The following checklist was compiled with the
assistance of the Lexington, Ky.-based International Spa
Association; www.experienceispa.com
DETERMINING NEEDS
What type of spa facility does the group prefer (cruise ship,
day spa, destination, medical, mineral springs or resort)?What kind of destination desert, tropical or urban would be
best for the group?Does the venue have enough guest and meeting rooms?How many attendees will be using the spa’s services? What types of spa classes or treatments fitness, health and
wellness, pampering, relaxing are appropriate? What is the budget for the meeting? How much is allocated for
spa use and/or treatments?INSPECTING THE FACILITY
What are the spa’s hours of operation? Can it open earlier or
close later to accommodate attendees during their free time?How many treatment rooms are available? What is their
condition? How many spa therapists typically are on site? Can additional
staff be added during periods of heavy use? Do staff members seem friendly and professional? Do they wear
uniforms or adhere to a dress code? Are staff members available to instruct guests in the proper
use of fitness and weight-training equipment? What services are available? Does the spa offer any signature
services that incorporate local ingredients and/or culture?What is the duration and price of individual treatments and spa
packages? Are gratuities included in the service, or are they additional?
Ask for tipping guidelines. Let participants know whether they are
expected to provide tips and, if so, how much. Are programs flexible enough to accommodate a variety of goals,
fitness levels and needs? Does the spa have whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and lap
pools? Does it have a fitness area with weights, machines and other
workout equipment?Is signage posted to alert and educate guests about possible
risks in pools, wet areas, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and
exercise rooms? Are separate changing areas available for men and women, and
are lockers provided? Are these areas clean and
well-maintained?Is an attendant stationed in each waiting area? Are robes and footwear provided? Where is the spa located relative 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 and evacuation path posted in plain
view?OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Will the spa complete a confidential screening of individual
guests to assess the appropriateness of activities and services
before advising them or allowing them to proceed with treatments or
exercise programs? 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 at
all times during spa hours? Will the facility provide guidelines regarding appropriate
attire for various spa activities? Does the spa provide materials detailing its philosophy, rates,
deposits, cancellation/no-show policies 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?