{"id":302,"date":"2012-01-12T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2012-01-12T00:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.spajobs.ie\/blog\/?p=302"},"modified":"2012-01-12T00:01:00","modified_gmt":"2012-01-12T00:01:00","slug":"ten-spa-trends-to-expect-in-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spas.ie\/blog\/ten-spa-trends-to-expect-in-2012","title":{"rendered":"Ten Spa Trends to Expect in 2012"},"content":{"rendered":"

SpaFinders\u2019 eagerly anticipated spa predictions for the coming year have been released and, as always, there are a few surprises in store. Their forecast for 2011<\/a> was spot on: salt therapy<\/a> has taken off in Ireland in the past 12 months and discount coupons and gift vouchers<\/a> have also seen a surge in popularity.\u00a0 So what\u2019s in store for 2012?<\/p>\n

1. Feet First<\/strong>
\nExpect far more foot-orientated treatments at the spa this year, designed to counteract the uncomfortable and unsupportive shoes we\u2019ve all been wearing. Reflexology <\/a>is just the beginning \u2013 we should start to see dedicated clinics combining podiatry with pedicures in the near future. <\/p>\n

2. Ice, Ice, Maybe<\/strong>
\nIn a move away from the traditional hot spa treatments and thermal facilities<\/a>, cold alternatives are reportedly on the rise. Ice fountains are already available in ESPA at the g<\/a>, Lir Spa and Wellness<\/a>, The Maryborough Spa<\/a> and a number of others around the country – take a handful of ice chips to cool off next time you visit.<\/p>\n

3. Coach for Connections<\/strong>
\nSpas are steadily moving towards ongoing wellbeing rather than quick-fixes, and coaching takes it one step further. By establishing lasting relationships between spa guests and their therapists we will see a far greater focus on maintaining results.<\/p>\n

4. Making a Game of it<\/strong>
\nThe spa industry is tapping into the online gaming audience with a host of spa management games and health enhancing apps. A natural progression from the likes of yoga guides on the Nintendo Wii, you can now tackle goals such as drinking a certain amount of water in a day or walking a certain number of steps.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n

5. Wine & Dine <\/strong>
\nForget your wheatgrass detox \u2013 spas are starting to lean towards culinary luxury alongside your physical pampering. As a destination for relaxation, why spoil your indulgence with pangs of hunger or unappetising offerings when you can dine on delicacies instead?<\/p>\n

6. The Sound of Music<\/strong>
\nMusic, colour and light have always had a role to play at the spa, but may soon be taking centre stage on treatment menus. Light therapy is expected to be applied outside its traditional use for Seasonal Affective Disorder<\/a> (SAD) while Chromatherapy, or colour therapy, has recently become available in Ireland. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

7. The Glamcession<\/strong>
\nA possible side effect of the recession, beauty and cosmetic treatments are on the rise as the trend towards wellness treatments levels off. With less income to spend at the spa, guests are opting for visible results make-up classes, manicures and threading rather than the more expensive massage and facial packages.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

8. Spa Proof<\/strong>
\nAlso featured in last year\u2019s predictions, scientific evidence behind spa treatments is proving essential for the cash-strapped consumer. No longer happy to accept far-fetched claims, spa guests now expect proof that their treatments are going to live up to the hype. <\/p>\n

9. Spas \u2018R\u2019 Us<\/strong>
\nTreatments for teen skin have become a common feature on the spa menu, but treatments for kids? Children\u2019s spas are popping up in the U.S and parts of Europe, while one new spa in Bali is specialising father and son retreats. Don\u2019t be surprised if spa parties<\/a> soon become open to younger clientele. <\/p>\n

10. The Wow Factor<\/strong><\/p>\n

The same treatment room, the same music, the same candles\u2026 sometimes it\u2019s hard to distinguish one spa from the next. Spas are beginning to add \u2018wow\u2019 features to make their guests\u2019 experiences more unique and memorable, whether it\u2019s an impressive infinity pool or simply a glass of bubbly on arrival.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SpaFinders\u2019 eagerly anticipated spa predictions for the coming year have been released and, as always, there are a few surprises in store. Their forecast for 2011 was spot on: salt therapy has taken off in Ireland in the past 12 months and discount coupons and gift vouchers have also seen a surge in popularity.\u00a0 So […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3020,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n