Fall 2008
From the Editor
Summer is upon us, yet in some parts of the country spring never really happened! What a wacky year it has been, weather-wise, making one wonder whether the dips in the economy aren’t a direct reflection of the storms and wildly fluctuating temperatures we’ve been experiencing?
Ah well, as I was packing away my woolens and bringing out my summer clothes, it occurred to me that it’s high time to get this body ready for a bathing suit! How about you? Even if you’re svelte and in the pink of health, do me a favour and take a good look at those toes at the end of your feet. OK – now go ahead and book a pedicure at your favorite spa tout de suite!
For Leading Spas of Canada, this spring was incredibly busy. The Standards and Practices Committee has been hard at work assembling all the pieces for our Quality Assurance Program scheduled to debut in 2009. Both public and industry response has been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to savvy spa-goers such as you, Leading Spas of Canada will be the first national spa association to implement such a program. This is not to say that our members don’t already comply with our Standards and Practices; on a voluntary basis - they do. The purpose of the QA program – “ensuring that all member spas deliver a superior spa experience to each of its guests” - is aimed at helping each and every spa become even better through workshops and coaching on everything from customer service to latest best practices in sanitation and safety. It’s a big undertaking, but one all of us at Leading Spas of Canada are excited about.
In this issue, you’ll also find information on what to look for at spas offering BOTOX®, how flip-flops can add up to serious problems and a bunch of good reasons to shun the sun. Sounds a little preachy, I know, but just as important in the long run as focusing on all the “sexy” aspects of spa like exotic treatments and gorgeous spa destinations!
Have a fantastic summer. . . .
BAREFOOT AND SHAMEFUL
THE EFFECTS OF LIFESTYLE ON OUR FEET
Flip-flop sandals have become the most popular footwear for summer months. Once upon a time, flip-flops were cheap, rubber thongs that mainly women wore to the beach. Today they come in many different styles and colors and have become just as popular for men, as well. Flip-flops give some basic protection to the bottom of your foot which is much better than walking barefoot around the pool or on a beach, but these shoes give no support whatsoever to the arch of the foot, nor do they provide heel cushioning, nor shock absorption.
NEW - Early Summer Savings Spa Package
from $299 per person, per night, when you book a two night stay from $349 per person when you book a one night stay
Each night includes a one night's standard accommodation in a spa cottage; breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner; your choice of one wellness class; $100 worth of spa services; and complete use of the facilities.
Terms and conditions: You must book prior to July 15, 2008 in order to take advantage of the Early Summer Savings Spa Package for the month of August 2008. Valid Sunday-Thursday only from August 5, 2008 - August 28, 2008. Rates are based on double occupancy and cannot be combined with any other promotion or special offer. Subject to availability.
LEADING SPAS OF CANADA ROLLS OUT QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM
Spas continue to increase in numbers across Canada, popping up in cities and towns in every province and territory, as consumers respond to the message that looking and feeling good is not only OK, but an important part of a healthy lifestyle. And many of these spas are becoming increasingly specialized:
men-only spas, bathing spas, hammams, medical spas and a variety of other spas that respond to consumer demand across the board, regardless of gender or pocketbook, for different kinds of experiences.
As the spa-going consumer has evolved and matured, so have the spas of Leading Spas of Canada. The industry is at a turning point, as the need for a credible process that can give increasingly savvy spa consumers the assurance and comfort that spas provide quality spa experiences has become increasingly apparent.
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AMERISPA INTRODUCES NEW TREATMENTS AND SKIN-CARE LINE: "VINTAGE ICE CIDER ELIXIR"
Made with pure Quebec Ice Vinegar and 100% Canadian products, these new avant-garde treatments and skin care-line are available exclusively in all of our eight reputable and highly renowned Amerispa locations in the Province of Quebec: The Fairmont Tremblant (Mont-Tremblant), The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu (La Malbaie), The Chateau Bonne Entente (Quebec), The Hilton Lac-Leamy (Gatineau), The Omni Mont-Royal (Montreal), The Sheraton Laval (Laval), The Westin Resort and Spa Tremblant (Mont-Tremblant) and The Auberge Godefroy (Becancour).
Please visit our website at www.amerispa.ca or call us at 1-877-AMERISPA for further information about these new treatments and products.