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International SPA Association Hosts Annual West Coast Media Event

LEXINGTON, Ky., June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The International SPA Association (ISPA) hosted its annual West Coast Media Event on May 31 at Montage Beverly Hills. Attendees included journalists in spa, travel, beauty and fashion from influential outlets such as ABC News, Forbes, LA Times, OK! Magazine, Investor's Business Daily, Robb Report and Thrive Global. Event attendees learned about sponsor properties while being treated to mini-services and a coveted gift bag.

International SPA Association -  experienceispa.com

"The spa industry is the epicenter of the wellness explosion," says ISPA President Lynne McNees. "The desire to be fit and healthy has created demand for a wide range of spa experiences. ISPA was proud to showcase such a unique and diverse group of destination spas, resorts and lifestyle brands."

The event uncovered growing trends in the industry including indigenous healing, millennial experiences, treatments for baby boomers, new facial techniques, wellness apparel and nutrition.

The show floor was alive with indigenous healing modalities such as reflexology, acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal therapy, hydrotherapy and sound healing combined in unique ways.

  • Aspira The Spa offered Facial Renewal Acupuncture in a natural serene setting and shared how indigenous herbs are incorporated into their spa services.   
  • Kohler Waters Spa showcased their Healing Water Treatment which combines the benefits and restorative powers of warm and cold water resulting in improved circulation.
  • Mexican resort Rancho La Puerta offered the Ranch Runner Reflexology Treatment and discussed innovative programs such as the "RunCation" package.
  • Red Mountain Resort invited an intimate group in a circle for their Acupuncture Happy Hour featuring halotherapy (salt domes) and Tibetan Bowl Sound Healing.

Spas and resorts are increasingly catering to millennials by creating a wide range of immersion wellness experiences in and out of the spa. Millennials crave unique, authentic experiences and spas have paid attention.

  • Spa Villagio, in partnership with ESPA, discussed how they incorporate wine and spa through sessions like a 30-minute guided meditation under the wine country stars.
  • Two Bunch Palms offered Shamanic clearing sessions to balance energy and awaken to spiritual guidance. They also offered custom aromatherapy and gemstone therapy sessions.

Midorexia is a term coined for middle-agers who act younger than their years. Similar to millennials, baby boomers are looking to spas for a sense of adventure as well as kick-start to a healthier lifestyle.

  • The Roxbury Institute highlighted the Hydrafacial, which aims to rejuvenate face, neck, décolleté, arms and hands to help baby boomers keep a face and body to match their youthful mindset.
  • The Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara delivered their Anti-Wrinkle Express Facial and discuss the benefits of HydroPeptide's new Nimni Cream.

Resorts and destination spas have stepped up their skincare game as well with new and unique facials for every skin type. Partnering with world-class skincare companies, resorts can provide treatments and products with immediate results and zero downtime.

  • Relâche Spa at Gaylord Hotels partnered with Elemis skincare on the Biotec Eye and Lip Duo treatment. The treatment combines touch and technology using the power of nature, science and aromatics.
  • Sanitas Skincare offered attendees an Anti-Gravity Facial and Bright Intentions Hand Treatment. Leveraging topical and nutritional strategies, the products work with the body's own biochemistry and innate ability to heal itself.
  • Spa Ssakwa'q'n at Coeur D'Alene Resort featured their intensive Ampoule Treatment and emphasized the importance having an everyday beauty ritual for skin.

Wellness fashion is a new category of solution-based apparel that goes beyond athleisure with elegant, mix-and-match clothing that travels with ease.

  • Noel Asmar Fashion previewed their new Fashion and Handbag Collections which reflect the elegant style of founder Noel Asmar, who started her business creating innovative purpose-driven spa uniform designs.

In addition, spas are spreading the word that what goes in your body is as important as what goes on your body.

  • âme Spa & Wellness Collective at Turnberry Isle Miami Resort focused on wellness via Rezilir's Heart Stress Test, Gharieni's Spa Wave Table and Vegan recipe expertise from Chef Matthew Kinney.
  • The Spa at the Peaks Telluride partnered with wellness pioneer Naturopathica on the Vitality Bar, a line of therapeutic teas, tinctures and infused honeys.

Media pre-booked treatments with sponsors through ResortSuite's cutting-edge appointment scheduling software.

Note to the Editor:

ISPA President Lynne McNees is available for interviews; please contact Eileen Pitts, eileen.pitts@ispastaff.com to schedule.

Click here to view or download photos from the event.

About the International SPA Association:

ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA are available on experienceispa.com.

ISPA MEDIA CONTACT:   
Eileen Pitts
859.425.5072
eileen.pitts@ispastaff.com

SOURCE International SPA Association