SPA Association predicts 2008 trends

The International SPA Association (ISPA) has issued their Spa Industry Trend Watch for 2008. In the Corporate Wellness issue, Google, selected as Fortune’s No. 1 company to work for in 2007, offers on-site massages to its employees. According to the American Journal of Health Promotions, for every $1 spent on wellness programs, employers can expect a return of up to $10 through lower medical claims, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity and other factors. “A spa experience is the perfect way for employers to show their team that they care about their health and well-being,” added Lynne McNees, President of the ISPA.

Other trends: spas are incorporating technology such as Wi-Fi in relaxation rooms, cyber treatments that combine biofeedback technology with guidance from wellness professionals and light therapy to help those suffering from depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder and insomnia.

Brands that are known for their chic designs are opening over-the-top spas around the world. Some of the well-known brands include the first Armani-branded spa in Tokyo, Versace Group’s spa at its Australian resort, and spas at Bulgari’s hotels in Milan and Bali.

Spas are creating unique experiences for their guests as well, with 24 percent indicating that clients can book blocks of time instead of specific services. This time block allows them to create a treatment that is all their own from the music to the products to the room temperature.