The hotel industry has taken spas to a level of sophistication that would have taken years to attain in the main stream. According to the International SPA Association (ISPA), hotel spas are the largest growing spa segment. Yet, with the spa industry still in its infancy we continue to hear many of the same questions we did two decades ago. Is spa a trend? Will we end up with an albatross? To answer these questions we need to further understand how spas have evolved. By looking at the spas of yesterday and today while thoroughly considering what research tells us, we can better understand where spas sit in our future. With this knowledge we can leverage and build our spa portfolios to effectively serve our guests while also meeting financial goals and expectations. READ MORE

When a hotel owner/operator and spa operator are considering uniting at a particular property, there are many things to consider in the relationship. If your spa is a non-branded spa, the potential advantage of locating within a flag hotel would be the association and draw of the hotel flag. There is no doubt that a successfully branded hotel will build strategic awareness for a fairly unknown spa brand. In this scenario it is imperative that the spa company values and service level closely match the hotel brand. Horst Schulze, Founder and CEO of West Paces Hotel Group, told me, "Your brand is your promise." If the brand, or promise, is consistent within the hotel group or chain, then the spa owner/operator may feel comfortable that there will be a consistent relationship regarding the support of the promise to the customer throughout the hotel's relationship with the spa. It is critical for the spa company to confirm this commitment. With this alignment there are many positive influences and outcomes for both parties. The closer the match of service levels for the spa and hotel, the more successful the relationship of brand to profitability for both. Without this, it is equally damaging. READ MORE

Concerns And Strategies To Protect Your Core Concept When Growth Slow Down And Retraction Is Necessary. As the hospitality industry continues to grow, many companies - private and public - are contemplating further expansion. During the exuberance of growth, many successful businesses (those in the hospitality industry being no exception) fail to consider how the commitments they are making today that may restrict them in a cooler market. It is as important to implement sound business and legal plans - hedging if you will - in good times as it is in bad ones. READ MORE

The hospitality industry is particularly susceptible to minimum wage violation because of the unique compensation methods used industry wide. Minimum wage violations can result in potential civil litigation which can be both costly and time consuming for an employer. As a result this article attempts to highlight various issues surrounding minimum wage compliance. READ MORE

The recent trend in spa management is branding. Based on the theory that a spa placed in the hotel is similar to its restaurant and can be easily franchised, managed, replicated and implemented hotel chains are buying up brands to secure that their franchise will have a well known option for its spa choice, not unlike putting a Starbucks in the lobby. While this seems like a logical option to an unmanageable problem, spa-goers might not want a cappuchino like all of the rest. Especially when choosing to opt for down time, a moment away or an hour of pleasure while on holiday. However, the jury is still out on how brand frachises are received within hotels. Further, just as restaurant franchises developed over time until the formula for creating a restaurant chain of any type was free from error, spa chains will evolve and adapt until they become the the types of facilities that are enjoyed by hotel guests as well as serve the purposes of the franchise. READ MORE