AS WE CELEBRATE ISPA ’ s 35th anniversary year , I ’ ve been reflecting on how far the spa industry has come since 1991 . For a little perspective : I was in my senior year back then , eagerly planning my next steps after high school . At the same time , the spa industry was preparing its own sort of graduation — evolving from a luxury niche market with ancient roots to becoming a cornerstone of wellness and self-care .

In those early days , ISPA worked to rebrand spas as more than places of indulgence , transforming them into the wellness powerhouses we now recognize them to be . Over the past three and a half decades , our industry has adopted trends like mindfulness , clean beauty , sustainability and tech-driven treatments , while honoring spa ’ s core values of human connection and holistic well-being .

It would be difficult to list all the innovative and forward-thinking developments from these years , but a few stand out . In the 1990s , the rise of day spas made spa services more accessible to everyday consumers — with affordable treatments like facials , massages and manicures becoming part of regular self-care routines . New spa certifications and best practices were introduced around the same time , elevating the industry ’ s reputation and consumer trust . More recently , we ’ ve seen the rise of wellness tourism , the integration of mental health into spa offerings and even the use of AI to personalize guests ’ experiences .

Back in the day : Kelleye Martin was a high school senior when ISPA was founded in 1991 .

Through it all , ISPA has been our trusted guide , helping our spa businesses seize new opportunities and adapt to changing expectations .

With January just behind us and the new year still young , it ’ s important to note ISPA ’ s milestone is not just about looking back but also looking ahead . As we celebrate this remarkable journey , let ’ s remember the best is yet to come . Here ’ s to 35 years of growth and a future full of possibility .

— KELLEYE MARTIN , CHAIR

ISPA WANTS TO SPOTLIGHT spa businesses marking anniversaries in 2025 . All year , we ’ ll feature member celebrations in Pulse and on our social media . Share your details with the ISPA Team at ispa @ ispastaff . com — we can ’ t wait to celebrate with you !

OFFICERS

Chair • Kelleye Martin Trellis Spa The Houstonian Hotel , Club & Spa

Vice Chair • Jennifer Holzworth Montage International

Secretary / Treasurer • Charlotte Prescott Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Immediate Past Chair • Patrick Huey Hyatt Hotels Corporation

DIRECTORS

Foundation Chair • Todd Shaw Fountain Life

Foundation Vice Chair • Ella Kent The Spa at Sea Island

Taylor Fields PCH Hotels and Resorts

CG Funk Funk Consulting

Kelly Gasspari-Fleming The Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa and Health Club

Brisa Huezo Noble House Hotels & Resorts

Barry McCaffrey BABOR

Terry Prager Terry Prager Spa Consulting , Inc .

Kenneth Ryan

Eric Savage Freedom Spas , LLC

Jessica Shea Hilton

Jessica Timberlake Jessica L . Timberlake Consulting

Jessica Wadley Oakworks , Inc .

Lynne McNees International SPA Association

ISPA Medical Advisor Brent A . Bauer MD Mayo Clinic

Honorary Foundation Board Member Deborah Szekely Rancho La Puerta

PULSE n FEBRUARY 2025 2