This is the perfect time of year to come out of hibernation and get your skin in the best possible shape for spring. After spending the winter covered up in sweaters and mittens, we’re ready to shed those layers and welcome warmth. However, winter can be brutal on skin, so many of us might need lots of spa treatments to get ready for skin-baring season. That can get really expensive, really fast.
Never fear – Spa Week is here! This twice-per-year event is taking place April 21 to 27, during which participating spas across the United States offer $50 treatments. This year in particular is a special one, as Spa Week is celebrating its 10th anniversary of bringing great deals to the masses. What began as a small event has turned into a major production. Here’s some interesting things to know about Spa Week as its major anniversary approaches, and how you can score some great deals.
History of Spa Week
In 2004, Spa Week founder Cheryl Reid was living in New York City and saw firsthand how the busy, stressful lifestyle in the Big Apple was taking its toll on many residents. New Yorkers have a tendency to not want to slow down, but she felt that all people should take the time to relax at a spa. The problem was the high cost and the assumption that spas were for the wealthy and idle.
Thus the idea for Spa Week was born, Participating spas would offer full-service treatments that would normally cost hundreds of dollars for $50 instead. The idea was to draw people who may have never visited spas to give them a try.
The first Spa Week was held in October 2004, with 25 participating spas in and around New York City. From this humble beginning has grown an empire, with hundreds of spas across the country participating. Spa Week was an overnight success, paving the way for more than 1.5 million people to visit spas over the past 10 years.
10th Year Celebrations
In honor of Spa Week’s 10th anniversary, many special activities are planned. In addition to an increased number of participating spas, cities and treatment options, look for various special promotions and giveaways on its website. You can enter to win a full year of Jurlique Skin Care, a one-year VIP membership at FabFitFun, a $1,000 shopping spree at BeautySage.com and many more great giveaways. This is the perfect time to take part in Spa Week.
How Does it Work?
If you’ve never experienced Spa Week before, it’s easy to take advantage of these great deals. You will need to sign up online if you are not already a member, and then use the search option to find participating spas in your area. You can search by city, state or by zip code. You have the option of booking your spa appointment through the Spa Week site or directly through the spa itself.
Each participating spa will offer two to three full-service treatments for $50, so you’re sure to find the perfect place and treatment option for you. Just be sure to book early, since at this price treatments will be snapped up quickly.
Give the Gift of Luxury
Spa Week treatments also make great gifts. You can buy gift cards and use them year-round at participating spas. They are valid at more than 8,000 spa and wellness locations throughout North America, and the best part is, they never expire! Choose from either themed cards that you can wrap up, or emailed gift cards if you need a gift quickly.
If you want a card and can’t wait for mail delivery, you can buy your Spa & Wellness gift cards at participating retailers, including Rite Aid, Target, BJs, Toys R Us and several others.
The Spa Week Sensation
Spa Week may have helped contribute to the popularity of spa treatments over the years by enticing newbies to try out treatments for the first time. The number of spa-goers has increased substantially over the years, according to the International Spa Association. The number of spa visits from 2011 to 2012 rose from 156 million to 160 million, and the number of spa locations grew from a mere 4,140 in 1999 to an impressive 20,600 in 2009.
Why the popularity? An International Spa Association survey found that 72 percent of respondents claim that stress has influenced their decision to visit a spa, and 88 percent say health and well-being is a motivating factor to spend time at a spa. It appears Spa Week founder Reid was onto something in 2004 when she encountered all those frazzled New Yorkers. We need to eliminate stress and take better care of ourselves, and a spa visit can do just that. If the price is right, it’s even more appealing.
Spa Week has helped change the perception of spas as expensive, luxury playgrounds for the wealthy into something everyone can enjoy and afford. They are now seen as necessities in our busy and stressful world, instead of something that’s pricey and self-indulgent. Thanks to Spa Week and its promotions, many new people have discovered the health benefits of spas.
Now’s the time to get ready for Spa Week 2014, so be sure to log on and book those appointments! Thankfully there are many options available. If you procrastinate and miss out on your ideal treatment, keep in mind that the next Spa Week will roll around in October. So be sure to book that appointment! You’ll be glad you did.