| |
Everything
Under The Spas…
An
Interview with Mr Peter Sng, President of the Spa Association of
Singapore (SAS), which was set up on October 1998.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
By Angelene Wong
What does the Spa Association of Singapore do?
 "We
had the difficulty of having the right formula of informing the
public of what a spa is all about. Speaking as the president of
the SAS, we had to take on a very educational and informative role
to the public. Secondly, we had to upgrade the industry as there
is a proliferation of the use of the word 'spa'. Not only is the
term 'spa' loosely used, but we have spas for cars, spas for cats
and even health centres call themselves spas. We have the uphill
task of repositioning the spa industry. We work very hard and fortunately
we have a very supportive Singapore Tourism Board, which came upfront
to support the spa industry. They have now included the spa industry
in the STB's gold circle accreditation to define and differentiate
its members as one who are able to provide quality service.
SPA
guards against rip-offs and dubious spa operators?
 "We
do have business criteria, which our members have to meet. If they
wish to qualify and apply for the Gold Circle with the STB, an independent
auditor will be sent to inspect their services to see how upfront
they are. We would like consumers to feel at ease and comfortable
when they walk into a Gold Circle member of the SAS. That's what the
whole spa experience is all about. We want you to be in a stress-free
environment without having to worry, at the end of the day, what's
going to be the charges, will you be pressured into buying products
or treatments. You won't find that happening in Gold Circle spa members
with the SAS because one of our requirement is to inform consumers
upfront what their commitments and charges are."
Which
are more popular - single-sex or mixed spas?
"The
trend is towards mixed spas and recently, there appears to be more
male spa-goers. The client make-up of male vs. women spa goers is
40/60. But very soon, it will be 50/50."
Are
women in Singapore generally more comfortable with women-only spas
or mixed spas?
"Mixed spas are rather popular with women. Although they are mixed
spas, most of our member spas have different sets of facilities
for the male and females. For example, there is a clear distinction
or changing rooms, steam and sauna rooms for males and females.
"The
trend is now towards having facilities for couples whereby they
do their treatments together and they have special rooms for them
to take their body massages together. The feeling of intimacy and
togetherness will give you a very strong sense of bonding and rejuvenation.
You feel that you're in it together, building a relationship together.
First-time
spa goer
"First, she must identify a spa that provides
a service. The SAS or STB will be able to give you a list of spas
in Singapore. We strongly recommend that you understand the spa when
visiting any spa for the first time - the facilities, the charges,
so that they will not be not be any hidden charges for anybody.
"Objectives
of visiting a spa differ with very individual. But one thing to
note is that spa-goers should not see visiting spas as an immediate
cure-for-all. Benefits of visiting a spa will come gradually and
should be seen as a preventive rather than a curative measure. We
are not medical spas here."
Age
and health conditions
 "Age
and health conditions are important factors to consider when visiting
a spa for the first time. A medical check-up before visiting a spa
is not a pre-requisite, although we strongly advise all spa goers
to inform the spa of any medical condition or illness that you may
have. For example, if you have diabetes, high-blood pressure or circulatory
problems, the spa would recommend treatments and services that would
not be contradictory to your health conditions. Hydrotherapy may not
be suitable for someone who has high-blood pressure."
Is
it true that people suffering from cancer cannot
receive massages as they might stimulate the cancer cells?
 "There
are different forms of massages. We could use a non-stimulating massage
such as a relaxing, aromatic massage. The feeling of 'touch' can be
very calming in a stressful environment and that, in itself, yields
good benefits for the body.
Misconceptions
about spas
"Spas are not just about massages. They are
not about taking baths and they are also not a front for vices. Therapists
in accredited spas will not accept any incentives to provide additional
services such as those found in sex trades. Seventy-five per cent
of our spa therapists in SAS are certified by examination boards.
You can be assured that they know what they are doing."
Differences
between spas
 "There
is the fusion of food. The same can be said about spas. The West is
looking to the East and the East is looking to the West. It's an exchange
of cultures and traditional methods of creating a spa environment.
A good example is that the West is now interested in introducing more
of the Eastern or Oriental mystiques such as the traditional Thai
massage, the feng shui elements in spas, the introduction of herbal
treatments. Over here, we are looking towards the West for high-tech
equipment. You will see a good blend of East and West. Now that you've
asked, the theme for next year's summit is actually called 2001 Spa
Odyssey - East-West Synergies."
Spa
Bonanza next year
 "Because
of the explosion of the spa industry all over the world, especially
in the Asia-Pacific region, the International Spa Association (ISPA)
for spa owners created the Asia-Pacific Chapter 2 years ago, catering
specifically to the needs of the Asia-Pacific region. Next year, ISPA
will be holding their Asia Summit 2001 in Singapore. Just this year,
in April, we held our second conference in Phuket and it was attended
by delegates from 18 countries. Next year, we're looking forward to
about 500 delegates and 60 exhibitors from more than 18 countries
and held in May next year. This will be a real boost to consumers
and the spa industry.
"A
section will be devoted to providing information to consumers. Spa
operators and exhibitors will be invited to put up special exhibitions
and shows to update spa-goers on the benefits of spas. So, it will
be a spa bonanza then!"
Photos
courtesy of Phytomer Spa at Shangri-la's Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore;
The Aspara, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore; The Grand Esthetics
Spa at Palais Renaissance, Estheva Spa at Orchard Hotel Shopping
Arcade; St. Gregory Javana Spa & St. Gregory Marine Spa at Plaza
Parkroyal and Grand Plaza Parkroyal respectively.
For
more information, you can contact the Secretariat, Spa Association
of Singapore at 224 1088.
>>
Share your views on spas in our message board
Related
Stories
>>
Your body's Spa-rk Plug
>> Spa-re Yourself
>> Ooh..ahh..spa!
>>
Scared Of Spas? Don't Be
>>
Spa Me The Details
|
