Hello Sam,
I am opening a day spa in NYC and am beginning to interview architects. How important is past spa experience? Should I only hire someone who is familiar with designing spas and has hands-on experience doing so? Also, how difficult is it to find someone who is also well-versed in feng shui or do you think I need to bring in someone else for that? If so, how much do feng shui experts generally charge? Also, do I need to hire an interiors person or will my architect suffice? I have a very strong idea of the aesthetic I want and an interiors architect who is consulting with me for free (she is a great friend). I am definitely on a tight budget, so money is an issue. Finally, can you give me a general range for how much the build-out of a 4,000 sq ft spa with 10 treatment rooms, 1 sauna, 4 mani and 4 pedi stations, and a retail space should cost? And do you think 4,000 feet is a good size and do those specs make sense to you? Thanks so much for your help -- I find your background very interesting and am looking forward to your response.
Best,
Jenny Nelson (Read Answer) |
Hi Sam,
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help....
I'm in the "Spa Revenue " phase of my business plan. Being a Bus. Dev. person, I'm always interested in looking for more ways to diversify my portfolio (to spread risk and make more $$). I've thought of a revenue enhancement solution, and wondering what you thought about the idea. My spa concept is to locate a historical setting for my spa (historical landmark - 1900s house). I'm wondering if you can think of items with which clients would want to purchase (decor) that would be on display (or in use)? I've thought of adding an art-gallery to my sitting room, sales of exotic "trophy" plants, even sales of lamps...but I'm thinking there must be other items with which clients would be intrigued to buy (at a 4-5star facility). Didn't know if you might have any other suggestions (including vendors who might be interested in co-mkt/referral agreements) you being a guru in desn.? Also, any idea on what mark-up on decor items should be?
Kind of an off the wall question. But thought I would give it a try as an idea...
Regards
Dana (Read Answer) |
Dear Sam,
I am in the very beginning stages of potentially opening a day spa in central New Jersey. I don't have any spa experience but do have a lot of business experience and there is a need for a day spa in the are I am lookin for. There is a retail space which is all one level, where would I start to make this into a day spa? How do I go about finding a spa consultant in my area to help with the desing and construction? Approximatly how much would this cost? As you can see I need some help... Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your time. (Read Answer) |
Hi Sam,
I am looking to open a Day Spa in an upscale, high traffic shopping center in central NJ. It hasn't been designed or built yet, so the opportunity to get in on the ground floor exists. I have several questions for you: 1) How many massage & facial rooms should I have and what is the optimal size of each (I also want to include foot & hand work in facial room at the same time) ? 2) Can you give me some ideas of good sizes for other areas (to help me determine the overall optimal square feet that I need), such as womens' locker room (lockers, private showers, hot tub, sauna, etc.) ? Approximate size of mens' locker room (same amenities, but probably fewer) ? Good size for a manicure/pedicure area ? All sizes requested can be ball park, as they will all of course be ironed out in the actual design, but I'm not there yet. Thanks...
Kelly (Read Answer) |
Dear Sir,
I am keen to know all the tech.details of sprung floor/ aerobics wood flooring... plz. do help
regards binzer{binzer99@indiatimes.com} (Read Answer) |
Hi,
We are currently in the process of developing a day spa and salon in Florida. We have been meeting with the architects on the floor plan and there seems to be two schools of though arising.
This is going to be a 5,400 sqft very high-end facility. It will feature a dramatic front entry/ lobby (approx. 30’x30’) with a marble fountain in the center and granite floors.
We are planning on featuring some wonderful and comfortable seating areas and a dramatic reception area.
Question 1
Will this waiting area be sufficient for overall use or do we need to have additional men’s and women’s lounges on the interior. Also should we have internal locker rooms or should we put lockers in the hall in view of the front desk personnel
Question 2
We are going to have a marvelous line of private label skin care products and cosmetics. Should this be situated behind the counter in a large display area or should we seek to establish a retail “store” display area which people can browse.
Question 3
We are trying to decide between 2 dedicated wet rooms or 2 combo rooms (the plan calls for 6 total treatment rooms)
Any help or advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Lori
(Read Answer) |
Sam,
Would you be able to send me an estimate on how much it would cost to do the interior design of a 4000 - 5000 sq.ft spa? Is this too big of a size to start with?
