What’s happening in the world of spa software? We hear all the latest news, advances and forecasts from some of the best-known spa tech companies in the business
By Kate Parker | Published in Spa Business 2016 issue 3
Top team: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
The people behind this world-renowned lifestyle retreat share their business insights with Julie Cramer. Plus a focus on co-investor Hugh Jackman
Ask an expert: Visiting practitioners
Done well, visiting practitioner programmes can boost profits by up to 40 per cent. But how can spas get the offer right? Kate Parker investigates
Promotional feature: Esadore - creating a splash
The MD of Esadore International, Theodora Kioussis, explains how the company’s creative, manufacturing and operational skill sets can bring an international managing director
of UAE-based esadore International to life in a short space of time
What are you doing that other spa software companies aren’t? Mindbody is busy building a global consumer network via a new app as a way of bringing more customers to clients. This includes our spa-goers, people who are engaged in various wellness activities that form natural complements to the kinds of services provided by spa businesses. The Mindbody network is designed to help people pursue and maintain a more holistic view of personal wellness, combining fitness with mental and spiritual wellness.
What are the trends in spa software? Everything is going to the cloud and spa services are also becoming more mobile with business owners taking treatments to consumers; they’re visiting homes and even workplaces.
What’s been your biggest news story recently? The Mindbody app launched in December, helping spas to attract new customers by connecting them with people nearby who are actively searching for their services. Named by Apple as one of the Best New Apps of 2016, it helps people find, book, review and pay for services in their local areas and while travelling, immediately connecting consumers to the wellness practitioners in our network. More recently it won the 2016 Webby and People’s Voice Awards for innovation in mobile design.
In other news, wellness expert Dr Deepak Chopra, is a keynote speaker at Mindbody’s annual user conference this October, alongside celebrity fitness professional Jillian Michaels. Chopra will be sharing his thoughts on the future of wellness and the transformational impact healthier lifestyle choices can have on the human body.
Spa-kit.net keyword: Mindbody
"The new Mindbody app, helps people find, book, review and pay for services in their local areas "
Apple named the app one of the best new arrivals in 2016
Prashant NandhaSenior directorParadigm Shift
Prashant Nandha
What’s your newest piece of spa software? E-Rewards is a web-based loyalty management system with real-time information on point balances and redemption. Calculating points based on multiple scenarios and tracking expiration, it empowers customers to access the website and redeem points at their own convenience.
What projects are you working on? We’re currently implementing our spa and membership management systems at the Phoenix Seagaia Resort, a large island resort in Japan. It has hotels with spas by Banyan Tree and Sheraton and traditional onsen.
Interestingly, one of the key software requirements of this resort – the ability to see vast numbers of transactions in different areas of operation – is the need around which our software was originally designed.
Our customers wanted a solution that could track guests’ time across a whole resort.
The implementation has had an immediate and positive effect on service, making it easier to manage members and guests in a more personalised manner.
The impact of accurate statistics and forecasting can’t be overemphasised. Our software consolidates everything into one solution, helping with statistical analysis and forecasting, as well as combining and managing the operational needs of the various facilities.
What are the trends in spa software? We’re very excited about our new hybrid solution where a system keeps running in remote sites where there’s an unreliable internet connection.
Spa-kit.net keywords: Paradigm Shift
"Paradigm Shift customers had always wanted a single solution that could track guests’ time in facilities across the whole resort"
Paradigm is implementing its system across Japan’s Phoenix Seagaia Resort, which has multiple hotels and spas
Jen RobsonCo-founder and directorSpaOne Software
Jen Robson
What’s new for you? We’re finalising the launch of a SpaOne app which allows spa guests to book treatments, purchase online and keep up to date with all the latest news and promotions. The app interfaces seamlessly with other SpaOne software so operators have live data, sales and bookings updated immediately as the client books-in anywhere, anytime.
What’s the current spa market climate like for you? Based in Australia, Asia is always a strong growth region for us. Supporting this location is easy for SpaOne, especially for the helpdesk time zones, so our focus and development of support facilities is strongly focused in this region. We have exciting new groups starting to grow around Vietnam, China and the Pacific and we’ll be working with them to form a virtual network of software so they can operate their entire group from anywhere in the world as they continue to expand.
