MAKING MASSAGE MEANINGFUL

Steve Capellini documents theory and practice in The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists

From watery roots in Roman baths to today's cutting-edge therapies, Steve Capellini's new book for massage therapists documents theory and practice in the 21st century spa. More than a manual, Capellini shows how to make massage meaningful and profitable.

Weighing in at nearly 10 pounds, this 685-page book is a comprehensive guide for spa managers and operators as well as massage professionals. Insights from personalities throughout the industry add to practical descriptions of bodywork modalities and why they work.

Definitive without getting too technical, Steve's hands-on approach covers the complete range of spa treatments. Exfoliation, for instance, is demonstrated along with an explanation of how exfoliation affects the skin. And design of treatment rooms for wet and dry therapies. Thus a therapist learns protocols as well as benefits.

Beyond massage, Capellini looks at bodywork, baths, and esthetic treatments. Aromatherapy is defined as the use of essential oils processed from flowers and other botanicals in topical application and inhalation. Seminal research and publications are introduced, leading to the French (medical) versus the British/American model of aromatherapy massage. Practical tips are offered for selection and storage of essential oils, plus proper application. Then therapists learn that frankincense, used by ancient Egyptians to keep insects at bay, makes a natural repellant when massage is performed in an outdoor setting. Putting it all together, three pages detail essential oils' derivation, effect, uses, and contraindicatons.

Giving and receiving massage are subjects that Steve Capellini knows first-hand. Starting as a massage therapist, he has worked in the spa industry since 1983. Author of four previous books, including Massage for Dummies, he develops spa programs for resorts, promotes spa-related products, and has appeared on TV shows as well as professional workshops. Thai ties began with his marriage in Miami, where the family operates a popular restaurant.

In the 1990s, Steve was a massage therapist at the Doral Saturnia Spa, working with John and Ginny Lopis, consulting for the Pritikin Institute spa. He volunteered at ISPA's first conference, helping me with logistics at Turnberry Isle, fetching speakers from the airport in a 1970 Toyota, enjoying beach games and the camaraderie.

Publication of The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists brings Steve's real-life experiences into today's world. For therapists who pursue a career in spa management, Steve says the field is filled with opportunity. "Once a therapist has made the leap to spa ownership, even in a small one-room spa," he advises, "an entirely new set of responsibilities will be encountered." Thus a final chapter covers marketing, motivating employees, payroll, scheduling, and planning for expansion. This is practical advice from an expert for anyone who wants to succeed in the spa industry

The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists; published by Milady, Cengage Learning. http://www.delmarlearning.com/browse_product_detail.aspx?catid=32940&isbn=1418000140. Retail: $48.95. Also available on Amazon.com.

PEOPLE & PLACES by Bernard Burt

BACK TO NEW AGE

Stephanie Paradise welcomed me back to the New Age Health Spa last summer.
Looking fit and vivacious, now a grandmother, Stephanie continues the legendary retreat in the Catskill Mountains of New York begun with her husband Werner Mendel in 1986.

"Spa-goers today are more mature," commented Stephanie as we talked about changing demographics. "People who came in the 80s to explore "New Age" philosophy, return now with their daughters." Multi-generation groups like the all-inclusive rates, starting from $299 per person on a daily basis. "They discover a place to work together and relax."

Challenged by the economic slump (reservations last summer dropped 50 percent), package rates for 2010 remain unchanged as a staff management committee plans a 25th anniversary celebration of the quality of life. With just 36 guest rooms, the resort has grown to 280 acres, preserving the natural beauty that first attracted me. Free of phones and TV, I watched high-energy friends settle into lawn chairs and read books.

A garbage can at the gate brought back memories. "Deposit tobacco, candy, and drugs," warns the sign. Radical in the 80s, it was Werner's way of defining spa life. Within three years of opening, he was lecturing at Cornell University for spa management classes who visited New Age under tutelage of Prof. Mary Tabacchi to experience the new wellness programs. And he commissioned a study of spa economics by students at Harvard, producing a set of benchmarks that led to the founding of the International Spa Association.

