I don’t get star-struck in the typical way. Seeing or meeting Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, or even Angelina Jolie won’t faze me. However, having a burger next to President Obama makes me grin from ear to ear (some of you might remember that picture). And meeting successful entrepreneurs gives me butterflies in my stomach. Of […]

I don’t know about you, but I’m noticing that many spas are stepping up their game and creating “wow” factors in the treatment room. One day spa owner who is always ahead of the pack is Blanca Caballero, owner of AvantGard Spa. “We take our guests on a relaxing getaway journey with culturally themed, uniquely […]

While October has been officially recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for more than 25 years, the statistics from the American Cancer Society are still shocking: —–One out of every eight women (12%) will develop breast cancer. —–Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. —–One out […]

Autumn is here! Time to usher in the season with a few special touches that will delight your guests. From warm shoulder wraps to a beautiful, inviting bath bar, it’s all about creating a sanctuary for relaxation. But, shopping is therapeutic too, right?  So, be sure to include fun products in your retail area so […]

It’s a common lament, especially this time of the year. We’ve only just gotten into the mindset of one season when we’re pushed into the next, ready or not. You can’t add days to summer, but you can help your clients embrace autumn and be ready for the holidays with a few creative additions to […]

With the many inspirational spa experiences available to us, there must also be the lessons learned… In a recent spa visit, as I stood showering the mud off my body, I took note of how important it was for me to remember to NEVER locate a see-through glass shower door in line with the entrance […]

While attending a Woman’s Convention earlier this year, one of the speakers said something that I have never forgotten. She said that if you come away from a conference with 2 or 3 good contacts, you have done well. That comment really put things into perspective for me. And since then, I have applied that […]

An interview with Monica Barter of COMO Resorts When you are feeling challenged by delivering top-quality spa services in a difficult business environment, consider the job facing Monica Barter, COO of COMO Resorts.  Barter oversees eight spas at COMO properties in far-flung locales such as the Caribbean, UK and Bhutan, and I was fortunate to […]

It began with what I believed to be a minor toothache–nothing to worry about.  But, as the days passed, the pain got stronger, and I tried harder and harder to ignore it, as my fear of the dentist put me in a state of denial.  I told myself that if I just didn’t pay attention […]

Relaxing, fun, unique? What words would you use to describe your spa, treatments, or team members?  What sets you apart and will make your clients want to buy into your treatments or retail? Here are a few creative ways from my California and Hawaii spa friends: Add aromatherapy platforms and bowls. Derek Hofmann at the […]