Also, could you send me a copy of the cost and surface plan samples that you would have available?
Thanks alot!
Anita
(Read Answer) |
| hello. My question is simply but needs an in dept answer. I have a massage table invention. how can I get it made and distribute it to the spa and medical industry. (Read Answer) |
I am currently in the process of obtaining
an esthetician liscense and a nail and pedicure.
I have a room of 675 sq. ft. and I want to know the
average size of a facial and massage treatment room. I currently
have a 7\' X 8\' room and I need to build another. What would be the smallest that
I could use. I could use this info ASAP.
Debra
carebeardebra@netscape.net (Read Answer) |
Dear sam,
What is the approx average cost of building a wet room approx
10 x 11.5 feet with vichy shower
and a wet room 8.75 x 12.5 feet with hydrotherapy bath
thank you for your help
sonia (Read Answer) |
Dear Sam,
I have enjoyed following your articles in Spa Management Journal. My questions are regarding construction of a steam room.
I am working on a project in a luxury hotel in India. They have existing steam rooms but have not seen the customary type with the tiled steps, etc. The engineers have asked me a number of questions.
1 - What is the product used for the inside ceiling of the steam room?
2- What is the finish on the walls of a steam room?
3- What are the tile steps made of...granite, marble, or what? They tried tile on the walls once and it cracked = which I can not explain. They also cannot imagine that people can sit on the steps using a towel and not get burned.
Their only way of bringing steam in is to tap off a long pipe low to the ground that is perforated. Please advise Sam, as to your opinion on all this and thank you!
Shirley Meerson (Read Answer) |
| Dera Sam, I am very interested in your agency. I own an existing day spa in NY and we are ready to make a move to expand. We do a lot of detoxification, natural therapies, we sell vitamins and herbs and are looking to make our new space have a very comfortable feel to it and we are very interested in feng shui. Please send me some info on your services and agency. We are trying to find our consultants now so that when the building is ready...so are we. Thank you for your time. Tina K (Read Answer) |
I live in Jerusalem.
I am remodellimg a home in the "Old City". All construction is stone or cement with a heavy plaster and then a fine plaster . After that we use spackle (to fill holes) and paint. Do I have to cover the shower walls with tile or will a waterproof plaster with paint (latex) work? The shower is a steam shower. (Read Answer) |
Hi Sam,
I am currently in school studying to be an esthetician. As part of our program we get the opportunity to design our "dream" spa-from the ground up. In otyher worrds, we need to have costs, locations, etc. all worked out. I have given it a lot of thought and would love to have "my spa" be an addition to an already existing wellness center, which would include psychotherapy, massage, yoga, possibly a health cafe. I would ass on the esthetics piece. Where to I even begin to find information on how to how to do this--I have already done a lot of research on pricing equiplment, etc, but any advice you can give would be more than welcome. I am especially interested in knowing how much equipment is needed, how much square footage, staffing, etc.
Thanks.
Stacy
basketballdrummer@yahoo.com (Read Answer) |
| I would like to obtain information about your services and obtain your articles on spa conception and design that you wrote for Spa Management, and articles on Feng Shui. My email is AllenBoud@aol.com (Read Answer) |
I am a student in marketing creating a Day Spa and I am looking for similar inforamtion COuld I please get a copy of this information.
Ian
wugalter@yahoo.com (Read Answer) |
Hi, I\'m a student in Management and organization and I need to find the trend of the NY day spa industry. Can you please let me know where I can locate this information? I need to know about how many day spas are in NY and the revenues and how is the day spa industry growing in NY. Thank you
Amy (Read Answer) |
Where can I get a list of spas that incorporate Feng Shui in their design?
