed with traditional elements of Mexican flair.
TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel community, today announced the top 10 spas in the world, based on the TripAdvisor Popularity Index and traveler ratings. All 4- or 5-star properties, these spas offer relaxing and opulent spa settings and present travelers with a wonderful way to unwind, detoxify, and invigorate their minds, bodies and spirits for 2008.
Langham Hotels International has officially opened its first property under a management contract, Langham Place, Eco Resort + Spa marking the first of six scheduled openings in the next eighteen months. The Thai property which was signed in the autumn of 2007 with the Rawi Warin Resort & Spa Company, is also the first Langham Hotels International resort.
In 2008, the International SPA Association will build upon its reputation as the voice of the spa industry by debuting LiveSpa. To be published in June, this inaugural publication will focus on educating the spa consumer.
NEW YORK | The Waldorf=Astoria Collection introduced the new Guerlain Spa Boutique on December 3, 2007, at the legendary Waldorf=Astoria hotel in New York City. The Spa Boutique opening precedes the much-anticipated opening of the brand’s first Guerlain Spa on the 19th floor of The Waldorf=Astoria in early 2008.
The International SPA Association Foundation has taken a significant step forward in educating future spa industry leaders. For the first time, students may now submit an application for consideration for the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced plans today to open 30 Tea Tree Spas in the next two years, tripling the group’s current network of Tea Tree Spas in Australia, Greater China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Lake Placid, New York | The Whiteface Lodge, a luxury resort and spa with a private residence club, invites families to relax and reconnect this winter with the Gourmet and Spa Experience. Through March 31st 2008, couples can enjoy a three-night stay in a lavish one-bedroom suite for just $495 per night*. This special package features a five-course tasting menu for two with wine pairings from the award-winning wine cellar. Guests taking advantage of this special offer may also receive a 15% discount at The Spa at The Whiteface Lodge.
KIRKLAND, Wash. | Corbett Holt Properties, Inc. in a partnership with investment group Taylor Clark, Inc., opened downtown Kirkland’s first independent, full-service luxury hotel in a ceremony on October 2. The Heathman Hotel Kirkland is located at 220 Kirkland Ave. two blocks from Moss Bay, on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. Like its award-winning sister location, the historic Heathman Hotel in Portland, Ore., The Heathman Hotel Kirkland now provides guests with the ultimate in service and a unique Northwest luxury experience. Reservations can be made by calling (425) 284-5800 (phone) or (800) 551-0011 (toll free), or online at
Manila | It was an evening of triumph, victory and glittering success for the nominees and winners at the 2007 SpaAsia Crystal Awards given last October 5, 2007 at a gala dinner held at the Grand Plaza Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila, the Philippines.