Julie Pankey is an internationally recognized Spa Director and Consultant helping to develop brands in the health and wellness
spa and tourism sectors. More of her information is at the end of this article.
We sat down with Julie, who appeared at our 2018 Knowledge Sharing Summit, to learn a little more about how she can help shed some light on blending inn and spa together.
Q: What are your thoughts on if an innkeeper should add a spa to their existing business?
A: I am of the belief that most inns should have a spa or a spa component to offer guests. Top on leisure travelers lists after free Wi-Fi and great food is recreation. An active lifestyle is the desire of most people these days and our guests are looking for spa, fitness, sauna, pools and activities more than ever. I understand not all inns can have a spa BUT I do believe that all inns can have a spa component.
Q: You are obviously an advocate for spa, what if an inn doesn’t have the space or budget to add spa?
A: This is where we talk about adding in a “spa component” like in room services, wellness weekend retreats, seasonal pool side massage, girl’s weekends with on demand spa or an affiliation with a local spa to bring your guests spa services just to name a few ideas.
Q: What are things an innkeeper should consider when thinking about adding a spa or spa services?
A: The very most important things to consider are:
• Potential space available to add an onsite
spa, even just one room
• Budget available for this project
• Demographics of your customer
Once you determine the aforementioned, you then have a starting point. These answers will help determine if you should add an on-site spa, a spa component or no spa services at all. The goal is to design a program that is profitable and easy to manage for the innkeeper. Massage services are often the easiest and most cost effective to add to an existing inn, that is a good starting point.
Q: How do you help innkeepers work through the process of determining if a spa component is right for them? What are 4 questions innkeepers should ask themselves when considering adding spa or wellness related services?
A: I serve as an expert coach that can help an innkeeper every step of the way. There is so much to learn about running your own spa or adding spa/wellness services, I make it simple and manageable with a detailed plan to ensure success at any level. During the discovery phase these are a few questions to consider:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Ultimately the goal is to enhance the guest experience and help create more lasting memories while visiting your property. Added bonuses…increased guest satisfaction and overall inn profitability.
Julie Pankey is an internationally recognized Spa Director and Consultant helping to develop brands in the health and wellness, spa and tourism sectors. Pankey has cultivated an extensive network of trusted relationships with some of the most well-known, distinguished spas and resorts in the world. As a thought leader and innovator, Pankey created The SpaHive Community to connect spa and wellness professionals through a private online community, education sessions, pop up boutiques and special events. Pankey continues to further the spa industry by collaborating with the consumer and corporate sectors through her newly launched SpaHive Corporate Wellness Programs. With over 25 years experience, Pankey has contributed to the success of such companies as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Spa at Norwich Inn, Marriott International, Cliff House Resort and Spa, Catania Hospitality, Pacifica Hotels, Fluhme Beauty, Christopher Drummond Beauty, OSEA Malibu, Guinot Paris, ilike Organic Skincare, Turo Skin, The Industry Source and many more.
J
Innkeepers are you considering adding a spa component to your Spa? We’ve had a visit with AIHP Allied Partner member Julie Pankey.
She’s the one to ask about adding a spa component at your Inn
WITH
JULIE PANKEY
Q&A