MAKE MINE A SPA VACATION

       In this economy, we could probably all use a little pampering: a massage, a facial, a pedicure. Perhaps a nice soak in a hot whirlpool.
       The spa, new figures show, is one thing we're not giving up, even if it means opting for a cheaper experience and fewer treatments.
       The spa, new figures show, is one thing we're not giving up, even if it means opting for a cheaper experience and fewer treatments.
       In June, 46 per cent of the 3,200 members of the International Spa Association reported an increase in the number of shorter tretmants of 30 minutes or less, and close to half reported a decrease inthe amount spent per visit compared with the same time last year.
       The findings shwo some of the effects the economy is having on the spa industry, which has experienced exponential growth in recent years.
       Revenues were up almost 18 per cent in 2008 fromthe previous year to $12.8 billion, according to ISPA's 2009 US Spa Industry Update. The number of spa visits increased 16 per cent and the number of locations rose almost 19 per cent to 21,300 in the US.
       But per spa, revenues and vis its were slightly "down", with most travel agents reporting declines in spa travel bookings year-over-year from January through June of this year.
       Following are a few of the latest spas trends.