Spa Trend #1: The New “P” Word

Move over, pampering; hello, prevention. Against the backdrop of a global healthcare crisis, prevention is poised to be the new “it” word of the spa industry. Prevention is not replacing established industry concepts like pampering and wellness. Rather, it’s a sharp (and smart) refocusing of the conversation. Pampering, after all, speaks to the stress-reduction, relaxation goal of most spa-goers, and that in itself is preventive.

Spa Trend #2: Year of the Hammam

With spa-goers increasingly seeking authenticity, tradition, and that magical spa experience that also offers true results, the Middle Eastern hammam (hamam in Turkey) represents one of the hottest spa trends for 2010, albeit with a distinctly modern expression. This is the year in which people who have never heard the term hammam will learn its meaning, and those already familiar with it will discover new places to experience it.

Spa Trend #3: Not “Going to,” But “Belonging to” a Spa

Spas are being creatively re-imagined as places of “belonging,” not just places where you “go” for the occasional treatment. This is happening through the big rise in membership programs, and in the diverse ways spas are being recast as social or communal hubs, which contributes to emotional health.

Spa Trend #4: The Online Spa

2010 will be a watershed year for the spa industry’s virtual presence. Consumers are already online searching for spas, booking treatments, joining online weight loss and coaching groups, and embracing social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Get ready for gaming while you exercise, for having health information (like your blood pressure and heart rate) automatically uploaded for access online by your spa or doctor, and for spas to use yield management software that—much like the airlines—enables price variation, so spas can offer a less expensive massage on weekday mornings, compared to Saturday afternoons.

Spa Trend #5: The Hybrid Spa

Spas are incorporating more fitness, fitness centers are incorporating more spa, hospitals are incorporating spa elements, and spas are bringing in more medical doctors and specialists. The era of the spa/fitness/integrated-health-center/hospital/spiritual-retreat/wellness-center/beauty-clinic is on a serious upswing. It’s one integrated human body, after all, and the “pure” spa is on the decline, while the hybrid spa is busy inventing new you-name-it plugged-in hybrid models.

Spa Trend #6: The Price Is (Still) Right

The spa bargains will continue in 2010. Not only will there be continued discounting, but spas will offer more incentives to bring in revenue and retain loyal customers. And keep an eye out for savvy new spas combining less expensive treatments and facilities with a touch of glamour, hitting a sweet spot between “nice” and “price”.

Spa Trend #7: Wellness Tourism Wows

People seek spas for wellness, while “medical tourism,” means crossing borders for medical procedures (often plastic surgery, dentistry, knee replacements, etc.). Well, make room for “wellness tourism,” a new term describing travel across borders for preventive services, diagnostics, spa and well-being vacations, even stem cell banking. The concept dramatically broadens the appeal of the medical tourism model, which has suffered from its narrow association with plastic surgery. It’s increasingly poised to become the way we define our time away from home and work in the future.

Spa Trend #8: Scary and Silly Spa Stories Drive Evidence, Science, and Standards

The fallout from heavily publicized spa horror stories and consumer insistence on no-gimmick treatments with real, measurable benefits will quicken a rising industry spa trend. Expect increasing demand for evidence-based therapies, stricter industry standards, and greater transparency/resources to help spa-goers separate the wheat from the chaff. As spas move into the health and wellness sectors, facts, evidence, and science that support industry approaches will move front and center, even at the cost of a few diamond facials.

Spa Trend #9: Diversity at a Tipping Point

Analysts have discussed how spas are attracting new demographics (men, teens, seniors, new ethnic groups). But in 2010 diversity has fully arrived, and it’s here to stay. Spa-going has become so mainstream that the face of the spa-goer will now continue to reflect the wider global population. And spas are taking note, with offerings that cater to these diverse groups’ needs and wants. Set to explode: In the U.S. alone, where approximately 78 million baby boomers are poised to enter their 60s, watch for “silver spa-ing” to really take off.

Spa Trend #10: Stillness

The modern human experience is an unprecedented amount of sensory overload, noise, and media stimulation. We’re wired to the gills, spending nearly all waking hours in front of TV and computer screens—bombarded, texting, tweeting, clattering away—now even on airplanes. With the spa as one of the last remaining sanctuaries of silence and serenity, look for the industry to put a new emphasis on stillness, slowness, and silence. Examples include totally silent massages/treatments or using white noise and subtle nature sounds instead of music; silent walks, hikes, and dinners; and an upswing in meditation offerings and programs.

Bonus Spa Trend #11: Celebrating Celebration

Travel agents report the #1 emerging spa travel trend is people increasingly hitting stay spas for special occasions like the big ’0s’, anniversaries, weddings, and retirement parties. And after the severe downturn in spas’ corporate/meetings business (which, because of virtual conferencing, will continue to decline), the industry is aggressively incentivizing group celebration travel to revitalize lost business. This concept was born at the day spa (with its long tradition of bachelorette, graduation and “girlfriend” parties), and it’s migrating into the travel arena in 2010.

What are the hottest spa trends for 2010? SpaFinder, Inc., a global spa and wellness company based in New York City, identifies the top 10 global spa trends to watch in 2010. Article retrieved from http://www.spafinder.com/

For more information about SPA LUX visit http://www.spalux.org or call (918)615-3339 to make an appointment!

1st Steam Room Benefit: Eliminate toxins

The average body has approximately 2.6 million sweat glands. The body only has four ways to excrete toxins; urine, feces, respiration and perspiration. During a steam room session the body can sweat out up to 30% of its toxins that have built up. Studies have shown that environmental chemicals and poor diet cause 95% of cancers, which in today’s society makes a steam room a very healthy and practical addition to the home.