Thanks,
Laurie Trowell
President
NewGlyphics
Phone: 817-303-8100
Fax: 817-303-0497
Email: mail@newglyphics.com
Website: www.newglyphics.com
Portfolio: http://www.newglyphics.com/online_portfolio.htm
107 West Park Row Drive
Arlington, Texas 76010 USA
(Read Answer) |
Hello, I am looking to open a day spa at the end of this year. I hired a consultant to help with my business plan, but do not know if my visions is realistic. My questions to you are, (1) do you think a 2000 sq ft day spa is too small? (2) if not, do you think I can have massage, facial and wet room services with locker rooms, laundry/office/storage and quiet room all in this amount of space? (3) My major competitors are two - and they are both large spaces with various locations throughout the state - will this be a negative or a positive for a smaller scale day spa? My vision is to have 6 rooms - (2 wet, 2 massage and 2 facial)and a retail area in the front but do not know if 2000 sq ft is enough. With what I have read on your previous answers is that 6000 sq ft is average...that is out of my league financially to start. Thank you for your time. Dina
email address: pacificspa1@aol.com (Read Answer) |
Hello Sam,
Do you know the square footage or measurements for the following for a fitness center: Full Court Basketball Court, Raquetball Court, 4 lane swimming/lap pool 4 feet deep (ball park sq. footage), the amount of square footage for a track 1/4 mile all the way around. Also, if these questions cannot be answered, what company do you recommend I contact to get quotes on getting these things installed/built? Overall, I would be working with 30,000+ sq feet, just need to know how much space each of these items take up. I really appreciate your assistance.
-Thank you!!! Thandi (Read Answer) |
| I am an architecture student and I have a studio project in which I have to combine a relaxation/meditation area with mass transit. How would you begin to attack this contradiction? (Read Answer) |
| How do I locate a spa consultant/architect in my area? (Read Answer) |
| Have you noticed whether in the United States there is a preference for a specific type of architectural and interior spa design. For example, is Asian design more popular on the west coast and is contemporary more popular in the northeast? (Read Answer) |
| Hi Sam, I researching opening a day spa. I've talked with a couple of spa consultants and intent to talk with a few more in the next week. I'm looking at a new retail development area with the potential to build from scratch. should I first work with a spa consultant to develop an interior design or should I work with an architect for the interior design and the consultant just for the concept. As you can tell I am not familiar with this industry, I'm learning, and I want to utilize the expertise of others to make sure I don't make major mistakes. (Read Answer) |
Aloha Sam,
I am working in a day spa that has a wonderful facility and luxurious treatments. the problem is that it also double has a tennis club and the day spa clients and tennis players all check in at the same desk. this has made the reception area not very relaxing and the retail area right next to tennis equiptment. I would love to get fountains, candles, and fresh flowers everywhere. Will this effect the people checking in for tennis . Do you have any ideas or comments. Please help ALOHA (Read Answer) |
Dear Sam,
I am in the initial “high-level” budgeting phase for a spa that I would like to create, and would need information on typical maintenance/refurbishing cost. The Spa will be small ~1200 sq feet and have limited wet treatment (1 room).
What should my annual maintenance cost be (paint touch-ups, some equipment replacement, …) in percentage of initial construction/leasehold (assuming that the structure/walls were already there) improvement and equipment investment?
How often should one do “major refurbishing” and how much do they usually cost (in % of initial leasehold improvement and equipment cost)?
Thank you for your help.
Greg.
(Read Answer) |
Hi Mr. Margulies,
I inherited a B&B that has a small spa associated to it. I would like to take it to a higher level by making the spa a more integral part of the vacation stay. We are in a great location excet for one thing - we are near a very busy road and from some of the rooms (we have 5) you can hear the road noise. From the backyard area near the hot-tub you can also hear it - quite a bit actually. (My husband says I'm snsitive and picky but it is not in my imagination.) So far, it does not seem to be a major issue for our guests even though a few have commented on it in the guest book. We have planted large trees along the wall near the road which helps some but not significantly. Do you have any suggetsions on noise reduction or on how I may reduce the impact this may have on our goals.
Thank you
Antoinette (Read Answer) |
Hi Sam, I live in Asia and work in the Financial Services industry. I’m looking at the idea of building a small weekend wellness centre and spa....I am envisaging a tropical spa theme (no surprise there), thai architecture and decor and with all the usual amenities (massage, spa treatments, meditation, yoga, steaming, fasting or raw food programs (even a colon cleansing program).
This will be located within 30 minutes of the city and will be on an island or in an undeveloped are , preferably on a small beach. I’m am envisaging 30 small ‘cabanas’/villas’ to start....
We begin to research the location / property aspect next week and will start by talking to some commercial property contacts and see if we can look at some land - as that will be one of the main logistical and even if we lease, probably more costly pasts of the excercise....
