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"The Power of Showing Up: Why Connection Still Matters"
In a world where we're constantly texting, emailing, Zooming, and connecting through social media, there's still something special about getting together in person. The conversations, laughter, exchange of ideas, and unexpected connections that turn into lasting friendships. After all these years of bringing our Florida spa community together, one thing I've learned is that the real magic happens when people show up for one another.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's a wonderful time to reflect on the people who make a difference in our lives and the importance of giving back. Sometimes it's as simple as sharing an idea, mentoring someone, lending a helping hand, or taking the time to listen. In an industry built around caring for others, these small gestures can make a big difference.
That's something I've always appreciated about our FSA community. Our spa leaders work tirelessly to care for their guests, support their teams, and keep their businesses thriving. But even those who spend their days caring for others need support themselves. Having a community that understands your challenges, celebrates your successes, and shares experiences is truly something to be thankful for.
Before we wrap up another incredible year, I'm excited to share that our FSA community reunites one more time before the year ends! On November 30th, we'll gather at PGA National Resort & Spa for our "Holiday Glow" Event and 2027 Membership Drive. It's going to be an engaging and productive afternoon of meeting with innovative brands, reconnecting with friends, enjoying some holiday cheer, and celebrating our wonderful industry that brings us all together!
We're also looking ahead to an exciting 2027, with more Source4Leaders meetings, fresh opportunities to connect, and our much-anticipated return to Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, where so many great FSA memories were made.
As the holiday season approaches, I want to thank each of you for being part of our Florida spa community. Your friendships, generosity, and continued support are what make the FSA so special.
Wishing you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. Here's to a wonderful holiday season and an exciting 2027!
See you at PGA National!
In Wellness,
Ilana
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FSA Membership Drive at PGA National Resort – November 30th
Celebrate, Connect & Kick Off 2027 with FSA!
We're bringing the holiday magic back to PGA National Resort & Spa!
Join the Florida Spa & Wellness Association on November 30th for our annual Holiday Celebration and 2027 Membership Drive!
We're bringing Florida's spa and wellness community together for an exciting afternoon of meaningful connections, innovative brands, holiday fun, and a sneak peek at what's ahead for 2027!
New year. Fresh opportunities. Stronger connections.
Let's celebrate the friendships, partnerships, and community that make FSA so special while kicking off another exciting year together!
November 30 | PGA National Resort & Spa
Here's to making this holiday gathering one to remember!
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Glowing Older Hosts
“Women Shaping the Future of Spa”
at Lake Austin Spa Resort
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2-Day Better with Age event during Wise Women’s Month features education, networking, and personal and professional development. (Austin, Texas – October 26, 2026) –
Glowing Older, a media and education platform dedicated to aging well, hosted Better with Age and Women Shaping the Future of Spa on October 14th and 15th at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Day 1 focused on aging well and the future of women’s health, Day 2 was a spa professional only event dedicated to continuing the legacy of spa and supporting the next generation of leaders. Featured during Wise Women’s Month, the event was sponsored by OneSpaWorld, Natura Bissé, Agilysys, Oakworks, Yobee, KNESKO Skin, Body Bliss, Chelsea Bond Jewelry, and Kashwére.
“Glowing Older’s goal is to change the narrative around aging to one of meaning, purpose, and vitality,” said founder Nancy Griffin. “Women Shaping the Future of Spa was a dream come true—a chance to bring together my two passions: the spa industry and aging well. The deep connections and cumulative brain power were incredible; we are looking forward to continuing the conversation!”
Day One opened with strategies for aging well from Griffin, followed by an expert panel featuring Susan Salenger, author of Sidelined: How Women Can Navigate a Broken Healthcare System, microbiome expert Dr. Ruchi Gupta, Northwestern University professor and founder of Yobee, and Laura Gamboa, Director of Corporate Education and Spa Development at Natura Bissé. The morning concluded with an interactive session on values with moderator Jean Kolb.
On Day Two, spa professionals got down to business, tackling the Future of Spa and concrete actions needed to make a difference. Together, attendees brought an impressive 700 years of collective industry experience to the conversation, averaging 25 years per woman.
Key Takeaways:
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Inspire the next generation of spa professionals – Beyond management training and mentorship, we need to share our passion of the industry and the legacy that shaped it.
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Clarity in communication – Attendees stressed the need to meet young people where they are – to empower, encourage, and seek to understand how the different generations think and what they value.
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Beware the shiny new thing – Get back to basics and avoid buying into hype when it comes to equipment and technology. Focus on the power of human connection.
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Collaboration with associations and schools: Attendees encouraged “adopting a local school” and leveraging the cumulative power of associations. An example of a successful collaboration is the work of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP), The International SPA Association (ISPA), and The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) to advance the Esthetics Licensure Compact.
