Washington Spa Alliance
Julie Register attended this meeting in June 2010

I attended the innauguration of the Washington Spa Alliance (WSPA) at The Jefferson in Washington, D.C. on June 17, 2010.

Bernard Burt, author, editor, and founder of www.SpaGoer.com served as the Master of Ceremonies.

WSPA will be a resource for the Mid-Atlantic spa community and for those whose interests dovetail with WSPA’s tenets of wellbeing and sustainability. Bernie reminded us that this area has a rich history of spa. George Washington surveyed Berkeley Springs, WV when he was 16 years old, and Thomas Jefferson frequented the Jefferson Pools near The Homestead in Virginia. (Aside: The men's bathhouse at the Jefferson Pools, built in 1761 and the oldest spa structure in the United States, is in danger of being torn down because it is in such bad shape after years of neglect.)

Franck Arnold, the Managing Director of The Jefferson, Washington, D.C. was our host.

Franck welcomed us and invited us to explore the hotel which just had just reopened in August 2009 after being closed for renovations for over two years. After the event, I toured the elegant, small Spa at The Jefferson on the 2nd floor. There were two treatment rooms with walls lined with luminous mother of pearl. One had a shower and dressing area. There was an area for make-up, shaves and retail. Down the hall was the Spa Suite, an 800 square-foot suite with a king bed and separate parlor that can connect to a couple's treatment room.

Deborah Szekely, founder of Rancho La Puerta and The Golden Door, is Honorary Chair of WSPA.

Deborah told the story about how Rancho La Puerta was founded 70 years ago on June 6. She spoke of growth, possibilities and what-ifs. She has always recommended people change carreers when they turn 60. She followed her own advise. She had an unsuccessful run for congress but moved to Washington DC and wrote Setting Course: A Congressional Management Guide, - the basic training and reference manual for newly elected Senators, Congress members, and their staffs. From 1984 to 1990, she was President of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), an independent agency of the United States government created by Congress to support self-help efforts of the poor throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. She returned home when her son became ill from melanoma. She now lends her amazing knowledge and energy to many organizations, including WSPA and her new project, The Living Skills Fifth Grade Semester to prevent childhood obesity through education.

Attendees listen to Bernie - Susan Miller, director of Spa Operations for Marriott (hands only); Sharilyn Abbajay (far left), the newly-appointed Director of Spa for Marriott; Ada Polla, President & CEO of Alchimie Forever; Charlene Whitcombe (standing in front of mirror) of the Spa at Mandarin Oriental; Mary Bemis (in white), Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Organic Spa Magazine; Norie Quintos (standing right front center) from National Geographic Traveler; Miriam Houston (standing in red at far right) from Relâche Spa at Gaylord National Harbor. Unfortuantely, I don't recognize everyone. Also in attendance were: Gayela Bynum, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development; Tasha Rebec, Best of DC; Kelly Collis Fredrick, Cityshopgirl.com; Martha Honey, Center for Responsible Travel; Anna Mancebo, the departing Director of Spa for Marriott; Kate Michael, KStreetKate.net and The District Dish; McLean Robbins, JulieB, Washingtonian, Robb Report, Daily Candy, Gadling, Luxist; Beth Solomon, Georgetown Dish; and Toni Sullivan of Relâche Spa at Gaylord National Harbor.

Susie Ellis of SpaFinder (left) gave a summary of the Global Spa Summit and highlighted wellness travel (in contrast to medical travel). Seated are Mary Bemis, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Organic Spa Magazine; Mary-Elizabeth Gifford from The Farm at Pantrepant; Deborah Szekely, Founder of Rancho La Puerta and The Golden Door and Honorary Chair of WSPA; and Dr. Pamela Peeke, Chief Medical Correspondent for Discovery Health TV. Dr. Peeke spoke about her activities (like walking and hiking) with the new Surgeon General, Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A.

WSPA will hold an annual symposium as well as ongoing news-maker events, share best practices, and engage in advocacy. WSPA’s First Annual Symposium will be held at the National Press Club on March 24, 2011.

Regional members of the spa and related communities may join WSPA for the following annual dues: Individual Member — $75; Corporate Member — $150 (1-5 employees); or $300 (5 or more employees). For membership or additional information, contact: Washington National Spa Alliance, 1010 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 201, Washington, D.C. 20007; 202.530.3931; Info@WSPA.com; http://www.washingtonspaalliance.com .