they might need .“ The specialists and therapists at each of our Life in Balance Spa locations are specially trained to answer any questions guests may have prior to their experiences ,” Berry said .“ We offer a wide variety of spa robes and slipper sizes in our locker rooms , ensuring every guest feels comfortable . Our retail offerings are thoughtfully curated , with sizes ranging from XS to various plus sizes , and our mannequins reflect this diversity .”
Nor is it just the larger spas like Miraval . In Raleigh , North Carolina , the staff of Auroraflow incorporates inclusivity into every area of the day spa . Their website assures guests that the massage tables are designed to support up to 2,500 pounds and they offer such accommodations as arm extenders and bolsters .
Beyond weight-rated spa equipment Having the right equipment is only one step . Lydia Atkins , Auroraflow ’ s spa director , said mental accommodations are equally important .“( It ’ s ) one of the things I respect so much about our therapists ,” Atkins said .“ The conversations the therapists have with the clients are as supportive as the tables .”
She and CEO / massage therapist Castle Frame identify other ways guests are made to feel seen and welcomed . “ The culture here is welcoming of all different body types ,” Atkins said .“ There are other signals the client can get even before they get into the room , from the art on the walls that show different bodied art to a book in our welcome room that celebrates all bodies .”
“ When it comes to wellness , people have this picture in their head of people who work out and like only vegetables ,” Frame said .“ With the art we have on the walls , it doesn ’ t just show that . We don ’ t care what you do in your day-to-day life . We just want to be the healers .”
Partway into their efforts to ensure inclusivity , Auroraflow partnered with a community organization , Plus Size Raleigh . The organization provided the spa with feedback on what they were doing and how they could better serve a community of larger sized people . ( See sidebar on page 42 for practical tips to ensure body size inclusivity in your spa .)
The spa team ’ s role Frame said much of the work is done by hiring the right people — therapists who are empaths and reflect the diversity of their clients . They promote an ongoing conversation between management and staff about what changes can be made .
Atkins described their staff as being responsive to diverse client needs and committed to making sure guests know they are safe in their bodies while in Auroraflow ’ s space .
“ There ’ s a recognition of the heartbreak , the devastation , that it is to be a body out in the world that is not respected ,” Atkins said .“ The employees choosing to work here have a collective response to a very dysfunctional , toxic , unhealthy and oppressive culture that is in the wellness industry . Us choosing to be here is a response to that and there ’ s some fierceness behind it . There ’ s some confidence behind it .” Berry described a similar commitment at Miraval .
Spas can use signals of body diversity to make guests of all sizes feel more welcome , as Auroraflow accomplishes with spa artwork and displays .
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2024 n PULSE 41