New Federal Gift Certificate Law Goes Into Effect

Even though I’m a big fan of gift certificates, I have a tendency to “save” them for a rainy day. That wouldn’t be an issue, except for the fact that they often expire before I get around to using them. While unredeemed gift cards can be a boon to your spa, they don’t necessarily help you build your clientele. With the holidays drawing closer, gift cards and certificates are once again poised to stuff many a stocking. It’s important to note though that a new federal gift certificate law went into effect this past Sunday. It establishes a five-year minimum term for most gift certificates sold in the U.S. This new law doesn’t, however, shorten any minimum terms set by state law. So if you’re based in a state with a minimum term of seven years, such as MA, or in a state that doesn’t permit any expiration date (CA, CT, FL, ME, MN, MT, NH, RI, and WA), those terms still apply to your gift certificate sales. Otherwise, remember your clients now have five years from the date of issue to redeem their gift certificates. This new law is only applicable to gift certificates with a dollar value, not those redeemable for a service. To learn more about how the new Credit Card Act of 2009 may affect your spa, check out a recent blog on the topic at www.spaboom.com.

SpaFinder Releases State of Spa Travel Survey Findings

If you’re like me, you’ve been crossing your fingers and toes over the past year in hopes of seeing our economy—and our spa-related businesses—finally come out of its dismal state. I just received the results of SpaFinder’s fourth annual State of Spa Travel survey, and I feel tentatively hopeful. This query of 250-plus global travel agents conducted last month revealed that spa travel performed surprisingly well across a depressed economy in 2009 and is clocking modest, yet measurable, gains for the first half of 2010. Here are a few of the highlights:

A Resilient 2009—Modest Gains in 2010
Despite a historically abysmal 2009 economy, roughly two in three agents (64%) reported no declines in spa travel bookings last year (over 2008), with 26% reporting spa travel actually increased. And for first-half 2010, the modest economic recovery underway is reflected in the measurable (if similarly modest) gains in spa travel: 36% report spa travel has increased in the first six months of 2010; 39% claim it’s remained about the same; while 25% cite year-over-year declines.). The majority (albeit slim, at 52%) report the economic recovery is now having a direct, positive impact on spa travel bookings – and the optimism for full-year 2010 is higher: 61% predict overall growth this year, with only 7% expecting year-over-year declines.

A New Season of “Let’s Make a Deal”
Hotel, resort and destination spas are not hitting the brakes on special pricing/deals in the somewhat improved 2010 economy. In fact, a surprising 44% of agents report even more aggressive spa travel deals in 2010 over 2009, while 48% report the bargains are holding firm. This industry “deal” strategy matches what consumers have been conditioned to expect: Agents report that the #1 change in spa travelers’ behavior in 2010 is “seeking significant deals.”

Price-Per-Night Mirrors 2009
In 2009, agents reported that the most frequently booked price-per-night at spa destinations had trended down considerably, and in 2010 the numbers are near identical: 74% of spa travel booked now falls under $299 a night (identical with ’09), while 41% falls under $200.

Health & Wellness Travel Continues Surge
Sixty-six percent of agents (up from 52% last year) report their clients are showing a markedly increased interest in vacations with a dedicated health/wellness focus. Additionally, 88% of agents report that health/wellness offerings are now important to their clients (up from 83% in ’09).

Top Trends: “Social Spa-ing” Parties On
Agents weighed in on which trends are exhibiting the most momentum in 2010, and “social spa-ing” (friends/families/groups traveling to spas for special occasions/celebrations) ranked #1, just edging out “spa travel for wellness/health.” Traveling solo ranked third, spa travel by younger people (under 40) ranked fourth, and increased international spa travel ranked fifth.

What do you think of these results? Are they matching up to what you are experiencing in your spa? Be sure to add your comments here. And to get the entire results of the survey, visit www.spafinder.com.

Ceiba Del Mar Debuts Unlimited Spa Getaway Package

Ceiba Del Mar, a luxury Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is offering an endless supply of spa therapies for a limited amount of time. Guests who book an Unlimited Spa Getaway package (starting at $1,680 per couple) for a stay between now and Dec. 22 will enjoy:

• A welcome champagne cocktail
• Four days and three nights accommodation in a deluxe room or guest suite
• Unlimited inter-and-outer focused spa treatments from the Spa at Ceiba Del Mar
• A vital energy flow analysis and a customized gift of blended oils

Guests will also receive complimentary access to a couple’s spa suites with private lounge and jacuzzi terrace; a hydrotherapy circuit with sauna, plunge pools; a fully-equipped gym, yoga and aquafit classes; and land/sea sports equipment. The options are, truly, limitless.

Liven Up Your Workout With Two New iPhone Apps

As a former couch potato, I know the challenges of getting motivated to exercise. For me, music plays such a vital role in getting me pumped for a workout, whether it’s spinning or yoga. So I was excited to learn that PS Ventures Limited has created a way to integrate music into fitness programs with the release of two iPhone apps. “Music Interval Training Tool” and ”Workout Music Timer” are now available to download for the iPhone and iPod Touch. These two apps use the principle of managing listeners’ state of mind throughout their workouts by allowing them to create play lists for exercising at different levels of intensity.

