Spa Magic Maker

Alexis Ufland - Spa Magic Maker - Courtesy of beautypress - All Rights Reserved - 2010

A respected authority in the Spa industry, Alexis Ufland is a spa magic maker.

She's also the owner of Lexi Design, a Spa Consultancy firm that has developed premier spas and fitness centers across Europe, Asia and the United States.

Alexis is also the owner of SPARTY! – Sip Spa celebrate, the first ‘spa party’ concept available in 12 cities across the country.

She has written numerous articles on Spa and Yoga development, has been quoted in the top industry trade magazines, and has lectured at national trade events.

Forefront Of Spa Industry

Now at the forefront of her industry—with a career that literally spans the globe—Alexis began with Steiner Transocean, the largest Spa company to date. Operating over 120 Spas on board cruise ships, she gained valuable experience in operations, development and managing multiple Spa locations.

Thermal Spa Products - Courtesy of beautypress - All Rights Reserved

After five years at sea, Alexis moved to Singapore to help create the first spa franchise concept, the first medical spa connected with a dermatologist, and to develop luxury spas all throughout Southeast Asia and later Spain and Italy.

Preeminent Expert In Spa Development

Alexis is the nation’s preeminent expert in Spa development; she is currently based in New York, and continues to develop luxury day, resort, hotel and medical spas throughout the US. With a degree from the Pennsylvania State University in Exercise and Sport Science and 12 years experience in the Spa and Fitness Industry, Alexis Ufland truly has an unparalleled familiarity with every facet of spa development, operations, marketing and management.

Interview With Alexis Ufland

Stack of thick lush towels for spa - HB Media - All rights Reserved

Listed below is an exclusive interview with Alexis Ufland courtesy of beautypress.com.

What brought you into the Spa consulting business and please tell us a bit more about your background?

I began my career with Steiner Transocean, the largest Spa company to date. Operating over 120 Spas on board cruise ships, I gained valuable experience in development, operations, and management.

After four years at sea, I moved to Singapore to help create the first spa franchise concept, the first Asian medical spa and to develop luxury spas throughout Southeast Asia. I still had the ‘travel bug‘ so continued working and developing spas in Spain and Italy for a couple more years.

After about 7 years abroad, I moved back to the States and opened Lexidesign a Spa consulting and development firm that specializes in the development of spas, wellness centers and yoga studios. I have spent te last 10 years assisting in the development of over 50 spas to date worldwide.

Six years ago, I opened a second company called SPARTY! the first ‘spa party‘company.

Bath tub spa setting - HB Media - All Rights Reserved

What do you anticipate for the future of the Spa and wellness industry – particularly concerning treatments and design?

My vision for the future of the spa industry is that spa owners will not only focus on pampering the consumer but also on pampering the planet. The spa industry as a whole consumes an enormous number of natural resources and produces an equally great amount of waste.

I think the future of the spa industry, and especially spa design, will be to create healthy, eco-friendly spas that improve our planets environmental condition. I hope spa owners will begin to seek out architects and designers who utilize principles in sustainable design and apply best practices in green construction.

In addition, I believe spa owners will look to support companies, suppliers and manufacturers who incorporate fair trade as part of their business practices.

What are your preferred materials and colors for Spa design – are there any “no-no’s”?

Spa Bathtub Setting - HB Media- All Rights Reserved

For us the only “no-no’s” are endangered woods, toxic paints, and any materials that take away from the planet without replenishing.

More importantly are our “yes-yes’s ”! This list includes recycled, restored and reusable materials as well as vintage and used furnishings.

In what ways is a Spa treatment more effective than an at-home experience?

What benefits do they have if compared? I don’t know if I can say that a treatment is more effective at a spa but I will say that the best part of going to the spa is to experience all the bells and whistles that the spa has to offer.

A simple Swedish Massage can be so much more effective if you get to the spa early, spend time in the steam, finish with a dip in the Jacuzzi and lie-down in the lounge with a tea.

Spa Bathroom Setting - HB Media - All Rights Reserved

Plus, in a well-done spa, every detail should work together synergistically - design, snacks, music, scent, staff etc. When these elements are consistent throughout the spa, I can really immerse myself in the ‘culture’ of that spa and the experience is that much better.

In your opinion and based on your experience, what is the most effective and most popular Spa treatment?

At the moment I am obsessed with a Treatment called IPL – Intense Pulsed Light for Sun Spots. Even though it has been around forever, I never felt that I was ready for it because I LOVE the sun. I finally made the decision to stay out of the sun and with that commitment I have been working on evening out my skin tone and reducing my sun spots. Each time I have a treatment I am AMAZED by the results. It is single handedly the most effective way to reduce sun spots.

What is your favorite treatment?

Skin Mask - HB Media - All Rights Reserved

I know everyone probably answers massage, but I am a sucker for a really relaxing facial. I think it’s the best combination – you get to relax and come out looking younger! What could be better than that….maybe adding a Scalp Massage? Heaven!

Summary - Spa Magic Maker

Alexis Ufland is a spa magic maker and a highly respected authority in the Spa industry.

As owner of the spa consultancy firm Lexi Design, Alexis Ufland has brought her visionary signature to the development of premier spas and fitness centers all across Europe, Asia and the United States.

For More Information:

New York, NY 10014