16 Canadian spas have received “Quality Assurance Approved” status, a national designation recognizing consistent safety and hygiene standards in the spa industry, offering reassurance and uncompromising quality for spa guests.
They are;
* 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar and Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake,
* Ambiance Day Spa, Saint John
* Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa, Victoria
* Haven Spa at Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, Sidney
* Holtz Spa, Ottawa
* Riverstone Spa, Inn at the Forks, Winnipeg
* Rosewater Spa of Oakville, Oakville,
* Santé Spa Calgary, Calgary
* Santé Spa Victoria, Bear Mountain Resort, Victoria
* Secret Garden Spa at The Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake
* Shear Elegance Salon & Spa, London
* Sun Tree Spa, Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort, Moose Jaw
* Ten Spa, Winnipeg
* The Grotto Spa at Tigh-na-Mara Resort, Parksville
* The Spa Ritual, Calgary
* Vida Wellness Spa, Wall Centre, Vancouver
Following several years developing the criteria, Leading Spas of Canada introduced an extensive Quality Assurance program as a pilot project last year. Diane Sparrow explains, “Safety and hygiene standards have been a key concern over the past few years, as the popularity of spa treatments has grown. Spa offerings and amenities vary dramatically. This programme is not designed to measure the value of amenities, such as steam room or sauna, nor to credit them for the size of their spa, and grade them on a scale. The spas are all examined by the same criteria and must meet all essential safety, hygiene and operational standards. Receiving QAA status identifies them as dedicated to safety, hygiene and operating practices, offering confidence and comfort to the spa management, employees and the guest.”
To receive recognition as a “Quality Assurance Approved” spa, on-site assessments were conducted, examining each spa’s standards regarding sterilization of instruments, hygiene standards in treatment protocols, equipment and facility safety, cleanliness, proper safety and security procedures, staff certification and education, proper signage and customer service standards. To ensure proper standards for the staff, human resource processes were examined as well, in addition to the spas marketing materials being reviewed to confirm required information including cancellation and gratuity policies, rates and menu of services were clearly presented. The assessments were conducted by specially trained third-party evaluators, to maintain the integrity of the program, and culminate in a strict pass or fail result. All of the criteria must be met or exceeded before the spa receives their Quality Assurance Approved (QAA) status. The spas that successfully achieved QAA status during the pilot program were recently awarded a certificate for display and seal of approval to incorporate into their marketing materials, valid for the next two years before another assessment will be conducted.
Since 1998, Leading Spas of Canada (LSC) has been Canada’s only national spa association, setting rigorous standards of safety, hygiene and service. For the past decade, these standards were supported through voluntary adherence by all member spas, which remains for all member spas. The new Quality Assurance program is a step beyond, incorporating the on-site assessments to physically verify all requirements are met or exceeded. Leading Spas of Canada say the initiative is the only national comprehensive assessment program for spas in the world.
