Finding great deals in Washington D.C. Spas and Spa=Life.

I just read this entry by Katie T. and I thought it had a lot of great advice that could be used by everyone no matter what area of the country you are in today.

Thrifty District: Reduced-Price Relaxation

You can go ahead an insert the obligatory comments about the horrible economy plus how stressful everyone’s jobs are at the moment, and therefore make the obvious case for the increased need for stress-reducing treatments. Duh. You know my intro already. But let’s be realistic in our cost benefit analysis - is $120 for a massage going to make you feel better or worse about your financial situation? Right, you’re rolling your eyes, that’s what I thought.

But just because you can’t afford it doesn’t mean you don’t still need it. So I’m here to help you, friend, find a cheaper ticket to stress-less-ville. I’ve got a few cost-saving tips if you want to go to a professional spa, and then a few quick ideas and links if you’re up for a do it yourself spa session.

I also found this news item cool.

Spas Add Years to Your Life

Dealing with your stress today can help prevent stress-related illnesses (heart disease, stroke, depression) tomorrow. "There's quite a bit you can learn at a spa to help reduce stress," said Dr. Brent Bauer, director of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic. "Things like meditation, acupuncture, massage and guided imagery - the right answer is to find what fits for you and incorporate it on a regular basis."

As always, if you run a Spa, Resort, or Salon, be sure to check out our website, MoreSpaTraffic.com.

We have a great means to cost effectively market your business and increase it by 15-20%. You're customers matter to you, and we can help you connect with them outside the spa.

Large Spas Failing, Smaller Spas Capitalizing

I was taking a look through some of the latest news and I noticed two interesting articles that popped out to me.

The first was this one:

The Spa Bath Bubble Has Burst

It's a great article about the writers experience at an ultraluxury spa and a growing problem for spas like that across the country in the form of dwindling clients.

Katherine Stewart writes:

The hospitality industry as a whole is reeling from the recession. PKF Consulting, a Georgia-based firm of industry specialists focusing on hospitality and tourism, titles its March report on the industry "How Much Do You Stand To Lose in 2009?" The firm reported a 5.3 percent decline in occupancy, coupled with a 2.7 percent fall in room rates, leading to a 14 percent decline in net operating income for the average U.S. hotel from 2008-09. But the luxury-destination end of the business—where nightly accommodation charges can start at $700, as at Pelican Hill, and guests might spend equivalent sums on pampering, sports activities, and haute cuisine—seems to be taking a much harder hit.

This of course is leading to some problems for the big resort spas and many in the industry are trying to figure out how to deal with it. In part it's not that the rich don't have any more money, but they are being very careful with the money as I think there is a sense of uncertainty for them. I imagine there is also a stigma that's been cast upon so many so widely by the likes of bad people like Madoff. It's a shame.

But on the flip side is the smaller more flexible spas and spa related products that are surviving and even flourishing.

Here's one example that I spotted:

A spa-cial day gone awry

Annie Tasker reports on the misfortune of a troop of Brownies who raised some money to experience a spa day at a large spa. Unfortunately the spa took their money and then closed it's doors for good before giving them their spa day.

Annie writes:

After hearing from Korchek, Serenity Day Spa and Wellness Center on Swamp Road stepped up Wednesday afternoon and offered the girls a Saturday afternoon session free of charge, so long as they leave a tip. The girls will learn about facial and nail care from two manicurists and four estheticians, then head home with some goodie bags, said Serenity co-owner Jennifer Wiegand.

That was very encouraging to me to hear.

And I continue to hear from others in the industry via sources like Twitter, that those making products and those smaller more leaner companies are finding ways to deal with the difficulties faced in this downturn.

If you haven't yet check us out, be sure to stop by MoreSpaTraffic for how we can help you with your spa and salon marketing. We can help you increase your customer loyalty by rewarding those great customers which will increase double your referrals. Check out our site and the video.