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Lead forward – The spa leaders agreed we need to take purposeful action to create a better future– focusing on the “Four C’s”: community, collaboration communication and connection.
The event was supported by ISPA, with attendance from four past Chairs, ISPA Foundation Chair and Vice Chair, four current board members, as well as President Lynne McNees, who commented:
“When 40 seasoned spa professionals take time to imagine the industry’s future, they bring both the wisdom of experience and a responsibility to look beyond it. Our conversation kept returning to people — those we serve, those we depend on today and those who will lead us tomorrow. The future of spa will be shaped by how generously we share what we know and how intentionally we create opportunities for others to take it further.”
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About Glowing Older
Glowing Older is a media and education platform dedicated to changing the conversation around aging. Through its podcast, Better with Age events and educational programming, Glowing Older explores the opportunities and challenges of growing older with a focus on longevity, wellness, innovation and purposeful living. Hosted by industry leader and aging advocate Nancy Griffin, the Glowing Older podcast brings together thought leaders, innovators, researchers and changemakers who are reimagining what it means to age well. Learn more at NancyGriffin.com and GlowingOlder.com.
About Lake Austin Spa Resort:
Rolling hills, tranquil waters and genuine hospitality are little pieces of the magic that makes up Lake Austin Spa Resort in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The award-winning wellness resort offers all-inclusive vacation packages that include accommodations in one of 40 charming lakeside or private garden guest rooms, three locally sourced gourmet meals daily, indoor and outdoor fitness classes, boating and lake activities, curated wellness programs and a selection of unique skin and body treatments in the 25,000-square foot LakeHouse Spa.
Media Contact:
Nancy Griffin, principal
Contento Marketing
nancy@contentomarketing.com
415.987.0012
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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.
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Dayleann Vallejo – Vice President of Operations – LUXEO Group, Orlando, FL
Congratulations to Dayleann on her exciting new position as V.P. of Operations at LUXEO Group! A seasoned spa and wellness leader, Dayleann brings extensive experience in luxury spa operations, team development, and guest satisfaction. Most recently, she served as Director of Spa at Hilton Orlando, following leadership roles at The Alfond Inn at Rollins, Nobu Eden Roc Miami Beach, and 1 Hotel. Known for her innovative leadership and commitment to operational excellence, Dayleann also serves on the FSA Board of Directors, sharing her expertise and passion for advancing Florida's spa community. In her new role Dayleann will help luxury spa, wellness, & hospitality brands elevate their guest engagement, optimize reservations, and enhance the customer experience.
Cheers to Dayleann and all the exciting opportunities ahead in her new chapter!
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Megan Griffiths - Multi-Property Wellness Director – Prime Group US
All the best to Megan on her exciting new role as Multi-Property Wellness Director at Prime Group US! An accomplished spa and wellness professional, Megan brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality, spa operations, private club management, and business development. Most recently, she served as Executive Spa Director at Hawks Cay Resort, following her role as Salon & Spa Manager at Playa Largo Resort & Spa. Passionate about holistic wellness and helping others achieve physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, Megan combines compassionate leadership with a results-driven approach. In her new role at Prime Group US, she brings her expertise to a diverse portfolio of hospitality and lifestyle properties focused on innovation and exceptional experiences.
We wish Megan continued success in her exciting new journey!
| | "Spa Talk" Mitchell Unfiltered | | |
I sometimes tell my staff that anything with an on or off switch is my nemisis. As a Spa Director, I feel like I can pretty much solve any problem as long as I have the tools to do it. I grew up in the pre-cable TV world where VHS tapes were how you rented movies and audio cassettes were how you took your tunes with you. Life was most definitely an analog experience, but it was a little less stressful too.
I mean, do you know how to fix your iPhone if it locks up? Nope. But if your cassette tape got eaten by the magnetic reader, you carefully pulled a foot of mangled tape out of the works, then used a pencil eraser to wind that baby back up. Mission accomplished, and the band played on. Cordless digital and rechargeable wi-fi are convenient improvements, but progress comes at a price.
Wireless earbuds replaced the big earphones we used to wear connected by an 8 foot cord to our sound system. I find it odd that those big bulky headphones are back in style again, wireless of course. Even vinyl records are a thing again too! If 45’s are next with that damn yellow center adapter, I will be totally amazed.
Like, why is this old stuff popular again. Isn’t progress a result of improved technology so the old stuff is rendered obsolete? Or, maybe all the “smart” stuff we own actually makes us feel stupid, so we finally appreciate all the simpler stuff we replaced it with?
What is next? A smart necktie that has a camera in the knot & massaging, surround sound speakers in the collar? Maybe an Apple iBelt that makes your iWatch vibrate when it senses you’ve eaten too much?
It seems the smarter our gadgets get, the dumber we feel. The more technology we invent to solve our problems, the more time we’re spending on a help line trying to fix or understand all our smart stuff. Ever set time aside on a Saturday morning to figure out how that new App or device is supposed to make your life easier once it stops making it a living hell? Welcome to the digital age kiddos.
