|
"Let's Talk Turkey!"
As Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we have traveled this past year. Our hearts are filled with immense gratitude and anticipation for the festive season that is just around the corner. Among the many things I am grateful for, I would like to shine a light on our truly remarkable FSA team and spa affiliates. Their incredible talent and unparalleled value have been crucial in establishing a harmonious spa community that I am so proud to be a part of.
We owe much of our progress to our harmonious spa community we have fostered in Florida and the collaborations we've nurtured with our esteemed Resource Partners and Sponsors. The past year has been a testament to our strength and resilience, highlighted by successful events, including the fully booked FSA events at the Alfond Inn in Orlando and the Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada. Our enriching Source4Leaders (S4L) meetings were a platform that further cemented our belief in the power of shared knowledge and collective growth.
In an era of unique challenges and uncertainty, it's pivotal to refocus on the wealth of opportunities present around us and on the invaluable people in our lives. Remember, every challenge allows us to discover a unique facet of ourselves, reinforcing our uniqueness and exceptional abilities. They are not roadblocks, rather bridges to a renewed, resilient self.
This Thanksgiving embraces every part of your existence - your strengths, imperfections, triumphs, and challenges. Show gratitude to your surroundings and, most importantly, to yourself. Remember, it is in embracing who we are that we truly express our gratitude.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!
In Wellness,
Ilana
| |
|
Announcing New 2024-2025 FSA Leaders - The Board, Committee & AVP
The FSA is excited to announce the newly elected leaders, who will help shape the future of our organization and drive continued growth. effective November 21st, 2024. "As a member-driven association, we are overjoyed by the continuous growth in interest for our board and committee members involvement as well as our Allied Vendor Partnership (AVP) program." - Ilana
We sincerely appreciate the tireless efforts of our volunteer leaders; their steadfast dedication and unwavering commitment to guiding the FSA's mission over the last 18 years which is second to none. This dedication has been a driving force for our consistent progress.
Our prime objective remains - to wholeheartedly and exclusively support our outstanding spa professionals who serve the Florida spa community. We continue to work tirelessly towards excellence in our spa space.
Join us as we congratulate our new volunteers in this exciting new chapter in the FSA's journey, and together, let's elevate the Florida spa and wellness community to new heights in 2025!
| |
|
Congratulations to our Movers & Shakers
Our extraordinary Spa Industry is continuously evolving through innovation and transformation.
Highly appreciated professionals in the Spa community take on new challenges and positions.
as they start a new venture in their career.
| |
|
Charlotte Prescott, Director of Spa & Wellness, Faena Hotel, Miami Beach
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Charlotte Prescott as the new Director of Spa at the Faena Hotel. With her impressive background in the spa industry and a powerful dedication to wellness, Charlotte is a valuable addition to the Faena Hotel Miami Beach team. Her vision of intertwining personal health and the spa experience plays a pivotal role in propelling the Tierra Santa Healing House into the future. Charlotte's notable career entails monumental accomplishments including the successful launch of Spa Chakra at the Conrad Hotel Miami and her instrumental role in securing top accolades for the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach. Her leadership stints at the prestigious Biltmore Hotel & Spa in Coral Gables and the esteemed Fisher Island Club in Miami further highlight her unmatched expertise in spa management. Recently, she pioneered the launch of the new Privai Spa + Fitness at the Kimpton Epic Hotel for the Arch Amenity Group and the Toska Spa & Facial Bar in Coral Gables. She now stands poised to leverage her vast experience in managing teams across urban hotels, luxury resorts, residential properties, as well as private club and day spa operations to enhance the Tierra Santa Healing House. So, let's welcome Charlotte to the Faena family, and look forward to an elevated spa experience under her proficient leadership. Congratulations Charlotte!
| |
|
Jessica Tipler, Director of Spa & Wellness, Isla Bella Beach Resort
Shout out to Jessica Tipler, who has recently joined Isla Bella Beach Resort as the Director of Spa and Wellness. With a comprehensive background and experience in the spa and wellness industry, Jessica brings a blend of skills and expertise to the table. Jessica's deep-rooted passion for wellness and sustainability aligns with Isla Bella's philosophy. Her career as a Director includes some of the world's most renowned spas including Little Palm Island, Ocean Key Resort and Spa, La Playa Beach and Golf Resort, and the Old Edwards Inn Resort and Spa. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina along with several other certifications, including a Certified Hospitality Supervisor from the American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute, a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant from the AFPA, a Meditation Level 3 Instructor, Reiki Master Certification, and a license in Nail Technology. Jessica seeks to inspire guests to embark on a wellness journey, while advocating for sustainability by promoting a lower carbon footprint in spa operations. Jessica's rich experience, dedication, and commitment to wellness and sustainability will elevate the guests' experience at Isla Bella. Best of luck Jessica!