What’s interesting about this region? The Asia-Pacific spa region has some unique requirements when it comes to technology – namely extreme weather and isolated locations. Maintaining power or an internet connection can be a challenge, but as spa-goers choose to go further afield, and new resorts are being built in ever more remote locations, it’s what SpaOne needs to address.
What are the trends in spa software? With the prevalence of mobile devices, traditional spa check-in and sales areas are now open to interpretation as to how you can do business that is better for you and your spa space. From a design point of view this is extremely exciting and one in which we’re anticipating big changes.
Spa-kit.net keyword: SpaOne
"SpaOne has exciting new groups starting to grow around Vietnam, China and the Pacific"
l SpaOne is finalising a real-time customer booking and purchasing app which spas can also use to track live data
Damien TamiserCEO Dimmbizz & xPlanOnline.com
Damien Tamiser
What’s your newest piece of spa software? We have a new online booking engine which offers greater functionality. Besides booking treatments, packages and hotel stays, users can also buy gift cards, review membership details and book lessons.
We’ve also developed an interface with the Technogym MyWellness Cloud, allowing the automatic addition of new members to the system, giving spa fitness trainers all the information they need to personalise the visit – a great tool to increase retention.
What are you doing that’s different? We have a focus group set up with our xPlan users which reviews the market, trends and challenges. Together we discuss how these aspects can be met by developing new software features.
What spa software trends are you noticing? We try to anticipate potential trends, but it’s also very important to be pragmatic and make sure a trend isn’t just a hype. Our cloud solution is used effectively by many of our customers, but its success relies on an excellent internet connection. For customers with less reliable connections, who might have thousands of visitors a day, even a short interruption to the service means a potential loss of turnover. It pays to be aware of the risks and adapt in response.
What interesting projects are you working on? We have a project in Belgium that’s interesting due to its size and the combination of services it comprises, including spa, fitness, skate-park, restaurants and classes.
We’ll also be releasing automatic duplication software in due course which will eliminate duplicate copies of repeat customer data, helping to ensure that clients maintain a clean CRM database. This sort of software is essential for marketing purposes as some of our spas have millions of addresses.
Spa-kit.net keyword: Dimmbizz
"Dimmbizz has a focus group set up with our xPlan users which reviews the market, trends and challenges"
Software news Paperless check-in with Book4Time Guest Intake, a brand new platform from Book4Time, helps spas to digitise the intake process and become more efficient.
The online intake form does away with the need for processing paper forms at check-in.
Instead, clients fill in an online form on any platform or screen – mobile, tablet, or computer. They can save time by filling out the intake form prior to their appointment or at check-in.
Once completed, the form is stored in the cloud and integrated with existing spa management software so spas can sync and streamline intake form responses immediately.
The Guest Intake platform has built-in encryption for all data transfer, backups and security.
Spa-kit.net keyword: Book4Time
The new platform will digitise spa intake, making the process much more efficient
ResortSuite partners with Shift4 for credit card encryption Software firm ResortSuite has partnered with Shift4 Corporation, provider of the Dollars On The Net payment gateway.
The companies have integrated their solutions to the point where credit card data is encrypted at source – whether it’s swiped, keyed, chip-read or entered online. Unencrypted card data never enters the system. When credit card information must be keyed in, it’s first sent to Shift4’s data centre, where it’s tokenised for security.
“In a time when information can so easily fall into the wrong hands, we believe we can utilise strong technology to help, instead of harm,” says Frank Pitsikalis, the CEO of ResortSuite which works with many spas.
“This integration will help the hospitality industry to deliver a personalised guest experience, with the confidence of securing guest information at every touch point.”
Spa-kit.net keyword: ResortSuite
COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation
Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Taylor Made Designs
Founded in 1993, Taylor Made
Designs supply corporate clothing
and brand-enhancing merchandise
to [more...]
IDEATTACK
IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and
design company with headquarters in
Los Angeles. [more...]