The Music Interval Training Tool is a countdown timer designed for interval training, allowing the user to create a custom play list for low to high intensity workouts with music automatically changing through each phase, while the Workout Music Timer is a more conventional stopwatch, featuring three different intensity music play lists. Listeners can move between play lists at the touch of a button and track down how long they have been exercising at each intensity level. It’s the perfect motivation for making working out feel like less work and more fun. Click here to check out available apps.

Yoga-Paws Redesigns the “Yoga Mat Your Wear”

Although I love doing yoga, it is no secret that I am not coordinated at all. So when I originally learned about Yoga-Paws about five years ago, I was so excited. Touted as the “yoga mat you wear,” Yoga-Paws are lightweight mini-mats worn on the hands and feet to provide slip control so that yoga can be practiced safer and more comfortably (and mat-free, if you choose). Originally launched in 2003, the company has recently compiled feedback from fans and instructors and invested in research and development to improve the product. Available this fall, the new Yoga-Paws hand units will feature eco-friendly TPE material with a curved ergonomic design and external seams, similar to driving gloves, for added comfort and mobility. The foot units will feature a heal strap to prevent movement, as well as a smooth, Lycra-spandex material that adjusts to provide a closer fit for various foot sizes. With accessories making it this easy and comfortable, there is no excuse not to say “om.” Check out the products here.

Spa-goers at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa
Take a Hike with The Biggest Losers

This weekend, guests at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa (AZ) can find new inspiration for achieving their weight-loss goals thanks to the three-day Take a Hike package (starting at $994). Hosted by Bill and Jim Germanakos, twin brothers from the reality weight-loss show “The Biggest Loser,” the program includes three nights accommodation, a welcome party, morning workouts, yoga, two hikes with lunch, two seminars, and a closing dinner. The Germanakos will share their personal stories to help motivate spa-going participants shed unwanted pounds and attain their own weight-loss success. Having visited the property years ago, I’m sure many will be paying a visit to The Spa at Sedona Rouge to recover from their outdoor pursuits. It was definitely a highlight of my visit to Red Rock Country.

Eat, Pray…Global Spa Summit

Cool news from the folks at the Global Spa Summit. The 2011 dates and location have been announced, and they’re heading to Bali! This amazing industry event, which I attended this year in Istanbul, Turkey, will be taking place May 16 to 18, 2011, in Bali. Stay tuned for more details. But in the meantime, check out my coverage of the 2010 event. Will you be attending next year’s GSS? I plan to be there again, and I hope to see you there.

A South American Grain Shines at Tambo del Inka

Despite suffering from a relentless sweet tooth, I tend to eat a rather healthy diet. Quinoa, a nutritious grain from South America, is my latest obsession. Based on a new package recently unveiled at Tambo del Inka (Sacred Valley, Peru), I’m not the only one infatuated with this tasty treat. Introduced by the folks at Libertador Hotels, The Quinoa Trail is a new package (starting at $205 per person) that incorporates a host of quinoa-themed offerings and activities. Before setting off to bike, hike, or kayak through a quinoa-filled landscape, guests begin the day with breakfast, which features goodies such as quinoa soufflés, pancakes, cereals, and other baked goods. A picnic lunch is also included near a picturesque lake. After an adventure-filled day, guests can opt for the Quinoa Facial (not included in the package) at The Spa at Valle Sagrado. Later in the evening, they’ll discover indigenous quinoa candies left during turndown service as well as a keepsake book of recipes. Keep on the lookout for more on the Quinoa Facial in an upcoming issue.

Spilo Worldwide Announces
The Passing of Rosalyn A. Barton

On July 26th, 2010, the professional beauty industry lost an icon with the passing of Rosalyn (Roz) A. Barton. Roz joined Spilo Worldwide, a manufacturer, international distributor, and importer of professional beauty products, more than 40 years ago. She served as the right hand to Charles G. Spilo, the company’s founder, and acted as a guiding influence to the entire company. Throughout her career, Roz was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of Spilo Worldwide. She also served as executive vice president, becoming involved in purchasing, special projects, and general management. In 2005, Roz was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), honoring her work ethic, compassion, and enthusiasm for the industry.

According to president Marc Spilo, Roz’s genuine interest in people and her caring nature were the qualities that really set her apart from the rest. “As a friend and mentor, Roz was a unique individual–someone you could count on for honest opinions, thoughtful guidance, and absolute loyalty,” says Spilo. “If one is measured in life by the love, respect, and admiration of the people around them, then Roz Barton was truly a rich woman.”

Spa at Trump Offers Moody Summer Manis and Pedis

Sandal-loving denizens of Chicago can beat the heat and match their moods with a collection of fun summertime manicures and pedicures at The Spa at Trump at Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago. Ideal for soothing harried hands and feet, the Choose Your Mood manicures ($35, 30 minutes) and pedicures ($65, 45 minutes) feature Lifetherapy aromatherapy products in scents that match the clients’ vibes. The treatments include nail grooming and polish and a hydrating hand or foot massage using essential aromatherapy scents, including Escape, a clean and crisp aroma; Play, a feminine and youthful scent; Vacation, which helps spa-goers feel sexy and warm; Chill, a subtle and peaceful fragrance; and Flirt, which is innocent and playful. No matter how spa-goers are feeling this summer, they are certain to find a nailcare solution that makes scents.

Looking for more creative ways to market your spa’s nailcare offerings? Check out American Spa’s July supplement, Head-to-Toe, a guide to selling with salon services.