| |
Osa Mallo, Director of Development & New Openings, THE WELL
We are very excited for Osa Mallo, Director of Development and New Openings for The WELL, who brings three years of experience and dedication to this wellness oriented brand known for creating spaces where well-being isn't just an option - it is a lifestyle. We are looking forward to the opening of the Residences at The WELL Bay Harbor Islands, Miami designed to put wellness at the center of life. The WELL, prioritizes well-being providing best-in-class services, unique classes, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled experiences. Prior to this role, Osa was the Spa Director for the esteemed Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Miami, spending over a decade redefining luxury and wellness. Drawing from these experiences, at Residences at The WELL, they are refurbishing the concept of wellness to be far more than a buzzword - it's an intimate, personalized journey creating the time and space to disconnect, slow down and refocus on what matters most: your well-being. Congratulations to Osa on her contribution to a living experience where every day brings a new opportunity to prioritize wellness. Way to go Osa!
| |
Alia Hosch, National Key Account Manager, No America, Germaine de Capuccini
Congratulations to Alia on her new role as National Key Account Manager for North America at Germaine de Capuccini! With a passion for the beauty, spa, and the wellness industry, Alia's career is a testament that following your dreams can lead to success. With 18 years of experience in the spa, hotel and beauty sector, Alia's insight and expertise have solidified her as an industry leader. Starting her career in resort and spa management, she has worked in highly-regarded properties. Pivoting to sales allowed Alia to leverage her operational knowledge, providing her a unique understanding for spa operations. Alia's new role at Germaine de Capuccini is a testament to her passion, experience, and understanding of the industry. We look forward to the growth she will undoubtedly drive at Germaine de Capuccini.
Bravo Alia!
| |
|
FSA 2025 Membership Drive
The magic and power of community with the FSA!
Our recent FSA Membership Drive at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort was an outstanding gathering that demonstrated the strength of our collective spirit. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Tammy Pahel, Chief Wellness Officer @ Alchemy Wellness Resorts & VP of Spa & Wellness Operations, Carillon Miami, for her consistent support and enduring partnership over the years.
It fills us with immense pride to have connected with leaders of the spa industry, and the invaluable 2025 Resource Partners as we proudly mark a major milestone in fortifying our Florida Spa community. As we step into 2025, our united efforts pledge impressive progress within our community. Because when we unite, we are more powerful. Together we are stronger, and together we can define the future of wellness.
Memories were made at our recent FSA 2025 Membership Drive
| |
"Voice-It" Spa Talk with Mitchell | |
|
My Summer Audiobook Review
| |
|
This summer I was obsessed with Will Guidara’s “Unreasonable Hospitality.” Not a new book, but a huge mind-opener for me both personally and professionally. For example: When engaging a client who is convinced the massage was not really a deep tissue, Will Guidara would remind us that “being right is irrelevant.” You can have a pressure-meter attached to your therapist’s palms and your being right, will not convince the client that their experience or perception was wrong. The challenge becomes then how quickly can you respond with empathy, and ensure the client knows that their feedback has been heard? This book gives you a good story to follow while imparting zillions of wisdom pearls.
Another favorite pearl from this audio-book was a transformative one for me. “Adversity is a terrible thing to waste.” While we can’t control what life throws at us, we can enlist adversity to motivate us and help us grow. , I I must admit, this one is a little harder to manifest. For example: The heater to our main swimming pool just died and I have season starting in a week. I’m wondering what part of this adverse situation I should be trying to grow from? It may have something to do with letting go of things I can’t control, or it may just lead to new prevention and maintenance protocols…I guess that’s using adversity for growth after all!
Stay Cheerful!
| |
|
Mitchell Berkman
Spa & Wellness Director
Porto Vita Club at Villa Grande
FSA Committee Chair - Events
| |
|
Fingerprinting for Spa Directors
by Crystal A. Howard, FSMTA Executive President
With recent changes to Florida Massage Establishment Laws & Rules, there have been more questions regarding requirements that directly involve spa management. The most common concern of late is the fingerprint requirement. While it can seem like a considerable amount of information, spending time becoming familiar with the FL Board of Massage Therapy website will be to your advantage. There are many resources for any questions you may have and included here are some helpful links.