I don’t miss the analog days, just the opposite, and I’m glad technology didn’t stop evolving in 1985. Heck, then we would have never had the CD, DVD or thumb drive, even though that new stuff is considered “old school” now. I am glad I lived through hi-tech’s slow climb to the A.I. mountain top. Now more than ever, I appreciate the time it allowed me to just kick back and enjoy the ride.
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Mitchell Berkman
Spa & Wellness Director
FSA Board Chair
Porto Vita Club at Villa Grande
FSA Board Member
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Compliance Tool at Your Fingertips
Spa employers in Florida can utilize the Florida Department of Health’s Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) Search Portal to instantly verify the licensure status of an LMT and confirm massage establishment compliance. To perform a search, employers navigate to the official portal and input the practitioner's full name or license number. The portal provides real-time data, confirming whether the LMT's license is currently active, clear, delinquent, or suspended. Regularly utilizing this verification tool is a critical compliance step for spa managers to satisfy Florida law, which strictly mandates that all employees providing massage therapy treatment are duly licensed.
In addition to individual therapist credentials, the portal is essential for managing massage establishment licenses and maintaining a Designated Establishment Manager (DEM). Under Florida law, every physical spa location offering massage therapy, must hold its own active establishment license and name a DEM—a licensed therapist with an active, clear license who practices at that specific location and answers for its regulatory compliance. The MQA Online Services portal can be used to verify their own establishment's status and formally submit updates or changes to their DEM within the legally required 10-day window.
The MQA portal also serves as a transparent repository for regulatory histories, displaying any past or pending disciplinary actions for both therapists and establishments. By clicking on a specific profile within the search results, employers can view public complaints, administrative fines, or restrictions placed on a license. Reviewing these public records allows for more informed hiring choices, ensures DEM requirements are met, helps maintain high client safety standards, and protects the business from severe operational and criminal liabilities associated with unresolved regulatory or human trafficking violations.
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Crystal A. Howard
Executive President
Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA)
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Benjamin “Ben” Donat,
Executive Director of Spa & Wellness,
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, West Palm Beach, FL
Behind every exceptional spa experience is a leader who understands that true luxury begins with people. For Benjamin “Ben” Donat, Executive Director of Spa & Wellness at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, it's all about creating memorable guest experiences, inspiring great teams, and raising the bar for luxury wellness.
With an impressive career spanning some of hospitality's most prestigious brands, Ben has held leadership positions at The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, St. Regis in Park City, and Fairmont Austin, where he served as Opening Spa Director. His experience also includes Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in Oklahoma. Trained to Forbes Five-Star standards, Ben brings a wealth of experience in luxury spa operations, team development, and business growth. His leadership philosophy centers on creating an environment where both guests and employees feel valued, and where exceptional service becomes second nature.
Today, he's helping Eau Spa shine on the international stage, celebrating its third consecutive recognition by Vogue as one of the Top 100 Spas in the World. While this prestigious honor reflects Eau Spa's commitment to excellence, Ben is quick to credit the people behind the experience. From therapists and attendants to management and support teams, he recognizes that success comes from a shared dedication to delivering extraordinary service. For Ben, it's not just about maintaining five-star standards, but continuously evolving, refining, and finding new ways to elevate the guest journey.
Beyond the Spa:
When he's not leading a world-class spa, Ben trades luxury wellness for carpentry and creativity! An enthusiastic woodworker, he has his own garage workshop where he crafts everything from beautiful shelving to custom cutting boards and other unique creations. Working with different types of wood, he enjoys the creativity and craftsmanship that go into turning an idea into something special. It's a hobby that reflects his appreciation for detail, patience, and a job well done.
He's also an avid runner and embraces fitness and wellness as part of his everyday lifestyle. Whether tackling a challenging run or working on his next woodworking project, Ben enjoys staying active and exploring his creative side.
And while Ben takes his professional responsibilities seriously, he certainly knows how to have fun! Always up for a good laugh, he brings a wonderful sense of humor and an easygoing personality to those around him. Above all, Ben is a devoted husband and father who treasures spending quality time with his family.
Whether he's inspiring his spa team, enjoying a good run, or creating his next woodworking masterpiece, Ben brings passion, creativity, dedication, and a healthy dose of humor to everything he does.
Congratulations to Ben and the Eau Spa team for continuing to make Florida's spa and wellness community shine on the world stage!
| | FSA RESOURCE PARTNER HIGHLIGHT | | |
Lenox & Sixteenth:
Radiate Confidence From Every Angle
Where Advanced Skincare Meets Resilience, Innovation & Self-Confidence
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Founded by celebrity medical aesthetician Amy Peterson, Lenox & Sixteenth is a luxury skincare brand redefining at-home skincare with advanced, clinic-inspired formulations designed to deliver visible results while honoring the skin's natural balance.
