IN AN ONGOING TREND , more spas — especially luxury resorts — are adding automatic service charges to guests ’ statements . The additional proceeds largely benefit spa employees , augmenting the general compensation structure that traditionally has included commissions and an hourly rate . Since coming out of the pandemic , some spas are even seeing an increase in the service charge amount .

An ISPA Town Hall session this winter featured a great discussion about the diverse structures of service fees and gratuities that other members are implementing — focusing on what ’ s working or not working well . Panelists Patrick McDirmit ( Trilogy Spa Holdings ), Suzanne Holbrook ( Marriott International ) and Taylor Fields ( PCH Hotels & Resorts ) joined ISPA Chair Patrick Huey to share their insights and expertise .

54 PULSE ⁿ APRIL 2023