On 13th July much of the industry rejoiced as spas and salons across England were permitted to re-open their doors to the public after months of closures due to COVID-19. Scotland followed suit a week later, with Wales returning last week. Yet, those jubilant celebrations were sadly some what dampened last week with the government announcing that the resumption of close contact face treatments and the re-opening of sauna and steam rooms would need to be been postponed until at least 15th August due to an increase in the coronavirus R rate.
In this special industry feature, Spa Life speaks to operators and suppliers to get the highs and lows of re-opening to the public, alongside reactions to further delays to close contact beauty treatments and sauna and steam room services.
In a hastily arranged press conference on Friday 31st July, the day after new lockdown restrictions were imposed in the northwest, and less than 24 hours before changes were due to come into effect on Saturday, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that he would be ‘squeezing the break pedals’ on the widely anticipated re-opening date of 1st August due to concerns over the increasing infection rate, which doubled in July.
England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty issued a stark warning at the press conference that the country has ‘reached near the limit, or the limits’ of how much of society can be opened up without risking losing control of coronavirus.
The directive which also delayed the re-opening of casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks, as well as wedding receptions of up to 30 people, indoor theatrical performances, pilots of sporting events with crowds and gatherings in conference centres has been described by British Chamber of Commerce co-executive director Claire Walker as a ‘hammer blow to business and consumer confidence at a time when many firms were just starting to get back on their feet.’
Commenting on the government announcement Claire Walker said: “Businesses communities need as much clarity as possible from government if they are to plan ahead and rebuild their operations in the coming months”.
“Ministers must also consider extending support to all firms, many of whom will be forced to close for an even more prolonged period, as well as targeted measures to help businesses placed under localised lockdowns.”
Spa Life spoke exclusively to several operators and suppliers to understand how the past few weeks have been since the government permitted spas to re-open and gauge the importance of the re-opening of all facilities and treatments.
Emma Pridding, spa and leisure manager at The Spa at Carden which officially opened its doors after a £10million investment just two months before COVID-19 struck said: “We opened on 25th July and it was an incredible feeling. We have had to reduce our occupancy levels to accommodate social distancing, but we already have systems in place to stagger bookings to ensure that the spa does not get too crowded.”
“After so many months, it was wonderful to finally see people enjoy our new spa and especially use our garden, bar and loungers that were specifically made to be used in the summer. Both guests and staff were in a great mood and we received lots of positive feedback on how we have handled the COVID restrictions without interfering with the luxury atmosphere and Spa at Carden experience.”
“Once it is safe to do so, the ability to reopen our saunas and steam rooms, as well as allowing facial treatments will mean a complete spa experience for our guests. There are many key architectural aspects of The Spa at Carden, including an outdoor sauna and tepidarium featuring beautiful mosaic walls, that we are very keen to allow people to experience again.”
Amanda Winwood, managing director of Made for Life Organics commented: “We have had a slow but definite increase in interest from spas with some really good opening orders. We have been providing online training and refresher training to our spas via Zoom which have been really well received. There is still some confusion in the industry about do’s and don’ts and we have been able to help with this. I have been really impressed by the level of professionalism shown by everyone I have been in touch with.”
“Ultimately for spas it is commercially essential for them to resume all services. This needs to be done in a way that limits risk. We believe that this is a time for change and a movement towards a stronger wellbeing model. We have been adjusting our offering to spas extending our belief that services offered in spas should be person not product centred. Made for Lifetime is our new concept and extends what we were doing in terms of our Cancer Touch Therapy Training – providing therapists with a range of protocols and enabling them to offer bespoke treatments.”
Tara Moore of Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort which recently re-opened after a £2 million pound expansion said: “The first couple of weeks have been better than we expected. Both staff and guests have been fantastic and very understanding of the new normal. Considering we have opened additional facilities in our new spa expansion, the team have adapted to the change with enthusiasm and professionalism.”
“On the whole our staff are delighted to be back at work, though a few were nervous as they always like to make the experience for the guest as enjoyable as possible. It’s been lovely to see the spa back in action with guests relaxing and a happy team back at work. We want to resume all services as soon as we can, however it has to be safe for both guests and staff.”
Leon Trayling, director at ishga said: “The phone is starting to ring again and we are implementing some of the initiatives we developed during the lockdown period. Most people are phasing the re-opening of their businesses at different speeds. For those that are have already returned and opened booking diaries it is exciting, staff are getting used to managing the new flow of the guest experience.
“The most important thing is to resume the services that are safe to perform and have been risk assessed. This will instil confidence in the team and the consumer.”
UK Spa Association’s general manager Helena Grzesk concluded: “The UK Spa Association are delighted that many spas, their facilities and aspects of our wider industry are operational. Team members and indeed their clients are happy and benefiting. It was however, a blow to learn of the news that facial treatments and saunas and steam rooms will not be able to open until 15th August at the earliest. We are always here for our spa colleagues and continue to support the industry.”
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