UpClose & Personal - Massage Today

Currently I'm at about 30,000 feet and I've just finished reading an article in USA Today about the world's tallest roller coaster that just had its debut. This modern marvel is over 400 feet tall, and travels at speeds up to 120 miles per hour. It is part of a local park once considered to be just average. But with the erection of this spectacular "extreme" machine, this once-average park has been transformed into a national attraction.

It made me think about what would make for today's ultimate spa treatment. I realize it would have to center around lots of water pressure and a mixture of hot, warm, and cold temperatures. A simple hot shower may be fine for most people to wash off on, just as the standard 100 foot high, 50 mph roller coaster might provide a sufficient thrill for most "kids." The answer is obvious, WATER and lots of it.

About eight years ago, I built a wet room with a Vichy shower in a day spa in Bozeman, Montana. I chose the top-of-the-line Reid system because of its high performance nozzles, and its Scotts fire hose sprayer. It was a little before its time, and not many spa goers were aware of what they could be receiving in addition to, or in place of, a relaxing massage. The local therapists/ employees themselves, were in for a surprise, because now they had to don the proper rain gear, bathing suits, and clogs for the session-all this just to give the client the treatment.

It was quite a spectacular way to finish up after a salt scrub, or a mud or algae wrap, and quite the buzz in a small town. Back then the Vichy shower was not very popular, since it was new, and a relatively unknown concept. It was, however-considered by those in the know-as the most sensational, invigorating, and cleansing experience one could passively experience.

Imagine getting about ten gallons a minute of warm water, through seven water jets as a combination wash-down and hydrotherapy, with an occasional cold squirt from a separate hose as a stimulator. Water splashing all over the client and the shower walls-not to mention the operator. And all of this is specifically directed at the customer alternating with the Scotts fire hose being, by the therapist.

Your spa's installation of the "extreme" in water treatments can transform the traditional somewhat mundane water treatment into an exciting, stimulating attraction, that will bring more people into your establishment.

Well, let's get back to reality. From the perspective of a sensual and sensational spa experience, we might consider the Vichy shower ranking at the top.

From a practical point of view however, it may not be financially feasible, unless you have a larger facility (over six treatment rooms), or it is already a well-accepted and a much sought-after treatment preference in your local area, thereby allowing you to command a high-ticket price.

If you do choose to install one, you should be prepared to spend some big bucks for the room alone. That is, if you don't have to contend with the expense of constructing additional showers and dressing rooms.

The Ultimate Extreme Vichy shower treatments will generate a stiffer fee than a standard massage, but, remember, the cost for each treatment will be correspondingly higher also. Here's Why:

• Monthly amortization of construction costs. Be ready to fork up somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000 to $35,000. This includes a big plumbing bill, including, an extra large (one inch) water supply line, an extra-large water heater, the Vichy shower unit, a Scotts hose with temperature control valves and a handheld showerhead. This in addition to full tile, ventilation, waterproof lighting, and optional radiant heat.

• The cost of lots, and lots, of heated water. If you want the real sensation you should allow an expense for 100 gallons of water per treatment. And anticipate the receipt of a big electric or gas bill each month.

• The cost of room cleanup after each treatment. You must hose down the walls and wipe them dry. You also might want to keep the ventilation's electric system running, that is, if you don't want mold.

• And don't' forget the cost of additional laundry. You'll need lots of towels and large-capacity washing machines and dryers.

If you want to keep it real simple and still qualify for having a "SPA TREATMENT," just get a containment wet table with a hand-held wash down. You will still need a drain, but you can be officially called a spa.

If you just want to move your clients up to a basic Vichy shower, you can provide a low-pressure system with an optional hood.

However, if you want to afford your clients the exhilaration of an extreme wet rooman exciting journey in the ultimate hydro machine-including the drama of the therapist getting soaked, you must pay the price.

Choose the ride you want to give to your customer!!!!

THERE'S THE WATER.

Only Victory!!!
John Fanuzzi
Emigrant, Montana

John can be reached for comments at john@goldenratio.com