Spa Managers

There were only 30 spas in the United States in the late 1970s, and the number has since grown to more than 22,160. More than half of these are day spas, where clients can check in for an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation. The remainder are resort/hotel spas, which welcome clients for longer visits. Many spas and resorts have also developed around natural hot springs, the seaside, the desert, the mountains, and even the plains. Some spas are designed for specific needs, such as weight management and holistic wellness. Most spas offer the usual facials, body wraps, and massages, and many are expanding to include "mind/body awareness" to meet the growing demand for spiritual and physical needs.

Spa managers oversee the operations of the spa facility. They may collaborate with spa owners and spa attendants in planning the activities at spas. They coordinate and direct spa programs and schedules. Spa managers are also responsible for hiring, training, and directing spa employees. They monitor employees' performance and provide guidance for improving employees' services and efficiency.

In large spas, such as those that are franchises with facilities in numerous locations, there may be different departments that handle specific tasks, such as financial aspects and human resources. In small, independently owned spa facilities, spa managers may handle the accounting duties, including recording the daily cash flow and preparing bank deposits. They may also be involved in preparing and managing spa budgets and generating financial statements.

Spa managers may field inquiries about spa services, schedule appointments for clients, and respond to customer complaints. They may order and sell products and offer advice on spa treatments and products. Managers make sure the spa operates according to health, safety, and hygiene standards. They also take continuing education courses throughout their career, to make sure they are up to date on industry standards and best practices. 

Resorts often capitalize on their location. Resorts in Hawaii, for example, would offer treatments with fresh seawater, sea salt, seaweed, and Hawaiian plants. In a different kind of environment, a spa and resort may provide very different services. Mud baths, natural hot spring whirlpools, volcanic mineral treatment—resort owners around the world develop their spas with the natural surroundings in mind. This results in very specific training for spa managers and attendants.