THE TURNING POINT'S SPA INDUSTRY SEMINAR HELD IN SINGAPORE RECENTLY WAS AN
INSPIRATIONAL TWO DAY EVENT THAT DREW THE KEY PLAYERS OF THE SPA INDUSTRY
FROM OVER 22 COUNTRIES.
| One of the strongest themes for this
special two-day spa seminar organized by The Turning Point was on
how we, the spa industry, can together develop spa from here on -
enviromentally, ethically, materially, socially, financially and of
course beautifully.
The speakers were magnetic. Topics covered included a mind and heart moving presentation by Dr. Noah McKay M.D. from Q Health Resort in the USA on healing and water. Dr. Mark Cohen's delivery on wellbeing of the future was superb and encouraged us to consider the possibility of spas and therapists being the "medicine of our future". Both doctors offered us breakthrough information on how water, relaxation, yoga, eating well and breathing (vital elements of spa) can instantly transform our health - and that we don't need to take years of medicines to cure. They shared with us stories that demonstrate that each of us has the ability to heal ourselves in moments and this is the potential of the future of spa. Ingo Schweder from the Mandarin Oriental hotel group delivered grounding and interesting coverage of the global spa industry and it's potential. Anna Bjurstam from Raison d 'Etre who spoke on "changing people's lives", inspired the audience to contemplate the quality of our intentions in this fast growing industry. Attendees included Brenda Ramen from GHM, Belinda Shepherd and Neil Jacobs from The Four Seasons, Sanjiva Gauthamadasa from The Lighthouse in Sri Lanka, not to mention therapists, trainers, consultants, healers and members of the media. |
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 Daily yoga classes by Jessie Chapman (not to
mention a beautiful yoga dance performance) kept the mental energy
nice and grounded, creating an almost retreat-like atmosphere.
Was it controversial? Not really. The finale panel discussion was pretty tame although afterwards there were murmurs of worry about the current movement to standardize and "control" the industry such as setting standards and certificates for therapists etc. Some felt that the beauty of spa is that it has evolved naturally over the centuries with recipes, techniques and treatments passed down through generations and that to control the feminine energy of healing and spa would be "dangerous". The other side of the coin is that if the spa industry does not pull together to create its own standards it is certain that government organizations will. Such is this life! One woman commented that she was totally thrown at how open people were with each other, particularly after Dr. Noah's presentation on the importance of Love energy that was a positive turning point in the event. Raise your glasses, bless the water and give thanks to another beautiful get together by Turning Point. |
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  SPA INDUSTRY DAY September 14, 2004 - In Singapore, the Spa Association held a 'Spa Industry Day' that included talks and discussions on Asia's burgenoning spa industry. President Peter Sng opened the day with a speech on ways in which Asia can better position themselves in this fast growth industry. "We have one consulation and that is more people are now aware of the benefits of health". An alliance between the regional spa industries of Thailand, Taiwan and Mayalsia and Singapore with the intention of improving various aspects of spa including training standards and working together to protect and strengthen this new industry. Edwin Yeow from The Banyan Tree began his talk on brand positioning with some wise words "You are all master of your own destiny" inspiring most people in the audience with his eloquent presentation. THE SOUND OF MUSIC  Based in New South Wales, New World Music
offers a superb range of music to soothe body, mind and soul under
their 'Mind, Body & Spirit' label. From the blissful and
peace-inducing Sounds of Spa series to Tibetan mantras and artistic
tribal groove, log on to www.newworldmusic.com.au or www.oneworldmusic.com.au for more details. SIBECASIA 2005 The fourth annual Sibec Asia Pacific forum will be held from March 3-5, 2005, at the Le Meridien Beach Resort in Phuket, Thailand. This inaugural business meetings' forum on the Health, Fitness and Spa industry will also feature global industry suppliers who service the existing marketplace. More details are to be announced later, including its winning formula of interactive business meetings forum, which caters to the specific needs and wants of all attending delegates in an unconventional, but effective way. Please contact James Burke at +44 1273 602 432 or visit www.pelicanevents.com for more information. SPA EMPHASIS CONFERENCE 2004 A conference designed to elevate the skill and knowledge level of spa and wellness operators will be held from the 18-19 November 2004 at the Changi Village Hotel, Singapore. With the spa industry growing at an incredible annual rate of 200%, the Spa Emphasis Conference 2004 offers key ingredients for spa operators on how to succeed in the business, and will also combine a panel of spa veterans who will combine their rich experiences to discuss critical business areas, from concept groundwork to managerial and operational aspects and service offerings. So, for those in the spa and wellness industry, mark your calendar for this important event. For more details, please contact Veronica Nai at +65 9863 3755 or email her at veronica@asiaevents.com.sg.  EVENT : TAIPEI
INTERNATIONAL SPA EXPO 2004The first ever Taipei International Spa Exhibition - the Taipei SPA Show - will be held at the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) on September 24 - 28, 2004. Endorsed by ISPA and its Taiwanese chapter, it is hoped that the 2004 Taipei SPA Show would provide a unique trade platform for the most novel treatment processes, advanced instruments and equipment, and most diversified successful Spa models for the Spa industry. Visit www.taipeispashow.com for more updates. INTELLIGENT SPAS SURVEY 2004 Intelligent Spas has released its latest research findings relating to the Singapore spa industry, which included some downturn notes during 2003 with renewed growth in the demand for spa treatments during 2004. The Spa Industry Survey Singapore 2003 report estimated average employees per spa decreased by 17.2% in 2003 compared to 2002. However, there was an overall increase of 6.3% in employee numbers between 2000 and 2003. Other key results include that approximately two thirds of the spas surveyed were operating as private companies, with day spas making up 27% of spa types. 21% of spa visitors were also noted to be international tourists, while 68% of spa goers were female. Log on to www.intelligentspas.com for more information.  SOFITEL SETS
PACE IN CHINAWITH FOUR NEW HOTELS The Accor group is set to add four new Sofitel properties to its fast-growing China network, significantly raising the profile of its luxury brand to a total of sixteen hotels operating or scheduled to open in and around China by the end of 2005. The important addition of these new hotels further enhances Accor's strategy of building an extensive network of Sofitel hotels in this key market. These properties will greatly extend Accor's already significant presence in China's key commercial and leisure centres with notable additions to the network in Guangdong, Xian, Suzhou and Xiamen. Log on to www.accorhotels.com for more updates.  VISIONARY
SPASSpa Owners, managers or assistant managers should get their hands on the latest book from CatchOn & Company entitled Health & Beauty: A Visual Merchandising Guidebook. This working guidebook will equip you with knowledge and tools to help convert your spa into a selling environment, all this, while doing it in style. USD70 (includes shipping). Please contact karie@catchonco.com for more information. FOUR SEASONS AT THE NILE Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts recently opened the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, a contemporary 366-room Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city's elite Garden City district. Boasting spectacular views of the Nile on one side and the centuries-old Citadel on the other, the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza offers a prestigious new address for both business and leisure guests. Visitors can enjoy this property's sybaritic fifth floor, which is entirely dedicated to the art of wellbeing and relaxation. Here guests will find one of the city's largest Spa and Wellness Centres, offering a variety of treatments including some inspired by ancient Egyptian beauty rituals. For more information, please visit www.fourseasons.com. OPENING OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOBS Several vacant positions in the spa industry are available at various spas, hotels and resorts. Please contact editor@spatradejournal.com for more information. |
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