Werner Mendel also created the concept of a spa association in 1990 when he invited a small group of spa owners and wellness proponents to New Age Health Spa to discuss how they might network to better serve their clients and educate the public about spas. Out of that meeting came the International Spa Association, which awarded him a "Visionary Award" in 2000. Mendel died in 2005 at the age of 70.
One of the affordable spas, New Age Health Spa struggled in recent years due to the economy and increased competition in the area.
This message appeared on its website in the spring of 2012: "We regret to inform all our loyal guests that the spa will not be re-opening in 2012. The economy continues to be a challenge and sadly, we will not be able to do business this year. We thank you all for your support and patronage and wish you health, peace and joy in the coming year."
