perspectives abound on appropriate electronic device policies . Hear from four ISPA members as they discuss their spas ’“ digital disconnection ” strategies and share insights about guests ’ preferences .
POLICIES AND SUGGESTIONS “ We discourage cell phones in the spa ,” says Rob Willis , spa director for Wine & Roses .“ We strive to create a tranquil environment . Each guest is emailed a confirmation letter stating : The Spa is a tranquil environment , we ask that voices and noise levels are kept to a minimum , cell phones should be kept in your locker , muted or turned off . Cell phone conversations are not permitted while in the spa .”
The Wine & Roses confirmation letter is a gentle statement of spa policies for personal technology usage . Other spas use different methods for sharing their facility ’ s rules and suggestions , but communicating official policies is a standard practice across the industry .
At La Quinta Resort & Club , Director of Spa & Fitness Christina Cabrera notes ,“ Our policy and etiquette are noted in our spa brochure and on our website , and is verbalized upon arrival .” La Quinta ’ s policy for “ a moment of tranquility ” states : Our spa is a haven of serenity . For your peace and privacy , please silence all electronic
How spa directors want to experience spa
ALL FOUR SPA PROFESSIONALS expressed comfort representing their spas ’ official policies and agreed the ultimate goal was to provide an extraordinary guest experience .
When asked about their personal preferences for technology use within the spa , the four spa directors tended toward traditional disengagement .
Rob Willis believes disconnecting from devices is part of the spa experience . “ My personal preference is to keep it to a minimum ,” the Wine & Roses spa director says . “ When I am in a spa environment , I want to detach . I will leave my phone in my locker room as well as my watch .”
Sharing that , for her , “ personal technology is not appropriate in a spa setting ,” Kerry Werner looks to the benefits of a temporary escape . “ Spa time should be undisturbed by outside influences and allow you to turn your focus inwards to be present in your wellness journey ,” Stillwater Spa ’ s director of spa shares , before adding that every spagoer ’ s preferences may differ . “ I do , however , understand that for some people that is not an option .”
In Christina Cabrera ’ s experience , failure to disengage with devices results in lost benefits from a spa visit . “ I feel a spa experience is meant to be restorative for the mind , body and spirit ,” says La Quinta Resort & Club ’ s director of spa and fitness . “ To make this happen , you must be ‘ in the now .’ Use of technology within a spa setting inhibits the ability to allow the mind to disconnect from the day to day , ultimately impacting the body ’ s ability to relax and obtain restoration at its fullest potential .”
Darcie DeBartelo ’ s own preference — avoiding a complete technology ban — reflects her spa ’ s less rigid stance on personal device usage . The Bamford Wellness Spa director of spa and retail has found “ sometimes , a cellphone is just part of the experience .” She also practices the golden rule : “ If I had to take a call , I would ask where I could go , somewhere out of the way , to avoid disturbing others as they enjoy the quiet .”
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2023 n PULSE 13