Spa Site Chat for Spa
Consumers with
guest host, Caren Thornburgh
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The
following is an edited transcript of the Spa Site Chat "How to Choose a
spa / What to Look for in a Spa" with Spa Consultant, Caren
Thornburgh of Virtual Spa.
Julie
Register (spasADM)
Your
Guide to Spas
spasADM> Welcome to the Spa Site Chat Room! Our guest tonight is spa consultant Caren Thornburgh, founder of Virtual Spa. The topic is "How to Choose a spa / What to Look for in a Spa." The chat will end promptly at 10 pm ET. Feel free to ask Caren one question at a time. I will record the chat. Any questions Caren does not have time to answer during the chat will addressed. The chat and questions and answers that Caren answers after the chat will appear shortly after the chat on the Spa Site Article titled "Transcript of Spa Site Chat with Caren Thornburgh - How to Choose a spa / What to Look for in a Spa." at http://spas.about.com/library/blcarenchat012401.htm . Please feel free to use this chat room any time you want to. It's always open.
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spasADM> Pretty quiet tonight
[Caren] Maybe they are at a spa.
spasADM> I'd rather be at a spa. How about you? Do you mind if we discuss some of the emails I have received?
[Caren] Sure.
spasADM> What suggestions would give to : "I am a endodontist (root canal specialist) in minneapolis Mn and I am very interested in opening a dental spa. I have thoroughly enjoyed this web page. There appears to be very little information on providing dental care in a wonderful, serene environment. Could you offer me any suggestions on ideas? I am willing to travel to see what else other health care facilities are doing in this area. Thank you so much."
[Caren] Creating a spa environment within a medical type facility is becoming very popular.
spasADM> Would you envision someone going to get a root canal and having a foot massage first? or something like that. I wonder how it would integrate.
[Caren] The most important area to remember when designing or adding to your space is to create an inviting, relaxing, environment where spa clients as well as non clients will feel comfortable.
spasADM> especially true for dental work! I get nervous a week before I go.
Caren] I designed a similar type of spa/medical facility and the way we achieved this integration is having the same check in area however, the waiting areas and treatment areas were separated.
spasADM> I can better envision the facility integration. It's the treatment integration that I wonder about were there combination treatments?
[Caren] With that said, there is also some very creative ways to integrate the two areas together. Such as providing a foot treatment or scalp massage prior to the dental work.
[Caren] Another great combination for a medical spa is to provide pre and post facials for plastic surgery
[Caren] Some spas have created the spa space and designed one or two additional rooms where they will lease space.
spasADM> I suppose consideration would have to be given to the end result of the spa treatment prior to a medical treatment. For instance, I imagine you wouldn't want to do something that would increase the blood flow prior to dental work.
>> Alice has joined channel #spas
[Caren] Hello Alice
spasADM> Hi Alice
[Alice] Hi Caren, I have never been to a spa and wonder what my first service should be...
>> Mary has joined channel #spas
spasADM> Hi Mary
[Alice] Hi Mary
[Caren] Hello Mary
[Mary] Hi Caren
[Caren] Alice, Oh are you in for a treat ! I would suggest a massage for your first service.
[Alice] I tend to be allergic to many foods will this be a problem?
Caren] Alice, Good question. When you go to the spa more than likely they will have you fill out an information card and list the foods you are allergic to.
spasADM> I think I've read if you are allergic to shellfish, don't have any treatments using seaweed. Is this good advice, Caren?
>> laz has joined channel #spas
spasADM> Hi laz
[laz] hi guys
[Caren] Alice, In a massage they would tend to use a lotion rather than a oil due to the reaction. However, your right spaADM, when it comes to specific seaweeds as well as aromatherapy you will need to be careful.
[Caren] Hi Laz
[Alice] I would imagine some of the nuts I am allergic to could be a problem with the oils, so I will make it a point to be thorough with my form!
[Caren] Alice, good idea, however don't let it stop you from going. There are many alternative treatments and products for you to enjoy.
[Alice] Do you wear underwear for a massage?
[laz] I have a question for you guys
[Caren] Alice, most spas will suggest you arrive at your treatment dressed in a robe and if you are more comfortable with undergarments feel free to wear them, but it is not required
spasADM> Alice, the spas usually supply the robes and sandals.
[laz] I'm new please be patient with me ;-)
[Caren] Laz. Great ! What is your question?
[laz] what would be the best way t find job in a spa somewhere in the Carribean or in Europe as a massage therapist?
[Caren] Laz, there are many ways in which to locate a spa job.
[laz] such as?
[Caren] There are job banks, internet sites, and associations which would help you with your job search.
laz] yup so far no success...
spasADM> laz, have you tried the resources at
- http://spas.about.com/cs/spajobsresort/index.htm
[laz] no but it will be my next let me write down the address
[Caren] Another great way is to run a search of spas in the area you are interested in (you can search spas on this site) and send each one a resume and a cover letter.
[Caren] We do have a career placement section and you can submit your resume on our website (www.virtualspa.com)
laz] great I'll do that
[laz] does it matter if I don't have much practice in spa setting? I'm an NMT specialist and mainly do clinical massage. But wanna do something different for a while....
[Caren] Laz, As long as you are licensed in the area which you want to work you are capable of working in a different type of spa. You may want to identify what you are interested in and possibly learn a new modality.
[laz] cool, thanks for you help. gotta run, bye
>> laz has left channel #spas
[Alice] Caren does your company have a job posting?
[Caren] Mary, Have you been to a spa?
[Mary] I try to go to a nearby day spa every six weeks for a facial and occasionally other treatments
[Caren] Mary, excellent ! Which treatments are your favorites?
[Mary] I love salt rub treatments - my skin feels like silk afterwards!
spasADM> I like the salt scrubs, too, Mary. Caren, is there a minimum - time between body exfoliation treatments that you should wait?