License Massage Therapists (LMTs) are required to submit fingerprints as part of their initial licensing process. Massage Establishment owners are required to do the same, unless they are an LMT (because this information has already been obtained). If you are the Spa Manager/Director you may be required to submit your fingerprints as well. According to the Florida Massage Therapy Practice Act,
480.043 Massage establishments; requisites; licensure; inspection; human trafficking awareness training and policies.—
-
(2) An establishment owner shall comply with the background screening requirements under s. 456.0135. However, if a corporation submits proof of having more than $250,000 of business assets in this state, the department shall require the establishment owner, the designated establishment manager, and each individual directly involved in the management of the establishment to comply with the background screening requirements under s. 456.0135. The board may adopt rules regarding the type of proof that may be submitted by a corporation.
Once your fingerprints have been submitted, you will not need to resubmit them if you retain your fingerprint information every 5 years through the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. All of this can be found through the Florida Department of Health and Florida Board of Massage Therapy websites.
https://floridasmassagetherapy.gov/applications/dh-mqa-5040-massage-establishment-change-of-corporate-officer-interested-party-designated-establishment-manager.pdf
https://floridasmassagetherapy.gov/forms/electronic-fingerprinting-form.pdf
https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/
| |
Crystal A. Howard
Executive President
Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA)
| |
|
Charlotte Prescott, Director of Spa & Wellness, Faena Hotel, Miami Beach
Charlotte’s journey in the spa industry began by accident 30 years ago with a summer job freshman year of college, working as a Spa Concierge for the Spa Institute at Terme di Saturnia at the world-renowned Doral Spa. Early in her career she worked in the luxury medi spa sector, leading sales initiatives and operations for the company that first brought laser hair removal to market in the US, UK and Spain. Upon returning to the US, Charlotte continued in the resource partner sector, but this time in the resort and luxury day spa market, when she joined Babor's U.S. Corporate team (based in Palm Beach at the time), working alongside the CEO supporting the U.S. sales and marketing team. In 2000, Charlotte accepted the role of VP of Sales & Marketing for Aromatherapy Associates Inc. which took her all over North American, the Caribbean, Mexico and parts of Asia working with some of the most prestigious spa operations around the world.
In 2007, she transitioned into spa operations opening the Spa Chakra location in the Conrad Hotel in Brickell, Miami. In 2008 she joined the opening leadership team of Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach where she served as the Director of Spa & Fitness for five years and where the spa was bestowed with many accolades including Best Spa by Virtuoso. Charlotte went on to serve as Director of Spa, Fitness & Retail at the renowned Biltmore Hotel & Spa in Coral Gables for 6 years and later in the same capacity at the prestigious Fisher Island Club in Miami for 4 years. Charlotte recently opened the new Privai Spa + Fitness in the Kimpton Epic Hotel for Arch Amenity Group, as well as the new Toska Spa & Facial Bar in Coral Gables. Her latest venture is leading the spa team at the Tierra Santa Healing House at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach. In her many years in spa management, Charlotte has led teams in urban hotels, luxury resorts, residential properties as well as operations in the private club and day spa sector.
Charlotte currently serves as the Treasurer for the Board of Directors for the International Spa Association (ISPA) and continues to proudly serve as Board Chair for the Florida Spa & Wellness Association (FSA) since its inception in 2009.
Not just an accomplished professional, Charlotte is also a devoted mother and loving wife. Nurturing her family and her career with equal passion, she has mastered the delicate balance of work and personal life. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the spa industry, hospitality comes naturally to her. Her passion for travel is contagious, with a myriad of destinations on her family's bucket list awaiting to be explored.
While Charlotte enjoys her work, she also values her bonds with her long-time friends, never missing a chance to reconnect over a girl’s weekend adventure. Being a food connoisseur, she takes delight in indulging in exquisite cuisines while enjoying a robust glass of red wine. Charlotte indeed embodies wellness and work-life balance, exploring the best that life has to offer!
| |
|
Sea it. Live it. Love it.
A women-founded luxury jewelry line with natural elements hand-crafted in the
United States.
| |
|
The Adriana Pappas brand first launched as Puka shells on a string with an elevated and authentic point of view from a native-Floridian fashion-focused entrepreneur. A fast-growing luxury jewelry line that started at the beach, it was the beautiful treasures from the ocean that attracted customers from all over the world to take interest in this newcomer to the fashion world. With a commitment to quality materials and a hand-crafted process, each Adriana Pappas piece is made in the USA with the influence of travel destinations across the globe. The brand is woman-founded and mom-owned with a portfolio that also includes men and dogs.