IAAPA EMEA
IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
What’s happening in the world of spa software? We hear all the latest news, advances and forecasts from some of the best-known spa tech companies in the business
By Kate Parker | Published in Spa Business 2016 issue 3
Top team: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
The people behind this world-renowned lifestyle retreat share their business insights with Julie Cramer. Plus a focus on co-investor Hugh Jackman
Ask an expert: Visiting practitioners
Done well, visiting practitioner programmes can boost profits by up to 40 per cent. But how can spas get the offer right? Kate Parker investigates
Promotional feature: Esadore - creating a splash
The MD of Esadore International, Theodora Kioussis, explains how the company’s creative, manufacturing and operational skill sets can bring an international managing director
of UAE-based esadore International to life in a short space of time
What are you doing that other spa software companies aren’t? Mindbody is busy building a global consumer network via a new app as a way of bringing more customers to clients. This includes our spa-goers, people who are engaged in various wellness activities that form natural complements to the kinds of services provided by spa businesses. The Mindbody network is designed to help people pursue and maintain a more holistic view of personal wellness, combining fitness with mental and spiritual wellness.
What are the trends in spa software? Everything is going to the cloud and spa services are also becoming more mobile with business owners taking treatments to consumers; they’re visiting homes and even workplaces.
What’s been your biggest news story recently? The Mindbody app launched in December, helping spas to attract new customers by connecting them with people nearby who are actively searching for their services. Named by Apple as one of the Best New Apps of 2016, it helps people find, book, review and pay for services in their local areas and while travelling, immediately connecting consumers to the wellness practitioners in our network. More recently it won the 2016 Webby and People’s Voice Awards for innovation in mobile design.
In other news, wellness expert Dr Deepak Chopra, is a keynote speaker at Mindbody’s annual user conference this October, alongside celebrity fitness professional Jillian Michaels. Chopra will be sharing his thoughts on the future of wellness and the transformational impact healthier lifestyle choices can have on the human body.
Spa-kit.net keyword: Mindbody
"The new Mindbody app, helps people find, book, review and pay for services in their local areas "
Apple named the app one of the best new arrivals in 2016
Prashant NandhaSenior directorParadigm Shift
Prashant Nandha
What’s your newest piece of spa software? E-Rewards is a web-based loyalty management system with real-time information on point balances and redemption. Calculating points based on multiple scenarios and tracking expiration, it empowers customers to access the website and redeem points at their own convenience.
What projects are you working on? We’re currently implementing our spa and membership management systems at the Phoenix Seagaia Resort, a large island resort in Japan. It has hotels with spas by Banyan Tree and Sheraton and traditional onsen.
Interestingly, one of the key software requirements of this resort – the ability to see vast numbers of transactions in different areas of operation – is the need around which our software was originally designed.
Our customers wanted a solution that could track guests’ time across a whole resort.
The implementation has had an immediate and positive effect on service, making it easier to manage members and guests in a more personalised manner.
The impact of accurate statistics and forecasting can’t be overemphasised. Our software consolidates everything into one solution, helping with statistical analysis and forecasting, as well as combining and managing the operational needs of the various facilities.
What are the trends in spa software? We’re very excited about our new hybrid solution where a system keeps running in remote sites where there’s an unreliable internet connection.
Spa-kit.net keywords: Paradigm Shift
"Paradigm Shift customers had always wanted a single solution that could track guests’ time in facilities across the whole resort"
Paradigm is implementing its system across Japan’s Phoenix Seagaia Resort, which has multiple hotels and spas
Jen RobsonCo-founder and directorSpaOne Software
Jen Robson
What’s new for you? We’re finalising the launch of a SpaOne app which allows spa guests to book treatments, purchase online and keep up to date with all the latest news and promotions. The app interfaces seamlessly with other SpaOne software so operators have live data, sales and bookings updated immediately as the client books-in anywhere, anytime.
What’s the current spa market climate like for you? Based in Australia, Asia is always a strong growth region for us. Supporting this location is easy for SpaOne, especially for the helpdesk time zones, so our focus and development of support facilities is strongly focused in this region. We have exciting new groups starting to grow around Vietnam, China and the Pacific and we’ll be working with them to form a virtual network of software so they can operate their entire group from anywhere in the world as they continue to expand.
