Spa Basics

About the Book

There have been hundreds of books and magazine articles that tell you which are the most popular day spas around the world. To many, these resources are invaluable. But, to the average spa-goer, a trip to Venice may not be realistic.

Many of us can enjoy a mini-vacation with just an hour or two of peace, quiet and relaxation. Even more common has become a trip to the spa, a massage or facial, manicure or pedicure - these services are defining a new mini-vacation from everyday stress. If we do find some time to escape to the spa, we face the problem of deciding on a specific service. In fact, with so many selections from the spa menu, it can be downright confusing. Spa Basics is a book created as a consumer's guide to spa services. Readers of Spa Basics receive practicle and easy-to-understand definitions to spa services and answers to those "private questions" we all want to know about. In this book, you will learn about the five key areas of service: Facial, Massage, Body Wraps/Treatments, Bath and Shower Services, and Nail Services, and the many variations of treatments available within each area.

The increasing fast pace of work and life has put enormous stress on many of us, creating a need for effective stress relief -- the #1 reason people seek out day spas. Awareness of the health danger of stress has enabled consumers to "give themselves permission" to enjoy spa treatments, once considered mere pampering.

At the same time consumers are becoming more aware of alternative methods of treating minor aches and pains. We are looking toward other cultures that have successfully incorporated ancient methods and remedies into their medical sciences for centuries and the resulting preventative, healthy lifestyles of these cultures.

In other words, de-stress, anti-stress, de-tox, and healthy living have become the buzzwords and day spa services meet every one of these demands. Many of the treatments offered by spas promote wellness and stress relief.

The phenomenon of the day spa revolution that is emerging has made it imperative for a consumer's guide to understanding the day spa industry and the services that are offered. This consumer's guide serves as a directory of services that any spa-goer can use to fully understand the breadth of the day spa menu.

About the Author

Dr. Robin Kelleher is an avid spa goer and spa researcher. She has tried many different spa services at different spas throughout the world. Growing up in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Robin has seen the growth of the spa industry first-hand. She has watched as small one-person therapists have built grand day spa facilities.

Robin is a licensed esthetician, waxing specialist and makeup artist and also has a Ph.D. in Business Marketing. She is a member of Toastmasters and speaks to groups throughout the U.S. She plans to open her own spa in the coming years. Her 15+ years of experience in event planning, marketing and market research, especially in the day spa field, has made her a natural to write Spa Basics.

Robin has worked with the Day Spa Association, a professional association dedicated to the education of the consumer as to the benefits and availability of spa treatments and for professionals to preserve and elevate the standard of spa services. She served as Associate Publisher of The Day Spa Directory and has authored Day Spa Benchmarking, a research study on the spa industry, published May 2003.

Robin studied at a five-star scientific skin care school, Yvonne de Villar Scientific Skin Care School for Estheticians, in Virginia. Robin has also studied at the International Dermal Institute, completing Dermalogica's Certification Exam and advanced education in La Stone therapy. Robin is also a member of the Aesthetics International Association.

Her dream is to open a full service day spa that is dedicated to offering people a place to relax and unwind - with the highest quality of services and customer attention.