On Saturday morning at 6 o'clock, when I was already writing this article, just before the Global Wellness Day, I receive the newsletter from VAST&CURIOUS written by Andreea Rosca.
This time, it was about a concept drawn from the works of Martin Seligman.
In short, the idea is that at the heart of progress not just resources or context.
This principle - called agency by psychologist Martin Seligman - has been shown to is the engine of any healthy developmentWhether we're talking about people, teams or industries.
At a time when it is easy to be passive, we, the Spa Community, have chosen to stay involved.
And everything we've built together is a clear expression of this principle set out by Martin Seligman: we imagined, we believed, we acted.
That's why we have managed to implement programs and structures in Romanian Spas that contribute to a rapid but healthy development - which are generally found only in large corporations.
A year ago, I wrote this article about the 11 opportunities for spa centers in Romania. All written directions have taken shape.
Once implemented, we focused on developing other instruments to be of real help to managers and owners in the Spa market.
In a nutshell, here's what the Spa community has managed to build over the last 12 months - and can already be used by market professionals, but also what's coming this summer and fall.
In November 2024, when the first cohort has finished SpaEdu - Level 3 Spa Management, some of the trainees have gone on and successfully obtained CIDESCO Certification in Beauty & Spa Management - recognized on all continents, number 1 internationally.
! 1001TPTP3T of those who took the exam passed it - which is very rare, even in countries that have had a spa market since when we were still under communism.
This is a major step for Romania: SpaEdu trainees - who had no international experience at all - after the 12-month Spa Management course, have reached an internationally recognized level.
which is in full swing. Here's what some of this year's trainees had to say ahead of the Spa Business Challenge:
Cristina Stanciu, Spa Manager Lotus Therm Spa & Luxury Resort Baile Felix:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3C6qnFAV2s
Narisa Miercan, Spa Manager Hotel Palace Băile Govora:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfVHVSNht4I
Ileana Maiovschi, Spa Manager Country Spa:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7svpox-9_o0&t=1s
Thus, Spa entrepreneurs and managers can receive 4 scholarships worth 50% from the price of the CIDESCO accredited Spa Management course. The scholarships are offered by Farmec - Gerovital Equilibrium, Diversey Romania, Multisoft and Manhae.
designed specifically for colleagues taking on leadership roles in Spa teams for the first time - has produced immediate changes and results in the trainees who have taken part.
They learned:
Since January, we have resumed our 2 mentoring programs and launched a new one (Spa Receptionists):
In total there were 13 Mentor-Mentee teams with 7 1-on-1 appointments, every 2 weeks for 3 months, 100% for free - with great feedback.
We continue in 2026 with all 3 Programs, obviously for free!
Through the 6-month work of a Working Group formed in the fall, we launched in April a Full Spa Recruitment:
which include only measurable responsibilities and have a gamified structure ensuring transparency, predictability and continuous motivation for spa managers, therapists and receptionists
with contracts, guides and processes - all integrated into each partner Spa's account on despreSpa.ro.
Partners who have supported the development of this Recruitment, onboarding and career structures are:
Farmec - Gerovital Equilibrium, Diversey Romania, Multisoft and Manhae
We thank them for their trust, support and involvement!
Both the Spa Conference and the Spa Tourism Congress give us the opportunity to share perspectives, build genuine relationships and initiate innovative partnerships.
And the Spa Romania Awards act as a spur for every wellness center in the country, pushing the team to surpass themselves compared to the previous year.
In June 2025, we launched a exclusive bonus for despreSpa.ro partners - a practical kit for Spa receptions:
The materials are available in the partners' account and can be downloaded and edited (personalized).
We know there are not easy times ahead.
But together we can build real solutions - and we can advance, step by step, to position Romania on the international Spa map. We are optimistic because despite all the pandemic and economic difficulties, the progress of the Spa market in recent years has been beyond expectations.
Thank you to everyone who gets involved, supports and trusts in the aboutSpa.ro mission.
Moving on. Together
Founder of despreSpa.ro and SpaEdu