I have access to architects/developers as well VC funds and potential investors who are very keen to see my idea, I just have to get it on paper!
Do you happen to have any templates of hotel/destination Spa business plans and the financial so I can use this as a base to begin to my own plan....
And / or any other advice..?
Best Regards, Kylie (Read Answer) |
Are you aware of any reputable design firms specializing in spa development in the atlanta area.
Thank You,
Diana Ivey (Read Answer) |
Hi,
I would like to know how big of a space I would need for a day spa that consist of 3 massage rooms, 1 wet room, 2 foot massage stations, 2 nail stations, men and women dressing room, sitting room, waiting room, reception are with products displayed around, restroom, and storage room? Also if I was to include 3 hair stations, 2 dry stations and 2 hair wash stations?
Thank you,
Arlene (Read Answer) |
Dear sir,
I am an architecture student and have a project about “spa and wellness center” .
I would like to have more information about architectural planning and design.
Some example complex ( with architectural information such as plans, elevations,section, interior
design ,etc….)
Could you help me?
Thank you
Sincerely yours
Farima farshchi
(Read Answer) |
Sam,
I am currently putting together my business plan and would love if you could forward me your articles.
Thank you for your time.
Nicole (Read Answer) |
| First, thanks for taking time to answer my question. Do you know if there is any computer software designed to help lay-people with designing floor plans with their business. I am only looking at about 1500 sq. ft. Also, if there's no software of this type what's the typical charge for a designer to do it? (Read Answer) |
| Could I please get these articles as well. Tmjeffer@aol.com. I appreciate it! (Read Answer) |
Dear Mr. Margulies,
we intend to buy a property of 10.000 square meter and to build a residential private owned spa in Amman, Jordan. Do you have any idea how much the costs will be for the total package (spa conception & design, including architectural design and interior design)? Fees etc.
Thank you in advance for kind co-operation. (Read Answer) |
Hi Sam
I am starting to write a business plan for a Day Spa in Los Angeles. Could you please send any info regarding this endeaver?
Thank you so much,
Amelia Gray
(Read Answer) |
Hi,Sam,
I am a Human Resources Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Yalong Bay Sanya, PR China. Now i am looking for a Spa Manager or Spa seniro therapist. But it looks not easy to find them out. Thus could offer me few channels or recommendations about this. Thank you very much!
Oliver Chen
HIR Sanya, PR China
oliver.chen@ichotelsgroup.com (Read Answer) |
Dear Sam,
May I know your professional fees? My brother-in-law is now looking for someone to help him build a spa center. I like your concept and I'd like to tell him about you. Thank you very much.
Dianah Putra
Email: ldputra@yahoo.com (Read Answer) |
| Hello Sam. I am looking for specifics on ceilings for treatment rooms (massage/facials). What type of ceilings and the recommended height. Also, what you would recommend in mani/pedi, retail, and relaxation room. Thank you. (Read Answer) |
Dear Mr. Margulies: October 15, 2003
The following e-mail note is what I currently use to begin an initial position search within a spa resort company. My question follows:
I am currently on a path to a career transition in the area of spa resort development. Specifically, I am pursuing a position with a world-class spa resort company as an Executive Advisor of Spa Resort Property Acquisition, Development and Restoration. The primary responsibility, as the title suggests, is to assist in the further acquisition of spa resort properties, development of new and existing properties and restoration of properties to develop or re-position such properties to a high level of distinction and profitability around the world.
My education and experience includes 20+ years in commercial landscape architecture and land planning:
1Property Site Analysis, Inventory and Mapping
1Native Plant Inventory and Assessment
1Physical Site Planning and Design
1Office, Commercial Planning and Design
1Master Planned Communities: multiple density residential, commercial, office, school, parks, open space, recreation facilities, roads, trails
1City and County Park Planning and Design
1Project Coordination with Surveyors, Engineers and Architects;
1City and County Agencies;
1Cities and Towns Mayors and Councils, Counties Boards of Supervisors;
1Public Meetings with Neighborhoods
1Construction Documents: planting, irrigation, layout, grading, details, specifications.
