Spas of America Goes Underground

Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort and Spa (Napa, CA) is located entirely underground.

Spas of America, a fast-growing spa travel website that highlights spas around the world, recently announced its 600th listing: Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort and Spa (Napa, CA). Known for its underground cave spa experience, Spa Terra is the first in the world to be developed completely underground, featuring steam grottos, soaking pools, water walls, and lavish private treatment rooms. "Our spa is a perfect complement to the natural beauty of Napa," says Michael Palmer, general manager of The Meritage Resort. "We're excited about introducing our one-of-a-kind experience to Spas of America's targeted, spa travel audience."

SpaExec Hosts Event in Cancun

SpaExec, a business support network for spa executives, recently held its Mexican debut in Cancun. More than 150 spa professionals attended the event, which was hosted by SpaExec's Latin American Chair Alfredo Carvajal, vice president of business development for Universal Companies. The event was held at Le Meridian Cancun Resort & Spa and featured a vendor showcase and bilingual educational panels entitled Spa Industry: Today's Challenges, Tomorrow's Solutions and Revenues Opportunities Retail, Cultural Differences, Menu Development, Brand Selection, which focused on operational issues that Mexican spas face. In addition, attendees were encouraged to tour various spas on the Riviera Maya before the event, while event sponsors were invited to a post-event educational breakfast entitled "How to Do Business in Mexico," which discussed issues such as customs information, duties, and procurement timelines.

Dori Soukup Launches InSPAration Management

Dori Soukup

Dori Soukup, industry expert in spa sales, leadership, and branding for companies including Pevonia Botanica, has recently launched a new consulting firm. InSPAration Management will provide a full spectrum of customized spa solutions with a three-step approach: Spa Journeys by Design, Consulting Innovations, and Soaring Ahead Educational Series. Soukup says her driving force behind developing the firm was "my passion for education and helping others succeed."

Murad Endows Research Grant

Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, CEO, and founder of Murad, has awarded the ISPA Foundation an educational endowment toward research methods for reducing cultural stress. According to Murad, this new form of stress permeates daily life and creates serious health problems inside and out. Some researchers believe stress is responsible for 90 percent of health problems–from skin dehydration and acne to heart disease and cancer. Murad believes cultural stress affects diet and emotional health, as well. The Dr. Howard Murad Research Grant recipients will receive $2,500 toward research, as well as registration, airfare, and hotel accommodations for the 2008 ISPA Conference and Expo, Nov. 10–13, in Las Vegas. Candidates can apply for the grant at http://www.experienceispa.com/.