For many years, the spa industry has long been known for catering to the needs of the rich and famous.

The message of the spa industry has been one of luxury and pampering, including: caviar facials and champagne baths.

That may be true but for average consumers, their belief is that number reason they go to a spa is to relax and relieve/reduce stress.

Consumers are looking for wellness, relaxation and for ways to live a balanced life. Spas are about living your “best life!”

“Spas are not about luxury – they’re about re-charging your battery, taking time to re-new, and learning how to take care of yourself,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees.

McNees continues, “Spas are about health, reducing stress and aging gracefully. The key is to take the information you learn at the spa, and incorporate it into your daily routine at home.”

In an industry study from the 2008 ISPA Global Consumer Study, several interesting fact surfaced.

• The No.1 reason people around the world spa is to relax and relieve/reduce stress.
• In 11 of the 15 countries surveyed, overall wellness and health was one of the top three reasons consumers spa.
• In eight of the 15 countries surveyed, healthcare practitioner recommendation was one of the top three motivators for visiting a spa.

Going beyond just the traditional spa treatments like a massage and facial, the spa is now the place for the whole family to go to educate yourself on how to live a healthy well-balanced life.

Teenagers can learn how to care for their skin. Moms can learn to cook healthy meals. Men can find out how to deal with all that pent up work stress.

“With so many spas going above and beyond, there’s no reason not to spa,” said McNees. “Our ISPA member spas are focusing on wellness, by offering information on the healthy benefits of spa, including healthy living articles in monthly newsletters, adding fitness classes, educational workshops, and developing programs focused on regular maintenance, and not pricey pampering.”

About the International SPA Association –
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. More details on ISPA are available on www.experienceispa.com.

For many years, both men and women have enjoyed the relief from their hectic, daily lives with a relaxing spa treatment.

The causes of stress these days are numerous. Whether it’s the current recession, job worries, relationship problems or issues with family finances.

But there is a growing trend occurring within the spa industry. Their clientele is no longer exclusively just for adults. These days, you will find more and more teenagers enjoying a personal spa treatment.

Stress amongst teens appears to be at an all-time high. They are dealing with relationship breakups, acne attacks, educational demands, after-school jobs, and beauty anxiety.

Due to these facts, spas and particularly luxury hotels, are now catering to the teen market and at times, even the pre-teen market. They are offering special services, products, and even exclusive treatment rooms and lounges for them to enjoy all to themselves.

Spas at select Four Seasons properties around the world have figured out the secret to getting busy teens to put down their cell phones and start lifelong health and beauty regimens. Offering custom menus designed specifically for adolescents, Four Seasons ensures teens can sample the hippest spa trends through treatments and products created to address the specific needs of still developing bodies; all while maintaining the fun ‘cool’ factor.   Warning:  These are not your mother’s spa treatments.

• Star Treatment – The Star Fruit Manicure at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora ensures teen hands receive VIP treatment. The vitamin-C-rich fruit helps rejuvenate hands – moisturize and protect sun damage –  followed by a choice of nail polish from the hottest colors guarantees they will really pop. Manicurists will also offer tips on how to take care of nails at home to keep them looking hot.

•    Where the Wild Things Are – Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai knows good hair is vital to a good day. The Wild Lime Hair Care treatment includes freshly crushed wild lime that is massaged into the hair and scalp, followed by a fragrant wild lime shampoo and conditioning treatment abolishing frizzy or limp hair. Picture perfect results guaranteed!

•    Flawless Youth – Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara knows that perfect skin doesn’t always come easy. The Teen Corrective Facial is designed to treat excess oil, dead skin cells, acne, bacteria and inflammation. During the treatment an esthetician will also recommend a home-care regimen to address problem areas to ensure the effects are long lasting.

•   Sunshine Soother – You are never too young to take extra steps to protect and repair skin from the sun’s strong rays.  At the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita teens are invites to scrub down with the Sunshine Soother Scrub after a day out in the sun. This cooling mixture of yogurt, fresh garden aloe vera, cucumber, and lavender essence, will not only soothe any sunburn, but also nourish skin to ensure a healthy glow.

Editors Note: A parent or guardian is required to be present throughout the treatment for children under the age of 16 for facial treatments and for children under the age of 18 for massage or body treatments. The minimum age for any spa service is 12 years.