Christopher Boyd, The Orlando Sentinel, Fla.
Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Travelers Expect More

Kacheris said the spa explosion is having a big impact on the lodging industry.

"In the past, people wanted to be able to have their hair done at the hotel," Kacheris said. "Now they want more. I see a day when hotels will need to have a spa if they want to operate at a certain level, and it will have to be a spa-treatment center that is nice, well-thought-out and well-designed."

Oviedo spa designer Lori Rapport drew plans for the Swan and Dolphin spa.

"Four- and five-star hotels must now offer a spa as part of their menus," Rapport said. "Spas have become thematically driven, becoming retreats within hotels where guests can go to rejuvenate. We try to create places that give guests a lift the moment they walk through the door."

Rapport said men who once avoided spas now embrace them, a change that has had an impact on design.

"Ten years ago, spa services were segregated; there were men's floors and women's floors," she said. "Now we have a lot of couples coming in looking for couple's suites where they can receive treatments together."

Keith Salwoski, spokesman for the Gaylord Palms hotel near Walt Disney World, said the growing popularity of spas in Orlando was unforeseen.

"Traditionally, Orlando hotels were a bit short on amenities because there was a feeling that most people would spend their time at theme parks during the day," Salwoski said.

Salwoski said Gaylord's spa, which is affiliated with the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, has been very popular with guests.

The lodging industry is confident that popularity will continue as the free-spending baby-boom generation retires.

"People who were once more concerned about buying cars and real estate are now trying to connect with their families and their bodies," Salwoski said. "Spas are good places for both. Healthy living is the most important thing, and spas are about health and well-being."