As a Florida native, she spent most of her life in the world of fashion. She worked in retail at the age of 14 and fell in love with not only the fashion elements that you see on the front-end but also the business aspects of it – all of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the marketing and sales of a well-executed line. When she graduated high school at 18, she decided to take a leap of faith and start her own retail boutique. Within two years, she opened two more. That’s where her story begins.
Many years later, a simple idea came to mind while she was lying on the beach in Sunny Isles, Miami. She will never forget that day. She has always followed fashion and trends, and her creativity and imagination are always working overtime when she takes in the design of pieces around her. For example, she likes to critique or re-imagine a cut or length, or even close her eyes and redesign something altogether. One day she simply looked at a shell jewelry piece that she purchased on a trip, and realized she could create her version of this much better. While holding the jewelry in her hand, something about it felt like ‘home.’ Being from Florida and growing up on the beach her entire life, this vision felt right. And from there, the Adriana Pappas collection began. Today, it has even evolved beyond the shells.
| |
|
The Mental Health Benefits of Regular Spa Visits
| |
Our mental health is currently in a crisis with 23% of all Americans dealing with a mental health disorder and 5% stating they have considered self-harm or worse, we need to prioritize our well-being. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common challenges that can take a toll on our minds and our bodies plus they steal precious time away from our families. While there are various ways to manage mental health like therapy or medication, one option that often goes overlooked is regular spa visits. Spas offer a tranquil environment designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, making them a valuable tool for mental wellness. Gone are the days where they are seen as flights of fancy now spas are considered a vital addition to anyone’s mental health journey. | |
|
5 Ways to Give and Feel Good in Divisive Times
Look around you. Find someone to help. It will enrich your life.
| |
|
At a time of great division in our country, what truly unites the great majority of us is our spirit of generosity and desire to help others. We need it now more than ever.
Philanthropy—defined as private initiatives for the public good—is built into our DNA as Americans. From the great fortunes of Carnegie and Rockefeller to Buffett and Gates, from the communal barn-raising of the Old West to the Salvation Army bells at Christmastime, giving back is deeply embedded in our culture. It also produces endorphins in human beings that make us feel good.
Here are five simple ways you can give back and create a positive outcome in your community and yourself
| |
|
Balancing luxury with sustainability –
The spa industry's water challenge
Water sustainability expert Steve Harding explores how spas can save one of their most crucial resources for the daily operations… water
| |
From steam rooms to plunge pools to hot tubs, water is a critical resource for spas. But with demand for spas to exhibit clear sustainability initiatives increasing, there’s also pressure to conserve water.
The average hotel guest uses around eight times more water than some local populations, and although research suggests a spa in hotels does not significantly increase a guest’s water usage, spas doubtless have high water needs. The average spa hotel room uses around 1,500 litres of water.
With spa businesses under increasing pressure to introduce more sustainable water practices, European Spa asks water sustainability expert Steve Harding for advice on bringing about meaningful change.
| |
Be sure to visit the
Florida Spa & Wellness Association website
We made website faster, easier to navigate, and more user friendly!
| |
|
Discover the power of connection with Florida's #1 rated spa platform, dedicated exclusively to our vivacious local spa community. This is your opportunity to unite with industry leaders, exchange game-changing ideas, and broaden your professional network. Take your business to new heights of profitable growth and watch your business flourish.
Get on board with FSA & S4L Events!
This is your chance to get involved...be connected...grow your business!
Join us and let's elevate the Florida spa scene together.
| |
|
Spatchcock Turkey
This Thanksgiving turkey is on the table in record time
| |
|
Spatchcocking the turkey in advance is a great way to get ahead of the game, especially if you have the refrigerator space to allow it to lay out. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to season the bird thoroughly:
- Pat the spatchcock turkey dry and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Thoroughly season the bird all over with salt, reaching under the skin to season the meat directly. Refrigerate it uncovered for even crispier skin.
- When the big day arrives, mix up the rub without adding salt and proceed with the recipe.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
| |
|
Let "THE SOURCE" be with you!
Enter "THE SOURCE", on the FSA website.
Education & Resources is our priority!
"The Source" was created to be your platform for resources and up to date information
to stay ahead of the curve of everything happening in the spa industry!
http://floridaspaassociation.com/welcome-to-the-source/
BEST SPA ASSOCIATION SERVING FLORIDA SINCE 2009!
| | | | |