Hosting a retreat for spa owners and managers in the fall of 1989 sponsored by Spa Finder founder Jeffrey Joseph with support from American Express, Werner saw the need for an organization that could speak for the spa industry and advance professionalism. We gathered in Neversink's fire engine garage, sat up nights trying to define the role spas play in contemporary society. Despite the untimely death of Joseph, Werner's vision resulted in the launch of ISPA in 1990 at Turnberry Isle, where he was elected president.

FROM FAT FARM TO DESTINATION SPA

New Age Health Spa is located in a scenic area near the Hudson River in upstate New York. Settled by Dutch farmers around 1750, the tiny town of Neversink got its name when a nearby valley was flooded to create a reservoir that supplies drinking water for Manhattan. The Neversink Inn was a well-known Catskill resort catering to a NY metropolitan-area clientele who desired escapes to rest and rejuvenate two hours from the city. The first juice-fasting retreat was held in 1976. Renamed, the New Age Health Farm had an indoor swimming pool, bathhouse, and treatment center offering massage, colonics, and other forms of bodywork in a former barn.

At about the same time, Werner and Stephanie where trying to decide how they would spend the rest of their lives. Both retired early from successful careers (he was a Financial Planner on Wall Street, she a Clinical Social Worker in Manhattan). Searching for a place where they could explore nature and gain greater personal fulfillment, they purchased New Age Health Farm in 1986 and moved in on June 9, the day after they were married.

Werner's vision and European roots, and Stephanie's management style, made New Age Health Spa a hip destination. Passionate about new concepts for healthy lifestyles, they adapted ancient wisdom for the fitness generation of the 80s. New facilities for aerobics, yoga, and large indoor swimming pool were built. Furniture for new guestrooms came from country auctions; an imposing Buddha statue for the new yoga studio was acquired from a local bar. Outdoor types joined Stephanie on hikes before breakfast; sessions of meditation and Hatha Yoga started the day, still provide a core program. There was a sense of adventure and camaraderie, sadly missing among the older guests who predominated during my visit.

Treatment rooms (10) are housed in an unpretentious building where old-timers like Alex Katsenko deliver serious massages (50 minutes, $100). Staffed by eight therapists, the spa features Biotone body butters and mud, Jurlique facial, Tara massage oils, Young Living essential oils, Zoya nail polish.The popular Paradise Mountain Rain package includes a scrub, wrap, and Vichy shower, followed by application of pomegranate and cranberry butter ($100 minutes, $200). Recent improvements include a programmer to schedule treatments, offer advice. Juice-fasting and colonics, supervised by a nurse, attracted few takers. Today, most guests come to decompress or detox rather than exercise. Four classes on the morning and afternoon schedules range from Aqua Noodle and NIA dance to Kettleball workout, plus walks to watch bald eagles and enjoy the woods. Seasonal activities include cross-country skiing and yoga weeks. You stay in cozy wooden cottages set along a sloping green that offers vistas of mountains and forests. The grounds are pastoral, with spring-fed swimming pool, greenhouses, and five miles of groomed trails. Gone is rabbit food; generous buffet selections of fruit, salad, and soup, plus a dinner menu offering barbecued chicken, pasta, or vegetarian plates are a vast improvement on the old regimen. Salad fixings come from organic greenhouses on the property, local farmers supply free-range chicken and real honey. Coffee enhances breakfast options, however the old rule against alcohol prevents wine with dinner.

Werner is gone, but his spirit lingers. One of his inspired creations was the Alpine Tower as a metaphor for teamwork. Hidden in a grove of trees, you discover a five-story tower, an amazing artwork of lashed logs and ropes. Teams are scheduled on weekends (especially popular with guys and corporate leadership trainers), and anyone can sign up to test skills of balance and nerves. That's what it was all about for Werner: daring to be your best, never fearing failure.

