The Growth of Teen Spa Services

Apr 12, 2015

Lunch at Canyon Ranch // © 2015 Canyon Ranch Lenox 2

When my daughter experienced her first destination spa, it was like she had entered a magical land. She had heard of The Spa at Norwich Inn in Norwich, Conn., for years from my own experiences, and she longed to be a teen so that she could join me.

Years later, when we finally took our first trip there together, every aspect of our stay thrilled her, from donning the white terry robe and relaxing in the hot tub to taking a morning meditation class and healthful cooking class. But the true thrill came with the Duet Massage. In a shared treatment room, she enjoyed a Teen Massage and I indulged in a Swedish massage, which we followed with mani-pedis.

Our experience is not unique. In 2014, just over half of U.S. spas offered services for teenagers (ages 13 to 19), according to research from International Spa Association. The minimum age for most spas varies and can be as young as 13. The majority also require that a parent or guardian is in the treatment room when the teen is receiving any type of bodywork. Paperwork granting permission from the adult and other requirements may be needed as well, varying by property.

“Teen travel is a growing trend,” said Nancy Deaton, spa director for The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Penn. “As guests are becoming more aware of the holistic approach to health, we find that parents want to instill that in their children as a way of living, rather than something to aspire to.”

Top Packages
Overnight stays at The Spa at Norwich Inn for moms and teens can include accommodations, full use of spa facilities and a list of daily complimentary spa activities. The experience can be customized to include the Duet Massage and mani-pedis my daughter and I received, as well as a Teen Facial, meals and fitness classes.

One of the most popular packages at The Lodge at Woodloch is the Mother/Daughter Getaway, where moms receive 30 percent off their stay when rooming with their daughter. The package includes accommodations, three gourmet meals for each night booked, speakers and workshops, group fitness classes, chef-led cooking demonstrations, guided group adventure excursions and health and fitness amenities. Guests also have access to pools with hydro-massage waterfalls, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas and a cardio weight studio.

Once per year, Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, opens its doors for Family Week, where children ages 7 and up are invited to join their parents at the spa (the minimum age is typically 14). The program includes healthful eating, hiking and special classes for kids and teens that incorporate cooking, photography, self-defense, drumming, painting and Spanish lessons. Spa treatments can be added on an a la carte basis. This year’s program is slated for Aug. 1 through 8.

At Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Ariz., and Lenox, Mass., teen spa services include bodywork, makeup, skin-care treatments, hair styling and nail services, as well as nutrition counseling, stress-management techniques and meditation training.