Spa Places in the News

ISPA Members Support New Year's Resolutions

LEXINGTON, Ky. - This January, members of the International SPA Association are offering real solutions to accomplish daunting New Year's resolutions. Goals such as "lose weight," "exercise more" and "stop smoking" continue to top people's list of resolutions year after year. In response, ISPA member spas have crafted programs that present step-by-step methods for achieving and maintaining these goals once and for all.

"ISPA members are offering safe and healthy lifestyle options to guests who are looking to establish lifetime wellness rituals, not quick fixes," said ISPA President Lynne Walker McNees. "Education is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and ISPA members are strengthening the mind/body connection by offering cooking classes, guided meditation, fitness and dietary consultations along with their treatments."

While the most common reason to visit a spa is to relieve stress, the latest ISPA spa-goer research also cites improving mental health (31 percent), physical heath (29 percent) and regulating body weight (9 percent) as driving factors. After their visit, spa-goers who were surveyed indicated that they felt more relaxed, healthier and more confident.

A sample of ISPA members that are offering concrete options for achieving personal goals in 2005 include:

The Spa at Norwich Inn's three-night/four-day program "Healthy Pleasure" focuses on the development of practical tools for stress relief based on the Buddhist philosophy of mindfulness. The Connecticut spa's package includes a one-on-one dietary analysis and consultation, exercise classes, food and wine appreciation, mindful stress reduction, laughter therapy and two spa treatments.

"Harmony Retreats," offered by Aquae Sulis Spa in Las Vegas, NV, brings women together to explore body images, relationships, trust and forgiveness and ultimately, helps each guest identify their personal purpose. The series of sessions explore breathing, meditation, visualization and journaling exercises.

During the juice fasting program at New York's New Age Health Spa guests may choose to fast independently or participate in a guided five-night "Mini-Week" group fast. Held January 23-28, the program includes participation in group activities, presentations specific to the detoxification process and two spa treatments.

"New Year, New You," the holistic package at Arizona's Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is a three-night/four-day stay where guests customize their program by choosing one component from each category of mind, body and soul. Cooking classes, hiking, nutrition consultation and an introduction to tarot, astrology or numerology can be paired with 60-minute treatments from the spa's Asian-inspired menu of services.

At Preston Wynne Spa in Saratoga, CA the six-week "Purifying Path" customized detox program integrates a series of lymphatic drainage massages, a supervised nutritional detox and sessions with a chiropractor and personal trainer. Also included is "Deep Relaxation Therapy," a type of hypnosis, to assist in all aspects of the detox, from destressing to visualization.

The Balanced Living Programs at Miraval Life in Balance in AZ include: "Mindful Weight Management," "Smoking Cessation," "Life Transitions, Embracing Wholeness: Healing the Self after Surgery, Injury or Illness" and lastly, "Total Well-Being/Mindful Stress Management." Guided with gentle coaching and an emphasis on the mind/body connection, each program offers the essential wellness elements of nutrition, movement and exercise.

ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA's membership is comprised of approximately 2,000 health and wellness facilities and providers from 66 countries. ISPA strives to advance the professionalism of the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, to promote the value of the spa experience to society and to be the authoritative voice of the spa industry.