My education and experience, my desire to develop the best properties and travel the world for such properties, creativity and hard work ethic, I firmly believe will enhance the value of a strong company such as _________. I would very much appreciate the opportunity to discuss such opportunities with you and your team.
Sincerely,
C. Scott Field
Landscape Architect
A) Do spa resort companies hire individuals to travel world-wide and provide such responsibilities, whether they be a Fortune 500 company or private company. I suspect I would need to find a company with several hundred or a couple thousand properties or the desire to expand for the next 20-30 years.
If you don’t mind I would appreciate the chance to ask other questions during my research in this industry.
Sincerely,
Scott Field
(Read Answer) |
| Good Day! I am presently in Miami Florida and starting our own consulting firm for the Spa Industry. I am also a Spa Director and a Cosmetologist. My love for this industry is so very grand but I fear I might not have everyone I need to begin my firm. Please help in some minor ideas to what Professionals I should have accessable to my clients at all times. Thank you for any help you might be able to give and I look forward to recieving your mail. Claudia Farrat* (Read Answer) |
Hi, can you give me a general range for how much the build-out of a 6,000 sq ft spa with 10 treatment rooms, sauna room, steam room, lockers. and shower rooms should cost.
(Read Answer) |
| We are in the planning stages of opening a day spa and wellness center here in Kalamazoo, MI. We are need of finding the right architect in our area. Do you know of any that you would reccomend with experience in day spa planning? (Read Answer) |
Sam,
Hello. My name is Dacia and I am enrolled in an entrepreneurship class.We are supposed to think of a business and do all the research to open it without actually doing it.I was wondering how much all the equipment would cost to open one and what kind of space I would need. Thank You. (Read Answer) |
| We are a cosmeceutical skin care company founded by two nurses who treated burn patients for 15 years. The name of the line is L’Athene. We have distribution in select Nordstrom stores (the stores with advanced technology cosmeceuticals), doctor’s offices and spas. We are looking for good representatives and have not been successful searching on the internet. We are looking for a group of reps to follow up on existing accounts and to open new ones. Can you give us the names of some Representative firms who could cover one or both markets? We realize that groups that go into spas may not go into doctor’s offices, so we are willing to work with two different groups. You can call 1-800-272-5502 or email me at Lsnyder@lathene.com. Our President and CEO (Nancy Brown, RN and Lil Bogdan, RN) are willing to speak to you also. Thank you very much. Linda Snyder – Marketing and Sales Administration. (Read Answer) |
Dear Sam,
I would greatly appreciate it if you could send me this information as well. My address is skhanda@emirates.net.ae.
Thanks & regards,
Salina (Read Answer) |
Dear Sam,
I am currently in the process of opening a Day Spa in the Middle East in a new 'boutique' shopping mall. The mall's clientele will be all women mostly in the upper middle class range. My concept is very Asian in the treatments I offer as well as in the decor and staff. I am currently working with a Spa consultant company who are doing the flow-through diagrams for me. I have identified an interior designer that has worked on a few spas before and I think she really understands my concept and what I want. I still need to give her a design brief to be sure so she can produce the mood boards and concept boards for me. I really need to ask you if you have a specific template or a way to write a spa interior design brief that I can look at. Or do you have any sugestions.
I would also like to ask you how involved the designer usually is in the fit out period of the spa. The contractors are all found by me so they do not work for the same company but in this case who will be the project manager in your opinion?
I understand that you are very busy but I would greatly appreciate a response from you soon.
Thanks very much!
Salina (Read Answer) |
| I've recently added spa events/parties to my event planning company. i practice the art of feng shui in the office and home, but not sure how i can effectively bring this into the event decoration portion of the events. fire plays such an large part due to the amount of candles used and we have several fountains we take as well. what do you suggest to balance out the rest? (Read Answer) |
| Sam, I don't know if this is the right forum to ask this question, so if it's not, forgive me. I am a physician in the beginning stages of setting up a non-surgical skin care practice (aka medical spa). We plan for a retail/reception area, private waiting room, 4 treatment rooms, consultation room, break area, men and womens changing room, office, and physicians office and staff bathroom. We'd also like to offer a post procedure/relaxation room for our clients to use if desired. What type of square footage should we be looking at? You can drop me an email at don@sdsudy.com (Read Answer) |
