Archive for April, 2011



Beyond Organic Cotton: Other Eco-Friendlier Textiles and Linens

Published on April 30, 2011

First, let me say that I love organic cotton–I use it for my bedding at home. However, some spa professionals have shared with me that they shy away from it because they feel it’s expensive, takes a while to dry, and doesn’t hold up well to stains. They’ve asked me for some other recommendations, so in this […]


5 Steps to Profit from Wellness

Published on April 28, 2011

Wellness is a fundamental component to spa and a rapidly growing market trend—are you profiting from it? Here are five steps, including expert advice, to help you capture more revenue from health-conscious clients. 1. Develop therapeutic spa treatments: Spa treatments that rely on proven modalities such as hydrotherapy and aromatherapy will elevate your practice to the […]


Expanding My Horizons & Pursuing My Passions: A Personal Note

Published on April 27, 2011

After having devoted 100% of my time to Universal Companies for more than 25 years, I decided recently to relinquish my day to day hands-on involvement to allow myself more time to pursue my personal interests. This doesn’t mean that my love for the spa industry has waivered—quite the contrary.  I remain as devoted to […]


Universal Companies Takes India! Indian Woodhouse to Open Summer 2011

Published on April 24, 2011

Our corporate division has been growing tremendously! Equipment sales showed exponential growth last year, with no sign of slowing down. In this post, I’ll discuss our foray into India with client Woodhouse Day Spas. In my next post, I’ll talk about some of our other projects around the world. Our long-term partner Woodhouse Day Spas […]


The Lost Art of the Bath

Published on April 20, 2011

As Universal Companies’ Director of Education, I frequently travel for business. When I book my online accommodations, I have a slight….um…ok….ENORMOUS obsession with hunting for the best hotel bathtub within 100 miles of my destination. If it fits in my travel budget, I always book a room with a sizeable tub. I also pack a […]


Organic Gardening for Healthy Spa Cuisine

Published on April 14, 2011

It’s spring! Time to garden—organically, of course.  Have you ever thought of creating a small garden at your spa? Growing your own organic herbs and vegetables will not only differentiate your facility from others, it will provide the freshest nutrient-rich ingredients for your kitchen’s recipes. If your facility already features light, healthy meals, then it […]


Is Your Spa Poised for Prevention?

Published on April 13, 2011

There has been a lot of talk in our industry lately about the spa’s role in preventing disease. Spa environments provide obvious wellness benefits such as relaxation and relief from stress. Spa treatments (properly executed) offer a host of physical benefits including increased circulation, lymph drainage, and decreased inflammation. Are you communicating the benefits of […]


On Being the Green Gatekeeper at Universal Companies

Published on April 11, 2011

The outcome of any serious research can only be to make two questions grow where only one grew before. –Thorstein Veblen As an organic gardener, long-time herbivore, and overly analytical health-conscious individual, I’ve always been interested in how to maintain personal and planetary wellness. Being a meticulous vegetarian requires fervent label reading, something I’ve done […]


Universal Companies Opens Cancun Office and Warehouse

Published on April 7, 2011

Did you know that we expanded our international reach last year?  In December, we opened a new office and warehouse in Cancun. We have two full-time staff, and they’re totally engaged in supporting our rapidly growing business in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. With 148 resorts in the state of Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun […]


The Gift of Wellness

Published on April 6, 2011

Welcome to Universal Companies’ Spa Insider blog! Specifically for spa industry professionals, this blog was created to encourage ongoing conversations and provide an interactive forum that will inspire you and help you grow your business. Our contributors include experts, insiders, and guest writers “from the trenches,” and since this blog was designed just for you, […]