Teens and underage spa guests at Spa Grande at Wailea Resort prep up pre-treatment.
ISPA’ s latest statistics
FASTFACT from the ISPA 2011 U. S.
Spa Industry Study show that of the 16 percent of spas that offer wellness programs and workshops, 11 percent offer teen programs, 15 percent offer cooking classes which are great for the chef-in-training, and six percent offer arts and crafts like jewelry making and painting. Since promoting an all-around healthy lifestyle is the goal of the spa industry, the 11 percent of spas that have fitness or sports services offer exercise programs for children under 18.
A teen guest relaxes at Boyne Resort ' s Solace Spa. Underage guests are required to wear swimsuits during treatments for safety reasons.
The no. 1 reason people of all ages around the globe go to the spa is to relax and reduce stress. Many spas are right on target in offering special treatments for teens, tweens and kids. It’ s essential to tap into this audience because they are the next generation of spa-goers. The sooner they learn to turn to the spa for health, wellness, skin care, sun care and stress reduction, the better it will be for them. It’ s all about educating and offering them cool treatments to help build a foundation to live a spa lifestyle.
����������
If you think the under 18 crowd isn’ t interested in putting down their smartphones and logging off Facebook, think again. According to ISPA’ s research, four million teens have been to a spa! The research further shows that the spa industry hasn’ t overlooked the Generations Y and Z, since 30 percent of spas in the U. S. offer special packages exclusive to teens( 13-19 years old). Some spas are even taking it further, with 12 percent offering packages to children( under 13 years old).
If you look at things by the numbers, the younger generation is in line to have the knowledge and tools to be healthier than any other generation before them.
�����������
If you’ ve been apprehensive about offering treatments to minors because of concerns over how to accommodate them, take a hint from some of these spas that have successfully attracted the teen market into their businesses. Stephenie Handley, assistant spa director at Spa Grande at Grand Wailea Resort in Kihei, Hawaii says they place high premium on safety. The spa requires parents to sign a liability waiver which includes a phone number in the event of an emergency.“ We ensure safety by always having an adult present and [ requiring kids and teens ] to wear a swimsuit at all times. Our goal is to ensure the parent feels safe, so we only allow female therapists to work with our underage guests,” she says.
At the Solace Spa at Boyne Resorts in Boyne Falls, Michigan, keeping the children safe and their parents at ease are among their main concerns as well.“ The treatment room door is [ always ] left open, and kids and teens wear clothes or bathing suits [ during treatments ],” explains Michigan Director of Spas Sean Handler.
The Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas has an exclusive spa just for kids called“ The Spahhht Youth Spa.” Spa Director Carol Cox says,“ Parents must be with minors and swimsuits or clothes must be worn in all services. Guests under 17 are not permitted into the adult spa lounge areas due to nudity. Also, waivers must be signed for all guests.”
October 2011 ■ PULSE 25