May 01, 2000
Meetings & Conventions: Planner's Portfolio May
2000
May2000
PLANNER'S
PORTFOLIO:Checklist
BY CHERYL-ANNE STURKEN
HOW TO SITE-INSPECT A SPA
The following checklist was compiled with the help of
the International Spa Association, 546 E. Main St., Lexington, Ky.,
40508; www.experienceispa.com
DETERMINING NEEDS
Decide what type of spa you want to visit (destination, resort,
mineral springs, medical, cruise ship, club, day spa).What type of spa setting do you prefer (desert, tropical
island, metropolis)?For how many days will your group be at the facility?How many attendees will be using the spa’s services?Do you want a preplanned, all-day schedule or one that includes
a lot of free time?What types of spa elements will be appropriate (fitness
classes, pampering, health and wellness programs)?What is the budget?INSPECTING THE FACILITY
What are the hours of operation?How many treatment rooms are available? What is their
condition?How many whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and lap pools are
there?How many therapists are available? Can more be added during
periods of heavy use?Do staff members seem friendly and professional? Is there a
staff dress code?Are staff members available to help with and teach the proper
use of fitness and weight-training equipment?What types of services are offered? Are any services special to
the spa, such as unique body treatments?What is the duration and price of each program?Are programs flexible enough to accommodate a variety of goals,
fitness levels and needs?Is signage posted to alert and educate guests about possible
risks in exercise pools, wet areas, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools
and exercise rooms?Are there separate changing areas for men and women, and are
lockers provided?Are floor surfaces designed and constructed to accommodate the
intended activities (tile in wet areas, wooden floors in exercise
areas)?Is there an attendant in each waiting area?Are robes and disposable footwear provided?Where is the spa located rel- ative to meeting facilities,
guest rooms and public areas? Does it have its own entrance?Does the facility comply with the Americans With Disabilities
Act?Is a written emergency plan posted in plain view?IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Will the spa complete a confidential screening of each guest to
assess the appropriateness of activities and services before
advising them or allowing them to proceed?Will all guest-history and counseling information be kept
strictly confidential?How does the spa handle guest complaints?Will a staff member trained in CPR be on-site and available
during spa hours?Will the facility provide a list of appropriate attire for
different activities?Are gratuities included in the service, or are they additional?
If additional, ask for tipping guidelines.Does the spa provide material covering philosophy, rates,
deposits, cancellation policy and grace periods for refunds?What are the qualifications of spa staff? How long has each
staff member been employed by the facility?Does the spa have its own restaurant and spa menu?
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