By popular request, SpaWire has created a complimentary message board / discussion forum for the spa, salon, and wellness industry. We invite all aestheticians, cosmetologists, massage therapists, and related professionals to share news, opinions, praises, gripes, announcements, job openings, and merchandise for trade or sale. You asked -- we listened. Please please help us make the forum a thriving online community by posting your comments today.

This week in the forum entitled Tipping Policies:

"I'm the Spa feature writer for REAL Magazine. I'm currently working on an article about 'How to Maximize your Spa experience.' My angle is to give clients/readers advice from Spa professionals in order that they might have more confidence when visiting a Spa. I'm hoping to intercept what clients do to negatively influence their own experience by not knowing what's expected of them. In the tipping category, I'm looking for advice on:

Deadline for responses is July 1st.

For over seven decades, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has been a sophisticated escape with the feel of a private country estate. Guests come to relax and rejuvenate in an atmosphere of casual elegance and to enjoy the quiet peace of the scenic Ojai Valley. The idyllic 360° view of the Topa Topa mountain range inspired Frank Capra to portray the Ojai Valley as Shangri-La in his 1937 film classic Lost Horizon.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is now Hiring for the following spa-related positions:

Body Technician (Female)
Esthetician
Front Desk Agent (Male and Female)
Massage Therapist (Female)
Spa Guest Services Manager
Spa Treatment Services Manager
Spa Administrative Assistant
Hair Stylist
Nail Technician
Spa Cafe Captain

To apply, or learn more about the June 26 Job Fair at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa , please visit the website and click on Careers.

(World Leisure News 06-14-04)

Wyndham International to Sell Florida Resort to The Ireland Companies; Resort to Undergo Dramatic $75 Million Redevelopment Adding Brand's Largest Golden Door Spa.

Wyndham International, Inc. (AMEX:WBR) and The Ireland Companies today announced that they have contracted to purchase and redevelop the former Wyndham Bonaventure Resort & Spa in Weston, Fla. The Ireland Companies, led by Thomas K. Ireland, the resort's original developer, intends to redevelop the resort into 252 luxury residences through a $75 million redevelopment, complete with the addition of a 48,000-square-foot Golden Door(R) spa -- Wyndham's largest spa and the first Golden Door on the East Coast.

(Wyndham Press Release June 14, 2004)

The Wigwam Resort has taken great pride in the rich history and Southwestern feel it offers to guests in the West Valley. Now, 75 years after the historic resort opened, the Wigwam will embark on the construction of a 16,000-square-foot full-service spa. "It will be in the same style of the Wigwam," said Wigwam General Manager Philippe Eversdijk. "It's really an enhancement of the resort."

The spa will include 16 treatment rooms in a two- story facility next to the resort's tennis courts off of Old Litchfield Road, north of Wigwam Boulevard. "It will use a lot of indoor and outdoor space. A spa should be very serene," Eversdijk said. Fountains and fireplaces will be some of the amenities that add a level of comfort, Eversdijk said. OZ Architects designed the facility that is scheduled to break ground in September.

(West Valley View News)

For years, suburban residents traveled to Manhattan salons to be coifed by hairdressers whose names are nearly as familiar as those of their celebrity clients. While this ritual may always endure, salon commuting is now in vogue in both directions, thanks to some suburban salons where New York City residents say they are getting Madison Avenue talent for Main Street prices. ...

Are the high rents the reason Manhattan cuts are so expensive? No, said Edward Tricomi, co-owner of Warren-Tricomi, with salons on 57th Street off Fifth Avenue and in Greenwich (where he says the rent is actually higher); it is ego and expertise. "When Frédéric started having $200 haircuts, we all had to start raising our prices," Mr. Tricomi said, referring to the stylist Frédéric Fekkai. "It was like a price war: whose ego is bigger." ...

These days, more and more suburban salons are proving they have the goods. Companies like Bumble and Bumble and L'Oréal Paris, which offer professional salon products and classes on hairdressing, now have a strong suburban presence.

The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE - News), today announced the grand opening of its full service Inn.Spa. Located in the WaterColor Inn and Resort, the Inn.Spa is the newest addition to the luxurious Southern coastal resort and residential community's long list of well-appointed amenities. Just steps from WaterColor Inn guest rooms and the sugar-white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the Inn.Spa offers a totally indulgent experience -- "the art of rejuvenation" -- designed to nourish the body inside and out. Inn.Spa's personalized treatments have been thoughtfully created to convey a sense of comfort, nurturing, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in an expansive menu of treatment options in either the tranquil environment of the spa facility or privately, in their own WaterColor Inn guest room or resort vacation rental home.

(YaHoo Finance Press Release, June 8, 2004)

Canada's first male-oriented spa has opened. Located inside the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the Absolute Spa offers treatments including a "five o'clock buster" hot towel shave and "the absolute man," a 60-minute massage that's followed by face, hand and foot treatments

Decorated in earth tones, the spa also features oversized spa suites and pedicure chairs equipped with video games and computers so guests can keep tabs on their stocks or find out the latest sports scores. (Globe and Mail, June 2, 2004)

The new Redness Therapy(TM) line by Murad is the first ever skincare regimen created to address Rosacea-like redness and associated skin concerns.

Nearly 14 million Americans suffer from Rosacea; still most go untreated as it is often misdiagnosed as acne, due to similar redness, sensitivity, and pimples. However, today Dr. Howard Murad, dermatologist, CEO and founder of Murad, Inc. and author of "Wrinkle-Free Forever," has the solution. (Business Wire June 14, 2004)

The Aromatherapy Alliance is a not-for-profit organization serving the New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Areas. We strive to provide our members with information regarding clinical aromatherapy and its applications. The Aromatherapy Alliance hosts FREE informational seminars and workshops. Membership is also free.

The newly created Philadelphia, PA chapter meets on July 18. The Brooklyn, NY chapter meets on September 18 for a Summer Mint Symposium. Visit the Aromatherapy Alliance online for more details.

Jacqueline Smith has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Aurora University, an Esthetics license from Florida College of Natural Health and is also a nail technician. Prior to forming Diva's Day Spa she was a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for the cardiovascular division of Bristol-Myers Squibb. She brings more than 16 years of experience in the spa, health and wellness industry

What trends do you see coming, or, what has been the biggest change in the spa industry for you?

"The biggest change is the public is better educated regarding skincare. When I opened 6 years ago, microdermabrasion was not a household word. Today I get walk-ins asking for it."