My next blog will be about an afternoon with Penny Kriel, Spa Director of the Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC… learn more about the new “beauty” concept!

I am leaving for Namibia early Friday- wonder how the spas will be??? South Africa has so many gorgeous resorts, wellness centers and spas and more seem to be on the way! South Africa is becoming a destination spa on our maps.

I am getting ready for my 6-8 week trip to South Africa and Namibia. Leaving March 1st and will visit 4 spas in South Africa and then off to Mazambala Lodge in Namibia! Will post lots of pictures on Facebook and blog blog blog!

Please join the Board of Directors of the Washington Spa Alliance for a Membership Mixer on February 23rd from 6pm-8pm at The Alchimie Forever show room, located on 1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 201 Washington, DC 20007

This afternoon I will be delivering a SPA 101 course to the National Massage Institute. Students will tour SomaSpa in Georgetown, have a SPA industry lecture and then I will demo a salt scrub. Very important that new massage students understand the needs of spas’, be it customer service, vendor treatments, spa rituals, body treatments and retail sales. Will be a fun morning!

I am honored to be appointed on the Board of Directors as Membership Chair to the Washington Spa Alliance!

Yesterday at the ISPA Conference in Washington DC, the ISPA board honored Deborah Szekely (founder of Rancho la Puerta and The Golden Door… and oh so much more)  with a “Visionary Award” and for celebrating 20 years of the organization. Her speech was truly the most moving, honest and humble reflection of a life lived and loved. Thank you Deborah!

Yesterday, Sunday a group of ISPA volunteers spent about 6 hours stuffing vendor bags for attendees! What great samples the vendors have sent for the conference. The Gaylord is lovely is just perfect for this event. Starts today, so running. Will post pictures!

The International Spa Conference starts today- will be working the registration… see you there.  Will post pictures and blog along the way.

See you at the ISPA Conference at the Gaylord in Washington DC- November 15-18th … watch for day to day updates from the “inside” the show!