2nd Steam Room Benefit: Rejuvenate and Hydrate the Skin

Heat from the steam causes the heart to beat faster and harder in an attempt to cool the body, causing blood to flood even the smallest capillaries. Increased blood flow to these tiny capillaries (just under the skins surface) causes the skin to glow and look healthy because the blood cells carry minerals, vitamins and oxygen: vital for a healthy body. In addition, this increases the rate of body metabolism.

3rd Steam Room Benefit: Boost the immune system: Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia refers to an elevation of core body temperature to above 37.2°C for therapeutic purposes. During a steam room session the body temperature rises and when the body temperature rises it is called a fever (elevation of body temperature above the normal level). A virus can only usually survive within a narrow temperature range. Therefore an increase in body temperature may either stunt the virus’ multiplication or kill the virus. Fever triggers the body to release white blood cells, antibodies and a protein called interferon. The white blood cells, which are produced in the bone marrow, help to defend the body against infectious diseases and foreign materials. Antibodies are proteins which help protect against disease-causing micro-organisms whilst interferon is any group of proteins produced by cells in the body in response to an attack by a virus.

4th Steam Room Benefit: Enhance the Respiratory System

Steam inhalation supports mucosal secretions in the respiratory system and helps to open up the airways therefore reducing respiration resistance. This helps to relieve the discomfort of asthma and allergies. Steam room benefits also include relieving inflammation and congestion of upper respiratory mucous membranes. It also helps to loosen secretions, stimulate the discharge of mucous from the throat and lungs (natural expectorant) and keeps mucous membranes from excessive drying.

5th Steam Room Benefit: Relieve Stress and Relax Muscles

Heat from the steam causes the muscles to relax, widening the blood vessels, allowing more oxygen to flow to them, releasing their tension. The heat also gives relief to sufferers of arthritis. The heat from the steam causes the whole body to relax; this experience melts away stress and soothes the mind & body.

Spa Lux provides Steam Room & Sauna relaxation for free with any spa appointment. Call (918) 615-3339 or visit http://www.spalux.org

Valentine’s Day is recently over, but the love continues at Spa Lux! There are many great specials going on through February 27th. Check them out!

• Side-by-side Massage - $140.
• Duo-Lux Package - $280 with a bottle of Champagne and chocolate candies as a gift from SPA LUX (quantities may be limited)
• Side-by-side Instructional Add-on – only $50 (Normally - $100; Must be purchased with a Side-by-side massage)
• Side-by-side facial (Signature for the ladies and Gentleman’s for the guys) - $160 for both
• Signature package in a “side-by-side” style - $380 for both
• Buy a gift certificate in amount of $200 or more as a Valentine’s gift to be used from February 16 through February 27 and receive a free Hydrotherapy session during the promotion period.

Specials, coupons and other promotions cannot be combined. Please mention a specific promotion when making reservations. (These specials are valid from February 1 through February 27, 2010)

To make an appointment visit http://www.spalux.org/promotions or call (918)615-3339

It is the time to celebrate Love! Please find the specials below to help you celebrate:

• Side-by-side Massage - $140.
• Duo-Lux Package - $280 with a bottle of Champagne and chocolate candies as a gift from SPA LUX
• Side-by-side Instructional Add-on – only $50 (Normally - $100; Must be purchased w Side-by-side massage
• Side-by-side facial (Signature for the ladies and Gentleman’s for the guys) - $160 for both
• Signature package in a “side-by-side” style with a gift Champagne bottle and candies - $380 for both
• Buy a gift certificate in amount of $200 or more as a Valentine’s gift to be used from February 16-27 and receive a free Hydrotherapy session during the promotion.
• “Early Valentine” – schedule any of your massage or facial appointments “side-by-side” with the one you love from February 1-12 and receive 15% off the regular price.

Specials, coupons and other promotions cannot be combined. Please mention a specific promotion when making reservations.

(These specials are valid from February 1 through February 27, 2010)

To make an appointment call (918) 615-3339 or visit http://www.spalux.org

Spa Lux will be hosting a very special event February 6, 2010.  The Tulsa Wine Club and Tulsa Food Blog have come together with one of the greatest destination spas in Oklahoma to host an evening of  elaborate wine tasting and chocolate tastings in one of the best atmospheres in town.  This is a great opportunity to network with individuals around Tulsa, enjoy homemade desserts and sample spectacular wines.  

The event is from 8-11 p.m.  Spots are limited, so sight up A.S.A.P.

Each guest is to bring a chocolate dessert to share and his/her personal wine glass.  The wine is selected by Mark Stenner: Founder of Tulsa Wine Club. A special presentation on the benefits of chocolate will be given by a nutritionist and regular wine club attender.

Spa Lux is located at 91st and Memorial, between BounceU and Il Bacio.  If there are any questions email Mark at tulsawineclub@yahoo.com

**To sign up, please visit: The Event website

 http://www.eventbrite.com/event/533405430

password: twcfeb10

NOTE FOR FIRST-TIMERS: We have quite a few newcomers and friends coming on Saturday. I hope you really enjoy yourselves and want to come again. We’re a friendly crowd. Don’t forget your food dish and your glass.  Dress is casual, I would say dressy jeans probably typifies things, we’re very laid-back and fun. It is not necessary to wear strong perfumes/colognes as it can interfere with yours and other’s tasting experience.  Some of us do take notes, but most don’t so don’t worry about that part of the event. Just come and enjoy some great wine and some greater company!