A wellness-minded eco retreat draws clients and sponsors to Malibu canyon.

In these hard-pressed economic times, spa-goers aren’t booking weeklong wellness retreats like they used to. Heck, they’re not even scheduling their regular services as frequently, according to many spa owners we’ve talked to.

But they still want to feel good and live a healthy life. Figuring out innovative ways to help them do that—and build loyalty for your business—is a valuable skill to hone.

One spa owner took a risk on a daylong spa retreat—keeping things regional cuts costs and promotes green practices—to attract new clients and entice existing ones. It was booked solid.

“It was a gamble, but one worth taking,” says Randi Ragan, owner of Green Bliss EcoSpa. “In a time of economic uncertainty, it was a way to forge creative partnerships with other businesses that fall under the big tent of wellness.”

The event, held in Malibu, California, on January 16, was billed as a “New Year’s Renewal Retreat,” which focused on showcasing wellness principles clients could easily implement. Fitness, nutrition, green-lifestyle and spa professionals gave workshops on meditation, ayurvedic cooking and feng shui design. YogaWorks led two group classes. And Green Bliss therapists provided organic facials, body and foot massages, manicures and pedicures. All products used in treatments were green, including those from Eminence Organic Skin Care, Zoya and Yoga Balm.

The wellness industry is like a tight-knit family. Regular spa clients are also likely interested in healthy eating, exercise and at least a little curious about how to live a greener lifestyle. Bringing all of those elements together to educate guests can endear them to you and your spa.

“It’s all about trying to imagine new, unique and exciting ways to reach your audience and grow your brand,” Ragan says. ”I like that there isn’t one prescribed path, and that you’re only limited by your own imagination.”

Ragan is also a spa advisor, specializing in green practices. To learn more about staging retreats or greening your business, contact her at randi@greenblissecospa.com. —Heather Wood Rudulph

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 1:45 pm and is filed under Editors' Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.