Spa and Hotel news from SpaCast.com. Part of Spa Index Media Network.

Lodging Interactive To Provide Spa Industry with Internet Marketing Services

Lodging Interactive, one of the industry’s leading hospitality Internet marketing agencies, has announced the launch of Spa Interactive to drive online revenue maximization for Spas and Health Clubs. Spa Interactive is designed to offer comprehensive marketing strategies and solutions for those running and maintaining health spas.

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Chaminade Resort & Spa, Monterey, California, Completes Comprehensive Renovation

Benchmark Hospitality International, which operates Chaminade Resort & Spa, has formally announced the completion of the comprehensive $15 million renovation of the historic property overlooking Monterey Bay in California. The renovation program included all public areas, the restaurant & lounge, guestrooms, as well as meeting and event spaces.

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Cosmetic Con: Some Clients Say Med Spas Misleading

Medical spas have cropped up everywhere, a billion-dollar industry that offers non-surgical alternatives to cosmetic surgery.  But in response to complaints, the 2 Investigators found one chain that's misleading and harming clients, and as CBS 2 Investigator Pam Zekman reports, leaving some of them in the middle of a cosmetic con.

The seven NuU Medspas in the Chicago area aggressively promote Lipodissolve, a series of injections that supposedly will melt your fat away. The ads talk about reduced inches with no knives, no tubes, and no pain -- a deceptive ad, patients say.

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Stay Safe from Day Spa Dangers

"You know you don't want things done to your face that you don't know anything about, so I tried to do my homework."  Linda Hampton made that decision before undergoing laser hair removal. She knew there were risks involved and wanted to be safe.  "I was a little apprehensive because I was afraid to tell you the truth but after I had it the first time I had no problem."

Dr. Jim McNatt with Georgia's Medical Board says among things like Botox injections, and chemical peels, laser hair removal is the number one cosmetic procedure being offered at day spas and salons, but there's concern.

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Global Spa Economy Estimated at $225 Billion A Year According To First-Ever Study Unveiled at 2008 Global Spa Summit

The global spa economy is estimated to be over $250 billion, according to a major report unveiled this week at the 2008 Global Spa Summit in New York.  Prepared by SRI International on behalf of The Global Spa Summit, the first-ever Global Spa Economy Report represents the most comprehensive effort yet to quantify the rapidly expanding global spa industry. More than 220 industry leaders from around the world attended this year's summit, which was highlighted by keynote speeches from hotelier Ian Schrager and Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States and Vice Chairman of Canyon Ranch.

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Bikini Waxing for Tweens! Have Spas Gone Too Far?

The simple mother-daughter stress-reducing day at the spa — complete with perfect manicures and pedicures — has morphed into a full-fledged booming beauty business. Some spas now are giving their tween clients resort-type treatments and pint-size pampering. The offerings go beyond the typical painted nails.

Catering to a kid's every possible desire, some spas have stepped up their tween care by offering hair highlights, microdermabrasion and bikini waxes for girls as young as 11 and 12.

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Interview with Susan Harmsworth of Espa

Sitting with Susan Harmsworth in the sunny breakfast solarium at Gleneagles Hotel, she leans over and brushes my cheek. "You really need a facial," she says gently, sympathetically. Coming from her, it doesn't sound like an insult, although it does sound like a salespitch :  Harmsworth sells spas.

She is the founder and driving force of Espa, a renowned spa design and management company as well as high-end spa product manufacturer based in Surrey.  In February, she became partly owned by a leading Dubai sovereign wealth fund, which means her already global luxury brand is about to go platinum.

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Spa wars in Australia

The Mornington Peninsula(Australia) will take on the Hepburn Springs-Daylesford region for the title of Victoria's premier spa destination.  Peninsula spa owners held a strategy summit in March and voted to form a regional association to boost their industry.

"We looked at how we can promote this area as a spa destination," says Alana Dyer, manager of the Peninsula Life Medispa in Mornington. "We really think we can make an impression."

Toppling the traditional titleholder - the central springs area centered on Hepburn Springs and Daylesford - would shake up the state's spring and massage industry and further boost tourism on the peninsula.

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LiveSpa Magazine by ISPA debuts June 2008

In 2008, the International SPA Association will build upon its reputation as the voice of the spa industry by debuting LiveSpa. To be published in June, this inaugural publication will focus on educating the spa consumer.

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Spas Take Heat for Offering Ear Candling

At a time when people turn to specialists for everything from detoxing their feet to washing their hair, it appears that the age-old Q-Tip solution to ear wax just isn't cutting it anymore. Enter ear candling, the controversial 15-minute ear cleansing solution done in doctors' offices and spas throughout the country.

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