[Caren] Spas ADM good question
[Caren] Once a week is plenty for a body exfoliation
[Caren] pls... remember not to shave your legs prior
Alice] Does the facialist discuss the treatment best for your skin type or do you have to decide prior to the visit?
[Caren] Alice, Yes, the Aesthetician who provides your facial will analyze your skin prior to your facial and use the appropriate products for your skin type
spasADM> I often find all the selections of facials confusing. When you make the appointment, the receptionist asks what kind you want. I really think the aesthetician needs to determine what needs to be done.
[Caren] spasADM, when booking a facial, it's a good idea to book the time duration such as one hour and many times once you get into the room with the esthetician they will assist you on what type is best for your skin
[Mary] Caren - what do you personally look for when selecting a spa - meaning you as a customer
[Caren] Mary, I'd start with location, so it is convenient as well as what type of atmosphere is provided, such as a waiting room and a place to relax in between services
[Caren] Also Mary, I would look for a locker room with either steam or sauna to enjoy prior to my treatment
[Mary] great suggestions - thanks!
spasADM> FWIW, Mary, I try to scope out if they provide hair services. The noise and smell can be icky if its not well separated.
[Caren] Once you have had a service, if you are not completely satisfied with your service provider, I suggest trying another provider when rescheduling, try and give the spa another chance
[Caren] Not all treatment providers are created equal
[Caren] spasADM Good point, the same goes for health clubs
[Caren] The benefit of the spa industry at the moment is the diversity of the types of spas as well as services, so try them all!
spasADM> Yup. The noise from aerobics in a room next to a massage room can detract from the experience.
[Caren] Another point is with additional competition, the standard is rising
[Mary] I have to jump off - thanks!
[Mary] Bye Caren - this was fun
[Alice] Caren, another question I had was .... The spa pamphlet I received offered many packages with body scrubs and massages... is there a formula of what to choose... and what services should come first vs. last when you book the packages. What is your favorite package combination for a beginner to the spa world?
[Caren] Alice, the best package of course would be a full day.
[Caren] In regards to treatment sequence, the first I would suggest an exfoliation, such as a body scrub
[Caren] Followed by a massage and facial
[Caren] The best services to save for last are your manicures, pedicures and hair services
spasADM> Caren, I've been told that the "correct" order to do a wet circuit is whirlpool, sauna, steam. Is that correct?
[Caren] spasADM, that is correct. When utilizing heat treatments, it is important to rest and cool in between and be careful if you have high or low blood pressure
[Caren] As well as pregnancy
[Caren] When you have spa services, be sure to check the retail store for the supporting products with your treatment.
[Caren] Such as, when you have a facial, you should receive a home-care card describing the products used in your service for your skin type.
[Caren] This is a good way to learn about your skin.
[Caren] If you have a body treatment such as a seaweed wrap, there are also excellent body creams and bath products to continue your benefits from the treatment
spasADM> Caren, I think getting a retail sales talk after a treatment is a turn-off. Maybe I just haven't had anyone who's good at it.
[Caren] spasADM, I agree. The best way is to be educated and not sold.
[Caren] This also brings up a good point about the dialog between you and the therapist.
[Alice] Caren, what do they refer to when they say wet room or wet room treatments?
[Caren] A wet room treatment are treatments which usually require water and are preformed in a tiled room with a shower.
[Caren] Such as a body exfoliant, a body scrub, a seaweed wrap, and herbal body wrap, etc.
[Alice] Do they have showers in them?
[Caren] They can have showers in them as well as Vichy showers which shower you as you lay on the table.
[Alice] Do you know of any good spas near Hopedale, MA?
[Caren] I am not aware of a spa in HopeDale, MA however, I'm sure you can do a search on this site.
spasADM> Alice, spas in MA can be found at http://spas.about.com/library/blankma.htm . Not sure if there are any near or in Hopedale.
[Caren] Thanks spasADM.
[Alice] Can you recommend any resources to educate oneself with home reading on the treatments in detail?
spasADM> Alice, take a look at the Spas Bookstore at - http://spas.about.com/cs/spabookstore1/index.htm
[Alice] Thanks, I'll do that!
spasADM> I see that it is 10 pm and time for our chat to end. I want to thank Caren and look forward to her chatting with us again some time in the future. Caren’s website is www.virtualspa.com and her email is caren@virtualspa.com. This chat room is always open. If you want to continue to chat, please feel free. Before we go, would any of you be interested in another scheduled chat? If so, what topic would you like to discuss?
[Alice] A spa review of different spas of interest around the country...
[Alice] Especially spas where you can overnight.
spasADM> Thanks, Alice.
[Caren] Alice, you may enjoy the spa category "destination spas" on the site.
spasADM> Alice, if you haven't looked around http://spas.about.com, there is a lot of info about overnight spas, but I think it would be fun to have a bunch of people chat about their experiences.
[Caren] Are there any other questions before we end?
[Alice] Great info Caren, thank you!
[Caren] You're welcome ! Thank you for joining us and feel free to browse the rest of the site.
[Caren] Well Thank you everyone, it was a pleasure to chat with you ! Good Night.
[Alice] Good night
spasADM> Bye Caren!
Caren] Bye spaADM
>> Caren has left channel #spas
spasADM> Just a reminder, you can see a transcript of this chat at http://spas.about.com/library/blcarenchat012401.htm later tonight.
Caren Thornburgh, founder of Virtual Spa, Inc. (www.virtualspa.net ), a Web gateway site serving the
needs of spa owners and managers with consulting, training programs, and spa career
services. She can be reached at (978) 356-0824 or caren@virtualspa.net.
photo and graphics courtesy of Caren Thornburgh
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