Spa Management
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Spas are becoming increasingly popular vacation destinations and relaxation treats for all kinds of people -- no longer just the wealthy, and no longer just women. The growth in the spa industry has sparked interest in education options that will prepare serious individuals for careers as spa managers, owners, and administrators. Spa management is very similar to hospitality management, which is the management of resorts and hotels, because spas are now offering more and more amenities, including hotel rooms and high-end restaurants. Spa managers are responsible for hiring and training their personnel, managing the spa's budget, helping market the organization to new clients, and keeping track of the facility's product orders and general finances. However, they are also responsible specifically for helping define the direction of the spa. They may determine which procedures, treatments, and amenities are offered, how the spa presents and defines itself, and what spa procedures are for personnel.
Spa management can be a lucrative career, as people pay for expensive procedures at high end spas. However, only those who are certain of their interest in a spa career should pursue a spa management degree, as it is not versatile enough to be applied successfully elsewhere. Those who wish to keep their options open can simply earn general business or management degrees, or can earn a hospitality management degree. It is more important that a potential manager have experience working at an actual spa, and has an understanding of popular spa procedures and spa safety procedures. Prospective spa managers should pursue openings at spas to gain this experience.
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Career Specializations
- Day Spa Management: Most people who choose to go to a spa choose a day spa. Day spas offer a wide array of treatments, but usually include various types of massages, various types of facials, manicures, pedicures, and body treatments. Saunas and hot tub treatments, as well as various types of relaxing baths, are also common at these facilities, which require strong managers who can keep up with a fast pace and are adept at customer service. Some day spas cater to a certain clientele, such as children or pregnant women.
- Medical Spa Management: Managers of medical spas are different than other spa managers in that they need actual medical training and certification. They may be certified physical therapists, nurses, or even physicians. Medical spas use traditional spa treatments, including massage and detox therapies, to help those who are suffering from injuries or illnesses.
- Resort Spa Management: Resort spa management is the most similar to hospitality management, and the two may overlap. A resort spa manager is charged with ensuring that a hotel's spa facilities operate smoothly and presenting an appealing public image to their clientele.
- Destination Spa Management: A destination spa is similar to a resort spa, except that a destination spa is like a resort in and of itself, while a resort spa is just a small part of an existing resort. Destination spa managers are hospitality managers, and need to be prepared to perform the same tasks as traditional hospitality managers do.
- Mobile Spa Management: Mobile spas are popular for those who want to bring spa facilities into the comfort of their own home, or for those organizations -- such as women's clubs or elderly homes -- who want to hire spa services occasionally. Mobile spa managers must be prepared to deal with unique challenges and should be expert marketing professionals.
- Estate Spa Management: Estate spas are the rarest form of spas. Managers of these spas are essentially real estate managers, as the entire point of an estate spa is to build one's lifestyle around the healthy goals of a spa.
Degree Levels
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
There are no standard education requirements for spa managers. Managers of top-notch, exclusive spas may be extremely well educated and prepared for the business world; some may even have Master of Business Administration degrees to help them be more competitive in the business market. However, in most cases a spa manager needs only some sort of formal education, whether an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in a related occupation. The degree does not need to be specifically in spa management, though there are a few programs available in this discipline.
Students enrolled in spa management degree programs can expect to take classes specifically geared toward helping them become successful managers at spas. These courses may include everything from nutrition and spa therapies to computer integration and spa design strategies. Students will also have to take classes in general management strategies, including human resources, customer relations, budgeting, and advertising. General hospitality courses may be part of the program, as well.
Spa managers do not need to be certified, though certain spa professionals, such as massage therapists, do need to be certified. Like other managers, spa managers can choose to pursue optional certifications through various professional organizations. However, these certifications will be in general management, and may not be a significant benefit to the spa management industry.
Salary Information
The salary of a high-end spa manager is comparable to the salary of a hospitality manager. On average, spa managers earn $45,800 per year. However, geographic location and type of spa will influence the manager's salary significantly. (BLS)
Job Outlook
In general, the luxury and travel industries have experienced a decline in recent years, and are expected to continue doing so. The economic downturn enhanced this trend. The demand for all hospitality and luxury service managers, including spa managers, is expected to experience less than five percent growth over the next few years. (BLS)
Related Careers
Hospitality management is the most comparable career to spa management, and individuals who study hospitality management can easily translate their education into a career in spa management. Hospitality managers have stressful jobs, as they are responsible for every last detail of a hotel or resort. They manage the staff, the customers, and any restaurants, spas, or other services offered by that hotel. Restaurant managers can also be similar to spa managers, as they are responsible for ensuring that all of their facility's services are running smoothly. They also act as the public face of their company, help set the direction, and develop marketing strategies.
Of course, spa managers are easily relatable to other spa professionals, such as spa and resort therapists. Individuals who truly aspire to be a spa manager should begin their career in the industry as soon as possible, in whatever way they can. Becoming a certified massage therapist, manicurist, or esthetician will also help them in their future career endeavors.
