Opening a Spa

In most discussions with future investors in Spa, I hear 2 questions:

"If I work with an architect who has done spas before, why do I need a consultant?"

The effect is that although the spa may look great in design, it is difficult to operate, sometimes impossible. And it ends up having to be rebuilt from scratch - at a much higher cost than if it had been opened properly the first time.

The second is similar: "I am working on this project with a tourism consultant who has opened many spa hotels".

People don't really know what the duties of a Spa consultant are. Which certainly can't replace an architect, nor a hotel consultant - but neither the other way around. They have to team up. And I'll explain why in a minute.

Here's what concrete help a consultant who specializes in Spa and who has already opened several types of spa centers: both day spas and spas in resorts, hotels, destinations etc.

Because each type of Spa has its specificities.

If you don't know them, the result is that you'll be trying a formula that may work, but won't be as profitable as the competition.

Planning and analysis

The planning phase - it happens before you spend the first penny, or euro, before you plan the space where the spa will be.

A Market Study and a Feasibility Study. From these studies will result:

Develop a construction plan based on demand forecasts
The standards required for treatment rooms, retail and reception areas, storage areas, changing rooms, support areas and special cubicles will be known
It will be possible to determine the cost of construction per square meter and concretely how much is the investment in the Spa - how much it costs to open the Spa.
It will be analyzed when the investor will recover its investment
Ensuring that the business model discussed is in line with the investor's objectives

A market study can identify untapped opportunities but it can also inhibit the development of a project if, for example, it is found that the size of the property, location or construction costs do not form the basis for a
good investments.

That is why this initial step - market research - is intended to ensure that the investment will be made only in a viable and profit-generating project, thus avoiding the quite frequent situations when construction is delayed due to lack of funds or lack of planning, the spa has no specific selling points or turns out to be only a cost center and not a profit center.

The consultant will also draw up the business plan for the spa and will indicate the necessary paperwork to open a spa.

In the Design Phase, the consultant Spa:

helps you to choose the spa facilities before the initial drawings are made, because later, he also decides where the pipes of the spa center pass through, depending on the established spacing
assist the architect with:

Preliminary space sketches - defines the spaces a developer has at their disposal in terms of how true spa experiences can be created,
functions and individual spa areas, so that the design is an expression of functionality,
operational flow,
the necessary operating premises - storage room etc.
requirements imposed by equipment, mechanical, electrical, ventilation and other requirements.

The consultant is also responsible for all activities subsequent stages:

From the phases of establishing the concept, the theme and personality of the Spa (according to which they choose the range of products and then create the Spa menu), the construction, layout and equipment of the center to the pre-opening, the choice of staff and the necessary trainings
Developing spa management processes, customer experience, spa operations processes etc.
The stages of opening and initial operation of the spa and, if mutually agreed, even the subsequent management of the spa center

Operating a Spa

Spa management is complex because it requires advanced know-how, but also well developed soft skills.

Spa is a business where everything is measured, weighed, analyzed, where each report is followed by an action plan.

Some of the responsibilities of a Consultant who takes over the operation of the Space are:

At the beginning we perform a Spa Audit to quantify exactly the starting level on each axis of Spa operation. The audit involves observing customer interaction, gestures, employee behavior patterns, treatment protocols and standards, SOP compliance, etc.
Provides Customer Service at the highest level at every stage of the customer journey
Optimizes Spa operational flows
Evaluate the quality of service and menu
Assess facilities and equipment
Refresh SPA MENU with spa therapy training
If necessary, propose refurbishments and modernizations for top spa experiences
Maximize profit through low investment;
Development strategies;
Create your own concept based on the type of spa, the geographic location of the spa, the target clients - if the spa does not already have its own concept. Or if it does, adapt it as needed.
Create a team that you can rely on and with whom you can ensure the Spa grows to the agreed level - both turnover and profit.
Maintains a pleasant atmosphere within the team, regardless of personality types
Ensures that there is a warm relationship between spa staff and clients.
In charge of the development plan and training plan of each employee in the Spa.
Staff recruitment - if necessary.