The International SPA Association (ISPA) has published its trends forecast for 2009, with customised treatments seen as one of the hottest trends.
Resulting from spas listening to the demands of clients, customised treatments include 30-minute facials and massages; combining a series of treatments; or treatments tailored to fit the client’s specific needs; for example “Wi-Fi massage”, which targets muscles used while at the computer.
The other trends are:
– Mind, body and spirit: Consumers are looking to spas to recharge not only their body, but their spirit and mind as well. Many spas are increasing self-discovery services like art classes and other learning activities that help consumers to stop, be still and focus on themselves.
– Family-friendly resort spas: With increasingly fast-paced lives, more and more people are looking for spas that cater to families. These spas are responding to the need for families to communicate and spend time together, whether it’s flying through the air on a trapeze or attending family yoga.
– Organic spas: More spas than ever before are offering environmentally friendly products and services, and more. Many feature outdoor treatments and eco-friendly facilities, as well as treatments that highlight indigenous plants and the environment in which the spa is located (i.e., seashell body treatment and blueberry body wrap).
– Spa credits: Hotels are looking to entice travellers and increase bookings by offering free treatments or spa credits when booking a room.
– Spa memberships: Similar to a gym membership, it allows spa-goers to experience spas at a lower cost. A 12-month membership could include unlimited use of the facility, a treatment a month and discounts on additional monthly services.
– Half-day spa vacations: With people watching every penny, many are cancelling their expensive vacations and instead turning to spas, taking a morning or afternoon to escape with a massage, facial and pedicure.
– Dental spas: Your annual cleaning just got more relaxing. The American Dental Association says about 50 per cent of US dentists are providing spa amenities at no additional charge; including hand massages, paraffin wax dips and reflexology.
– Tried and true: Consumers are moving away from the trendy and seeking treatments with proven and tangible results. They’re getting back to basics, focusing on core spa services like deep tissue massage and clarifying facials.
– Increased spa amenities: Turn a 60-minute service into an entire afternoon of rejuvenation by taking advantage of the spa’s amenities. After a hot stone massage, take a plunge in the pool, sit in the sauna or cool down in an ice room; today’s spas encourage loitering.
ISPA President, Lynne McNees, said, “In this economy, people are watching their money, plain and simple. Spa professionals are listening to the needs of customers and creating specialized treatments. Whether it’s a 30-minute pick-me-up massage on a lunch hour, or soothing those worked-to-the-bone Wi-Fi fingers, it’s all about meeting the demands of consumer.”