The brand's inspiration comes from Amy's remarkable personal journey. At just 18 years old, she survived a life-threatening accident that left her with 40 scars. Her experience with healing and recovery sparked a lifelong passion for skin health, regenerative skincare, and helping others feel confident in their own skin.
Combining her extensive clinical expertise with a commitment to innovation, Amy created Lenox & Sixteenth to bring professional-inspired skincare into everyday routines. Built on authenticity, transparency, and inclusivity, the brand embraces a simple philosophy: Skincare should deliver visible results without compromising comfort or skin health.
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Treatment Strength. Zero Recovery.
At the heart of Lenox & Sixteenth is its signature approach, "Treatment Strength. Zero Recovery." The philosophy focuses on clinically recognized cosmetic ingredients formulated at meaningful concentrations to support visible improvements without the peeling, irritation, or downtime often associated with professional aesthetic treatments.
The brand incorporates advanced skincare technologies, including Multi-Peptide Architecture, Dual Vitamin C Technology, Triple Acid Resurfacing, Biomimetic Barrier Science, and Intelligent Recovery, designed to support skin renewal, radiance, and barrier health.
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Equally important is the brand's commitment to conscious beauty. Every formula is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, thoughtfully developed with carefully vetted ingredients and rigorous supplier standards. For Lenox & Sixteenth, vegan skincare isn't simply a trend; it's a fundamental part of its philosophy.
Designed for all skin types, Lenox & Sixteenth brings together science, performance, and thoughtful formulation to make effective skincare an accessible part of daily self-care.
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More than a luxury skincare collection, Lenox & Sixteenth represents Amy Peterson's belief that beauty is rooted in resilience, authenticity, and the confidence to feel comfortable in one's own skin.
Its message is simple: Radiate confidence from every angle.
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Holiday Shopping 2026:
What's Trending in Spa Retail?
From Wellness Gifting to Self-Care Splurges — How Spas Can Make the Most of the Holiday Season
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The holiday shopping season is here, and for the spa industry, it's about much more than beautifully wrapped skincare sets and gift certificates. Today's consumers are looking for gifts that offer something meaningful: relaxation, self-care, memorable experiences, and a little everyday luxury.
As holiday shoppers become more selective about where they spend, spas have a unique advantage. They offer something traditional retailers can't always deliver: the opportunity to feel better, look better, and take a much-needed break from the everyday rush.
So, what's shaping holiday shopping in 2026, and how can spas turn these trends into retail opportunities?
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The New Era of Wellness:
From Relaxation to a Lifetime of Well-Being
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Why the future of the spa industry is about helping people live better, feel better and age well.
Wellness is no longer simply a luxury or an occasional escape. It is becoming an essential part of how people approach their health, lifestyle and quality of life. And for the spa industry, this shift represents one of the most exciting opportunities of our time.
Today’s spa guest is looking for more than a massage or facial. Guests are increasingly interested in experiences that help them manage stress, improve sleep, restore energy, support healthy aging and create a greater sense of balance. They want personalized experiences, meaningful results and wellness practices they can incorporate into everyday life.
This evolution is transforming the role of the modern spa.
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Sold Out Saturday.
Why Are We Washing Clean Towels?
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For busy spas, the best sustainability ideas may come from the people trying to turn a room in ten minutes.
It’s 11:40 on a Saturday. A massage is running late, three guests have checked in at once, and someone needs more robes in the locker room. In the treatment corridor, an attendant strips the table, scoops up the towels, and clears the room for the next guest. A spare towel that never left the supply shelf goes into the same hamper as the used linens. It’s the quickest way to reset the room the way the team was taught.
By closing, nobody remembers that towel. But the attendant remembers making two extra trips for clean linens.
This is where I’d start a conversation about sustainability with a spa director. Follow the towel. Find out why it was put there, why it went to the laundry, and who had to replace it. The answer may tell you more about what your spa can change this month than another conversation about packaging.
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The 2026 FSA & S4L Calendar
2026 has been an exceptional year of learning, meaningful connections, collaboration, and industry leadership, and we’re excited for all that lies ahead!
Be sure to join us for our Annual FSA Membership Drive on November 30th at PGA National Resort & Spa, as we celebrate the holiday season, reconnect with our amazing spa community, and look ahead to 2027 with fresh inspiration, new opportunities, and exciting possibilities!
Stay tuned! Our 2027 FSA Events Calendar is coming soon, and we have an exciting year in store!
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Be sure to visit the
Florida Spa & Wellness Association website
We made website faster, easier to navigate, and more user friendly!
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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.
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Sheet-Pan Miso Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
A delicious balance of savory miso and naturally sweet potatoes, all roasted together for an easy,
flavorful, and satisfying meal.
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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!
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