Renew Magazine - September/October 2008 - (Page 39)

worn, hectic or tired? Is it a place a person could relax and forget the outside world? Small touches, like fresh ﬂowers or candles, are visual signals you can use to cue your clients that it’s time to relax. More recently, visuals are becoming an important part of treatments themselves. Though clients will let their eyes close for many spa services—the ultimate sign of relaxation—eyes should be wide open for mind/body services such as chromotherapy. This type of therapy uses color projections to inﬂuence a client’s mood; for example, color-adjustable lights might wash a hydrotherapy tub in blue, a calming hue. Such services are taking oﬀ at cuttingedge spas with a real impact, says Galloway. “You can use chromotherapy almost anywhere—in a Vichy shower, a steam room, or even just projected on a wall,” she adds. Other visual therapies are gaining ground, too. “Tranquil images such as oceans, lakes, temples or beautiful nature scenes can be displayed on in-room LCD screens,” says Galloway, “which work to make clients feel they have taken a break from their busy life.” smell When it comes to making a sensory impression, nothing lasts longer that a scent memory. It can virtually transport a person back to the original “scent event,” even years after the fact. Smart spas know this and use aromatherapy to beneﬁt both the client and their business, because a trademark scent is like an olfactory calling card. Cornelia uses a signature scent throughout the resort with notes of citrus, sandalwood and musk to calm and soothe clients: This creates an indelible sensory impression. Smells have such a strong inﬂuence that clients even recognize their own scent-induced mood shift. Galvez notes that clients walking into About Faces would take a deep breath, inhaling their herbal signature fragrance of lavender, thyme, calendula, geranium and rosemary, and make statements such as, “This is why I come here,” or “I am already beginning to relax.” It worked so well that Galvez recommends all spas create their own aromatherapeutic blends and incorporate it into lotions, candles, oils, bottled fragrances and bath products to retail. “It will remind clients of their visit, even when they are at home,” she says. Take-home samples of fragrance-infused products are especially valuable when helping new clients identify with your spa. n sound In today’s technological age, the aural spa experience has moved way beyond the standard recordings of gently strummed harps. Music is now being utilized to create an ambience in every area of the spa, from light jazz in the lounge to trickling rivers in treatment rooms. Some spas even give clients the option of choosing their own music or, says Galloway, hooking up their iPod to the in-room sound system. Not only does music block out the chatty receptionist or the busy freeway outside, but clients need only to shut their eyes to feel transported. Recorded sounds of nature are becoming popular for this very reason—it’s like going on an exotic journey without ever leaving the treatment table. Spa professionals can build retail sales and rebook services on these soothing sounds. The spas Galloway consults with create customized CDs for their clients so they can re-create the experience at home. “This works particularly well for destination, resort or international spas that can incorporate indigenous music or local flair used in the spa,” she says. “We burn CDs with a client’s preferred songs, or sometimes we mail it to them after they leave.” coming to your senses A sensory spa experience doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Here are quick and easy suggestions from spas around the country: n a hot foot bath during a facial n a massage chair instead of a traditional facial bed n plush slippers and robes in the locker room n a tray of sliced fresh fruit in the lounge n unique herbal infused teas (mix up your own!) n lush plants and ﬂowers everywhere n a signature aromatherapy scent n a demo bar for clients to test products n customized “touch therapy” add-ons n a clean space with ambient lighting n clear signage to direct clients n pleasant greetings at the front desk n a soothing color scheme n customized music for different areas in the spa sept/oct 2008 renewprofessional.com 39 http://renewprofessional.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Renew Magazine - September/October 2008

Renew Magazine - September/October 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Renew Face/Body/Spirit/Mind Décor Spa Spotlight Reflect Your Business Renew How-To Cards Editor's Picks Role Models The Sensory Spa Experience The Art of Listening In the Room Solutions Inside Ingredients

Renew Magazine - September/October 2008

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