What’s interesting about this region? The Asia-Pacific spa region has some unique requirements when it comes to technology – namely extreme weather and isolated locations. Maintaining power or an internet connection can be a challenge, but as spa-goers choose to go further afield, and new resorts are being built in ever more remote locations, it’s what SpaOne needs to address.
What are the trends in spa software? With the prevalence of mobile devices, traditional spa check-in and sales areas are now open to interpretation as to how you can do business that is better for you and your spa space. From a design point of view this is extremely exciting and one in which we’re anticipating big changes.
Spa-kit.net keyword: SpaOne
"SpaOne has exciting new groups starting to grow around Vietnam, China and the Pacific"
l SpaOne is finalising a real-time customer booking and purchasing app which spas can also use to track live data
Damien TamiserCEO Dimmbizz & xPlanOnline.com
Damien Tamiser
What’s your newest piece of spa software? We have a new online booking engine which offers greater functionality. Besides booking treatments, packages and hotel stays, users can also buy gift cards, review membership details and book lessons.
We’ve also developed an interface with the Technogym MyWellness Cloud, allowing the automatic addition of new members to the system, giving spa fitness trainers all the information they need to personalise the visit – a great tool to increase retention.
What are you doing that’s different? We have a focus group set up with our xPlan users which reviews the market, trends and challenges. Together we discuss how these aspects can be met by developing new software features.
What spa software trends are you noticing? We try to anticipate potential trends, but it’s also very important to be pragmatic and make sure a trend isn’t just a hype. Our cloud solution is used effectively by many of our customers, but its success relies on an excellent internet connection. For customers with less reliable connections, who might have thousands of visitors a day, even a short interruption to the service means a potential loss of turnover. It pays to be aware of the risks and adapt in response.
What interesting projects are you working on? We have a project in Belgium that’s interesting due to its size and the combination of services it comprises, including spa, fitness, skate-park, restaurants and classes.
We’ll also be releasing automatic duplication software in due course which will eliminate duplicate copies of repeat customer data, helping to ensure that clients maintain a clean CRM database. This sort of software is essential for marketing purposes as some of our spas have millions of addresses.
Spa-kit.net keyword: Dimmbizz
"Dimmbizz has a focus group set up with our xPlan users which reviews the market, trends and challenges"
Software news Paperless check-in with Book4Time Guest Intake, a brand new platform from Book4Time, helps spas to digitise the intake process and become more efficient.
The online intake form does away with the need for processing paper forms at check-in.
Instead, clients fill in an online form on any platform or screen – mobile, tablet, or computer. They can save time by filling out the intake form prior to their appointment or at check-in.
Once completed, the form is stored in the cloud and integrated with existing spa management software so spas can sync and streamline intake form responses immediately.
The Guest Intake platform has built-in encryption for all data transfer, backups and security.
Spa-kit.net keyword: Book4Time
The new platform will digitise spa intake, making the process much more efficient
ResortSuite partners with Shift4 for credit card encryption Software firm ResortSuite has partnered with Shift4 Corporation, provider of the Dollars On The Net payment gateway.
The companies have integrated their solutions to the point where credit card data is encrypted at source – whether it’s swiped, keyed, chip-read or entered online. Unencrypted card data never enters the system. When credit card information must be keyed in, it’s first sent to Shift4’s data centre, where it’s tokenised for security.
“In a time when information can so easily fall into the wrong hands, we believe we can utilise strong technology to help, instead of harm,” says Frank Pitsikalis, the CEO of ResortSuite which works with many spas.
“This integration will help the hospitality industry to deliver a personalised guest experience, with the confidence of securing guest information at every touch point.”
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
Royal Caribbean has revealed its Hero of the Seas cruise ship, home to the most pools at sea
(nine), and a record-breaking 28 dining venues, as well as attractions including a waterpark
with two new family raft slides.
+ More news
COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Taylor Made Designs Founded in 1993, Taylor Made
Designs supply corporate clothing
and brand-enhancing merchandise
to [more...]
IDEATTACK IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and
design company with headquarters in
Los Angeles. [more...]
IAAPA EMEA IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
