The Top 10 Spa Trends
1. Medical spas provide a prescription for health and wellness. Consumers flocked to spas for medical services in 2003, albeit primarily for cosmetic treatments (e.g., Botox injections). In 2004, baby boomers will take advantage of medical spas for truly medical purposes, such as preventive health treatments, regimens and education.

2. America mixes business with (spa) pleasure. Businesses will increasingly use spas to build relationships, motivate employees and manage employee health.

3. The "Destination Day Spa" hits the radar. Moving beyond the itemized beauty and spa treatments that are the focus of the typical day spa experience, destination day spas offer a holistic mind/body/spirit experience that's more akin to a day at a destination stay spa, minus the hotel room.

4. The spa experience becomes even more affordable and inclusive. With the continued explosion of affordable spas geared toward middle-income earners, more and more Americans will now be able to forego the aromatherapy candles and bubble bath and head to a nearby spa to enjoy professional treatments and wellness programs.

5. International spa tours replace international spa treatments. More and more upscale consumers will opt to go straight to the source; i.e., people will move beyond Thai massage and indulge in a "spas of Thailand" tour.

6. Spa cuisine goes mainstream. Spa cuisine will continue to break out of the spa and into America's dining rooms, thanks to hot-selling spa cookbooks and popular recipes.

7. Spas become the primary consideration for more travelers. For years, the fastest-growing segment in the hospitality industry has been hotels with spas. In 2004, that segment might have to be reversed to read "spas with hotels" as the spa becomes an even bigger factor in consumers' traveling decisions.

8. Spas become even more accommodating for pets. Spas will keep pace with the "empty nester" pet phenomenon by investing in kennels and dog runs, offering pet treatments and programs.

9. Spas reach out to men. In 2004 spas will continue to attract men with male-focused offerings, including golf, outdoor-adventure activities, male cosmetic treatments, and high-octane fitness programs.

10. Spas tailor programs for the entire family. 2003 saw an influx of teenage girls at spas, who were drawn by the beauty treatments and the glamour of a luxurious spa experience. This year, Spa Finder anticipates even younger visitors, including boys. Spas will keep pace by offering more family-oriented activities, spas-for-kids, and/or kids-only spa programs.

- Source: Spafinder.com. Reprinted by permission of Spafinder.