I don't know where to start.

I would like to open a small vacation spa in the beautiful Trinity Pines, CA. I have 8 acres with a mountain view. I could purchase up to 28 acres around my property.

The question is more startup. How do I setup a spa? Any advise would be appreciated.

There are several spa associations - you would probably want to visit those first to see what information they offer.

But before you begin anything - you would want to do some market research - how many other spas do you have in your area? who would be your clientele? why would they come to your spa as as apposed to one of the other spas in your area or in CA? etc.

With what you're describing you definitely be a high end spa (you would have to be because of the costs). But that would require some significant investment capital - building, employees, products, etc. Where would you get the money? If you're looking for an investor you would need to provide that person/organization with the market research information so you'll need to do it anyway - so do that first so you can determine whether or not it is feasible.

The other thing you may consider is working at a spa in your area for a few months just to learn the industry.

Check with your state development department and local/state health departments on regulations and health issues. Spas are like hair salons and need to be licensed and inspected. You might want to visit some local salons and see what they offer and talk to the owners. You will also have to hire licensed masseurs, facial and pedicure specialists. You will need to know the workman's comp and hiring regulations in your state and you will need insurance. A good business plan is a start. Contact SCORE for help. (score.org)

Start at:
spabusiness.com and
spatrade.com

Also you may want to start subscribing to some of the massage magazines. They are readily available at most newstands and have loads of information in the back on sources and other trade/spa type magazines.

I get several spa supply catalogs because I am in the essential oils/aromatherapy field so if you want the names of some reputable suppliers email me and let me know.

Hey is starting something such as a spa complicated. I have a friend who wanted to open a spa to pamper women. Is it possible to take lets say a 4 bedroom house add on a few things and have as follows

1 a room for massages
2 a lounge area
3 a fitness room
4 an eating room

get a sauna added on put in a couple of hot tubs

I'm just thinking off the top of my head i just want to know is it possible?

>I'm just thinking off the top of my head i just want to know
>is it possible?

Anything is possible. Investment costs aside, it sounds not only doable but easy to do as well.


Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!

>
Is it
>possible to take lets say a 4 bedroom house add on a few
>things..


You also have to make sure that the house is zoned for a business. If it is zoned residential, you probably would NOT be able to convert the house for commercial use. But if it is zoned commercial or commercial/residential then you can. At least that is the way it is here in Memphis.

You can't just take a house and turn it into a business without the proper permits/zoning. So check it out with your local permits/licensing offices.

"Spas" make me think of indoor stuff... pampering and relaxing and eyes closed.

If you have a mountain view and an option to pick up another 28 acres... you might just look into a bed and breakfast setup or a cabin rental.

You might even consider just an "event rental facility" where people might plan to have parties at...

I can't tell you where to start on these other ideas either... but if you have a good view... take adantage of it.


Marlin Creek - Idea Seeds
http://marlincreek.com

Mako's Kitchen
http://makoskitchen.com