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 SPA TRENDS

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SPA TRENDS - GIVING BACK

by Anne Dimon

Going to a spa has never been seen as an altruistic activity but, of late, with the increasing number of the bigger spa brands launching programs that “give back,”  that massage or facial you book could end up being a win/win for both you AND a local charity.

In their just released 2011 U.S. Spa Industry Study, ISPA (The International Spa Association) reports that spas are making efforts to connect with their local community. According to the study, “Eighty five percent are donating products and services, 69 percent are holding events at their facility and 62 percent participate in charity benefits.”

If “giving back” is a growing trend, at no time of the year is it more prevalent than right now –  as Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season embrace us. 

At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, for instance, the annual Gratitude Program at Willow Stream Spas  includes an offering called the Gratitude Circle.  If you book a group of friends or business associates into one of 16 participating Willow Stream Spas, they’ll donate 10 percent of their spa charges to YOUR group’s favourite charity.

“Our Gratitude Circles are a tangible example of our company’s larger approach to support the local communities in which we operate,” said Anne McCall, Fairmont’s Vice President, Spas. “Fairmont and Willow Stream have long history of social involvement, and while many treatments focus on rejuvenating and energizing the body, Gratitude Circles provide spa goers with an inner fulfillment and gratification that is healthy for the mind as well.” 
 

For the month of October and right into November,  California-based Skin Authority has partnered with close to 50 resorts and spas (including 13 Ritz Carlton properties) in Canada and the U.S. for the inaugural Touch Transforms™ initative.  For every Touch Transforms kit ( a travel-ready kit of skin care products) sold, $5 is being donated to Look Good…Feel Better®, a free support program that helps people with cancer improve their appearance and self-esteem. 

Giving back.  Is it a growing trend or just another good reason to head to the spa?

What do YOU think?