A day at the spa provides many people with feelings of both anticipation and relaxation. These businesses offer excellent opportunities for people to come and experience the rejuvenation that comes with treatments such as massages, facials, body wraps, or hydrotherapy.
Spas have been around for hundreds of years, and that means that there have been several trends that have emerged and passed over the years. Spa managers play an important role in the function of any spa and thus have a critical role in hospitality as a whole.
Those interested in wellness and spas may want to consider entering the field of spa management. Here is what anyone interested in this field should know about the job, what it entails, and how it has changed over the years.
What is spa management?
Spa management involves overseeing all aspects of the spa to ensure that the business runs smoothly and provides an optimal experience for all guests. This includes tasks such as:
- Managing and organizing the staff
- Overseeing the training of the staff so that everyone knows their jobs and roles
- Organizing vendors to ensure that the spa always has what it needs to satisfy guests
- Making sure the facility is well-maintained and managing the hiring of outside contractors if needed
- Tracking and managing the budget of the spa
- Overseeing and working on marketing campaigns for the business
The precise job description of the spa manager will vary depending upon several factors, including the size of the business and the staff as well as how this particular spa is set up. Some spa managers work more directly with customers, while others will focus on the business part of running the organization.
How has spa management changed over the years?
Spas actually date back thousands of years, with evidence of their use found during ancient times among the Greeks and the Romans. People have long appreciated the rejuvenating features of rich mineral springs and recognized the health benefits of caring for the body and mind in such a deep and centering way.
Spas have quickly spread in various forms around the world, with different countries having traditions that date back generations. The Japanese onsens, Turkish hammams, and Finnish saunas all display the diverse practices that evolved, while all centering around the common idea of replenishing experiences.
In the modern era, spas became more closely associated with wealth and pampering, creating a more exclusive atmosphere. Now, however, the shift has turned towards health and wellness. This means that spas have become increasingly popular with people from a variety of backgrounds.
For spa managers, this means that the shift has resulted in changes in the focus of the position. In the past, managers worked to create an exclusive atmosphere, but now managers focus more on creating a holistic, natural-focused atmosphere for their customers and clients. They often want to create treatment menus that incorporate a variety of different types of treatment options, including choices from different spa cultures and traditions.
Successful spa management requires an understanding of different theories of health and holistic treatment and an ability to see and anticipate trends in desired treatments and therapies. Incorporating diverse ideas into comprehensive health practices helps these spa managers create a desirable atmosphere that draws in customers from diverse backgrounds and needs.
What are some of the latest trends in spa management?
A number of trends have emerged over the years as customers begin to shift in their preferences for spa treatments and experiences. Those who thrive in the industry, as well as those preparing to enter positions in the business, should familiarize themselves with these developments so that they can improve their performance.
Trends in running the spa
One of the biggest trends in spa management has been an increased focus on personalization. Finding ways to add individualization to services offered at the spa, even if it comes in simple forms such as greeting repeat customers by name and tracking their preferences during treatment, can help to create a better experience for each customer.
Another important trend that spa managers should note is the growing importance of being eco-friendly. Finding ways to incorporate environmental practices into the vendors they select and the treatments they offer can also help spa managers create desirable atmospheres.
Trends in promoting the business
When it comes to marketing, emerging trends will also impact spa management professionals. Since they oversee and help to design campaigns that will promote the business, they should familiarize themselves with the latest trends in digital marketing.
Using these promotional avenues to help prospective customers learn more about efforts to be eco-friendly and create personalized services can also help draw in new customers.
Entering the field of spa management can provide an exciting career avenue for those interested in the hospitality field. Spas provide customers with a range of services, all focused on helping them take care of their bodies and feel their best.