For more information: www.newagehealthspa.com;

ROMANS, TURKS, AND BISA IN BUDAPEST

Using cherries in skin care products, Boldijarre Koronczay went back to his roots in Hungary to create the Eminence Organic Skin Care Company. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Eminence's complete line of European beauty essentials contains the highest possible levels of all-natural organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables, hand-selected to guarantee quality. Over 40 years of experience and extensive research have proven the effectiveness of these superior treatments, a unique combination of fresh fruits and the famous Hungarian paprika peppers, hand-mixed with pure waters drawn from a thermal hot spring lake containing minerals and trace elements found nowhere else on earth. Made in Hungary without any heating or hydrogenating processes, Eminence features high fruit content, and therefore, the high level of active ingredients. Vitamins are captured in their all-natural fresh base, offering dramatic results as actual seeds, pulps and peels begin the regenerative and healing powers that only nature can produce. Now a Canadian citizen, Boldijarre trains estheticians at some of the world's leading spas, and is a popular fixture at celebrity galas.

Kerstin Florian discovered healing powers of Hungarian mineral water in Sarvar, a medieval town that now has modern spa hotels. Kerstin secured a government license to manufacture her Kur line in Hungary. Mineral salts are a key ingredient of KFI skin care and baths. Distributed worldwide from offices in Sweden and California, KFI provides an important economic link for Hungary and the spa industry.

In the heart of Budapest, the Danube River flows past Margaret Island, a great, green space for recreation, relaxation, and sports. It was the birthplace of modern medical spas in Central Europe: The Thermal Hotel, mid-century modern, with 267 rooms and conference center, was the first to combine preventive medicine with hydrotherapy. The medical director said I could bathe in certain pools but some were too hot for a person with high blood pressure. Mudpacks made with mineral-laden vegetal mud from Lake Heviz, Hungary's spectacular source of healing waters, were prescribed for aching muscles and rehabilitation after surgery. Doctors on staff treated a variety of ailments, including cardiology and obesity, and there were dental and optometry clinics offering care at prices well below the rest of Europe.

Much has changed but the Margaret Island resort complex where BISA will meet in June still includes thermal pools and two hotels owned and operated by the Danubius group. Renamed Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget ( ) its executive fitness center had a British director who brought new revenue streams to the resort. Riverside trails are ideal for joggers and family strolls, as cars are not permitted past the island entrance

No visit to Budapest is complete without soaking in the steamy waters at Danubius' Hotel Gellert. The Art Nouveau bathhouse, rebuilt after destruction by Nazi occupiers, resembles "La Dolce Vita." Amid marble pillars and exotic mosaics, bathers socialize for hours. Bring swimsuit, cap, towel, and sandals to enjoy the scene. Other grand public pools include the Szechenyi baths near the art museum, and Ottoman-era hammams on the Buda side of the river. Check out hours and admission fees at www.spasbudapest.com

Dating from Roman times, Budapest's thermal baths developed during the Turkish Ottoman occupation. Today, the Budapest Spas Association markets new services and attractions, including Watsu at the Gellert, and a wellness center at the historic Kiraly baths. Architecture buffs gaze at the restored Gresham Palace Hotel, a former office building built at the peak of Art Deco elegance, which has emerged under management by Four Seasons Hotels as the city's top accommodation, sports a state-of-the-art spa designed by Cary Collier and Blu Spa Consultants based in Whitefish, Montana, USA. Marriott reflagged the Hyatt. As new generations discover the hot springs, and Estee Lauder's son owns Budapest's posh Gundel restaurant, visitors enjoy the best of both worlds.

Bernard Burt, senior editor of Spa Management Journal, founding director of the International Spa Association (ISPA), co-chairs the National Spa Alliance based in Washington, D.C. Author of "100 Best Spas of the World," Burt documents spa industry trends worldwide at www.SpaGoer.com.

BISA in Budapest will he held June 3-6, 2010
For information, spahouse@spaassociation.org.uk | www.spaassociation.org.uk