Travel Agencies & Services Industry News

LEXINGTON, Ky., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're in a holiday gift-giving slump, look to your local spa for inspiring ideas. Gift cards, once thought to be a total gift cop-out, are revived thanks to add-ons and extra benefits with purchase. Gift certificates allow first-time spa-goers to realize what the spa experience is all about - a healthy lifestyle. Investing in someone's health is the gift that keeps on giving, and the spa is the place for education on skin care, nutrition and balancing a hectic lifestyle.

"A spa gift certificate spreads the gift of health and wellness," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "Reducing and relieving stress is the No. 1 reason people go to the spa, and after this difficult year introducing someone to the spa lifestyle will be the best present they receive."

ISPA members revealed that, this holiday season, gift card promotions are as easy to find as fruitcake.

    --  The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, FL - On Dec. 14 do your holiday
        shopping at the spa by purchasing gift certificates. And, get a mini
        Kerstin Florian facial for $40, and receive a $40 credit on products.
    --  Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness, Albany, NY - For every $200 gift
        certificate you'll receive a $20 spa credit and a Spa at Home gift worth
        $75.
    --  The Spa at Ballantyne Resort, Charlotte, NC - Purchase a $150 gift card
        and receive a $20 bonus card. During December, $5 of every $90 treatment
        will be donated to cancer rehabilitation.

    --  Spa Toccare at Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ - Receive a spa
        robe valued at $120 for free when purchasing a gift card for $250.  Take
        advantage of the $99 Holiday Collection including a slimming body wrap,
        aromatherapy massage or a pumpkin pie pedicure.

Deck the halls and ring in the New Year with these specials:

    --  Aspira Spa at The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI - The Retreat Package
        includes two evenings of accommodations, a $40 dining credit and $175 in
        spa credits.  Rates begin at $199.
    --  The Founders Inn and Spa, Virginia Beach, VA - The Spa Lalala package
        includes a 25-minute pomegranate body scrub and a 50-minute massage for
        $120.
    --  Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley, AZ - Hangover
        Treatments let you regroup and sweat out your toxins in a 25-minute
        Hammam treatment for $35, or a 50-minute Organic Facial for $125.
    --  Solace Spa at Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls, MI - Spa Renewal
        package allows two guests to enjoy hotel accommodations, a $200 spa
        credit, breakfast, fitness classes and access to the spa facility for
        $299 a night.

    --  The Spa at Pinehurst, Pinehurst, NC - Holly Berry Back and Foot
        Treatment is a 50-minute scrub and massage. In December it's 25 percent
        off at $82.50.

About the International SPA Association

ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. More details are available on www.experienceispa.com.

    Shelby Jones, International SPA Association
    1.859.425.5072, shelby.jones@ispastaff.com

SOURCE International SPA Association