Spas of America today launched a new Spa &
Wellness travel website featuring over 300 resort, hotel and destination spas
across North America, including 35 in British Columbia. The new online
experience enables spa enthusiasts around the world to search and browse
premium spa listings, read health and wellness articles and spa reviews,
browse and purchase Spa & Wellness products, and book vacation travel options.
The site was launched during an evening entitled “A Night at the Spa”,
held at the Vida Wellness Spa, Sheraton Wall Centre. The relaxation-themed
night included spa treatments, organic wine tasting and attendance by a number
of British Columbia companies targeting the international Spa & Wellness
industry.
President and CEO Craig Oliver says, “Spas of America
(www.spasofamerica.com) has positioned itself to take advantage of one of the
fastest growing segments of the travel and leisure industry. Our site caters
to as an increasing aging and affluent population seeking health-conscious and
relaxation-oriented vacation experiences.”
The growth of Spa & Wellness is being seen continent wide. According to
ISPA — the International Spa Association, in 2004, 136 million visits were
made to all spas in the United States (20.2 million visits in Canada). In the
United States, the industry generated an estimated $11.2 billion (USD) in
revenues. In Canada, the industry produced $1.5 billion (CDN), up from
$610 million in 2002, an increase of 145%.
“BC has developed into a popular destination for Spa & Wellness, offering
natural beauty, professional staff, world-class facilities and indigenous
treatments unique to each property,” says Oliver. “BC’s diversity offers a
wide range of Spa & Wellness experiences for any guest: from urban, such as
the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, to mountain, at the Four Seasons
Whistler, to ocean, at the Ancient Cedars Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn,
Vancouver Island or guests can get their own taste of country at the Hills
Guest Ranch, in 108 Mile House.”
The Spas of America website was created by Mike Cowie, co-owner of Cowie
& Fox Creative — the creative brains behind the Lululemon and Opus Hotel
Elixir websites. Cowie says: “Spas of America offers a fresh, clean, simple
and engaging online experience for the spa travel enthusiast. The site
empowers customers to search and browse resort, hotel and destination spas
geographically, alphabetically, by keyword, or desired spa experience (desert,
city, beach, ocean or mountain). All spa listings also leverage the Internet’s
viral ability by offering a unique Spa a Friend functionality.”
Lynda Venneman, spa director of the Vida Wellness Spa at the Sheraton
Wall Centre in Vancouver, says: “Spa customers are seeking to reconnect,
recharge and relax. Spas of America, has captured this customer preference by
focusing on the eyes, mind and senses of the customer, offering a clean,
simple and image-rich design with easy-to-use navigation.”
By early January 2006, Spas of America plans to unveil properties in the
Caribbean and Mexico and launch a travel channel on the site, allowing spa
customers to make their own air, ground and hotel bookings.
“Spas of America is positioning itself to be a valued resource to all
constituents of the emerging trend in Spa & Wellness,” says Oliver. “Serving
both spa enthusiasts and acting as a valuable communication and marketing tool
for resort, hotel and destination spas in British Columbia. Moving forward,
Spas of America will form part of an international collection of resort, hotel
and destination spas across Asia and Europe, enabling spa enthusiasts around
the globe to discover exciting new Spa & Wellness experiences.”
