Planet Beach Miami Spa Director Takes on Egypt

A Spa Director’s Journey from the Shores of Miami to the Shores of the Red Sea.

To Christi Armstrong, Spa Director in Miami, FL, making a move to Egypt has been a rewarding yet challenging adventure.  We asked her to shed some light on her experiences so far as the Spa Director of a Planet Beach spa expected to open in March of this year in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Christi Armstrong, Spa Director Planet Beach Egypt

1)   How did you first get involved with Planet Beach?

I was introduced to the company by my best friend who knew how much I loved the beauty industry.  She was a member at Planet Beach & she heard her location was looking for a Spa Director. I ended up interviewing and earning the Spa Director position at the Planet Beach in North Miami.

2)   What were you doing prior to Planet Beach?

I had been an esthetician for 10 years & before I came to Planet Beach I was an Asst. Spa Director for a spa on South Beach.

3)   What attracted you most to the brand?

The first thing was that I saw the success of the services. THEY WORK! Secondly, was the affordability.  I think everyone should have the opportunity to make themselves look & feel their very best.  Not just those who can afford a day at a traditional spa.  And of course, third was the time.  I love the idea that this can fit into everyone’s schedule. Stay at home mom, full-time student, demanding career, it doesn’t matter.  Planet Beach can accommodate you!

4)    How did the opportunity for the Egypt position come up?

I was contacted by our corporate office & asked if I would be interested in representing Planet Beach over in Egypt as a Spa Director for a new Master Franchisee.

5)   Why do you think you were selected?

I have been a Spa Director for Planet Beach for 6 years now in Miami, which is very much a tourist city so I had experience working with people of different cultures and languages.  I also think I was selected because I am very passionate about Planet Beach & I show this very well when I speak about the company which in turn makes them interested to inquire more about what we do. In a new market, this is very important.

6)   When did you make the move to Egypt?

I moved here to Sharm El Sheikh on October 23, 2012

7)   What was the hardest part about moving so far away?

Definitely the hardest part was leaving my family & friends.  Not being able to see them or talk to them whenever I want is very difficult. Thank goodness for Skype!! 

 8)   What has your experience been like so far?

So far my experience has been very challenging.  When you are working in a country where you do not speak the language, that is hard enough but I try to learn at least one new Arabic word every day. I’m still learning all the traditions & customs to better understand the philosophy of the culture.

9)   What has been the most exciting and interesting aspect?

Getting to know the country & the people has definitely been a very interesting aspect.  They are beautiful & kind-hearted people.  I am excited to be living in such a historical and amazing country.  The desert, the pyramids & the breath taking Red Sea are a few of the things I can’t get enough of.

10)   What is the complex like where Planet Beach will be opening?

My spa is located at The Sunrise Grand Select Arabian Beach Resort, which is an amazing hotel located right on the Red Sea in South Sinai. There are 4 main pools & 6 swim-up pools plus a ¼ mile of beach -front.  We have 7 different restaurants, an amazing nightclub and amphitheater.  In addition to all of that, there are stores for shopping so if you didn’t want to, you would never need to leave to resort.  It really is quite a spectacular place.

11)       How are you getting the word out there?  What type of marketing have you been doing?

Since most of our business will come from guests within the resort, we do our marketing through the travel agencies & through the Guest Relations of the hotel.

12)      When will the spa open?

The expected opening is mid March.

13)      What do you like most about living in Egypt?

I love learning about the culture. The people are so kind & genuine. Plus the food is delicious & I can say the weather is even better then in Miami…NO HUMIDITY!!

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Planet Beach, please read our Free Franchise Report! 

A Closer Look into the Life of Planet Beach Cover Model, LauRen Merola

LauRen Merola was born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania (but currently resides in Charlotte NC), where she was chosen as Miss Pennsylvania USA in 2008 and placed in the TOP 5 at Miss USA.  She is also a professional dancer, cheering for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. After working on the Steelers Sports show “The Jeff Reed Show”  LauRen has launched a successful career in Sports Broadcasting all over the world, working in both TV and Radio markets from Miami to Mumbai India.

In 2012, LauRen learned about the opportunity to become a Cover Model for Planet Beach. Her upbeat personality, thirst for competition and genuine love for the brand solidified her position as one of the Top 5 Cover Models chosen to represent Planet Beach in 2013.

Let’s take a closer look into the life of LauRen!

 

Q: How did you hear about the Planet Beach Cover Model Competition? What inspired you to participate?

A: While I was using one of the Planet Beach spas in Miami, someone asked me if I was interested in the model search and thought I would be a good fit to represent the company. I have modeled for years but have always wanted to do something bigger than just taking a photo. I wanted to be the FACE of a product I believed in!

Q: What is your favorite Planet Beach spa service and why?

A: The Saunatox! I am a TRUE believer in relieving your body of bad toxins. I eat pretty organic and use products enriched with natural and organic ingredients but nobody’s perfect and I do cheat. So the Saunatox is exactly what I need to get back on track and feel great!

Q: What is your favorite Planet Beach product and why?

A: I would have to say the Indulge Instant meal! I replaced my old protein shakes with them as the caloric value was pretty comparable, if not better. The Indulge tasted better and had a lower glycemic index so I stopped getting that sugar crash an hour after I drank it.

Q: Why are you the perfect spokesmodel for the Planet Beach Body campaign?

A: My entire life has revolved around health, fitness and a passion to help others so I feel I am a perfect fit for this campaign! I understand and appreciate true beauty and I hope to set an example for women to find the beauty within. I hope to inspire and instill confidence in Planet Beach members across the globe.

Q: What are your goals as a Planet Beach Cover Model?

A: I think it’s imperative to show the world how important it is to take care of your mind and body. I plan to do that by merging my business savvy personality with my love for Planet Beach’s spas and products. This is a booming industry and I daydream about having the opportunity to run a Planet Beach of my own one day!

Q: Describe the Planet Beach company in three words.

A: Who needs 3? HEAVEN. Okay, okay, how about ALL. YOU. NEED.

Q: What has been your highlight so far as a Cover Model?

A: I would say working with our crew behind the scenes in Mexico. It’s nerve wracking sometimes working with new people on a new project, but we had so much fun and they made us feel so comfortable. I felt like we had been working together for years. It’s long days trying to get the perfect shot…but time flies when you’re having fun!

Q: What is your most embarrassing moment? We all have one! (at least!)

A: Well, I love to dance and I do it sometimes to shake off jitters. Well I guess I shook off more than that. I was competing in a pageant when I was younger and about to go on stage for the Evening Gown competition and a pad in my dress came loose and fell out of the bottom. I tried to kick it off the stage before anyone saw but it was too late. Needless to say, I’ve sewn those bad boys in since then!

Q: What is your career aspiration?

A: To “have it all.” I have had a great broadcasting and modeling career and I am married to the man of my dreams, but I hope to one day be a successful entrepreneur and a “super” Mom!

Q: If you could have dinner with one figure in history and ask them any one question, who and what would it be?

A: One person that I’ve always been inspired by is Giuliana Rancic. She is an Italian American Broadcaster like myself but she has been through so much and has had the strength to share it with the world…from her marriage and having breast cancer to infertility and having a baby through a surrogate. I would ask her how she did it, while never losing herself or her career.

 

FACT! Using Planet Beach Slim Capsule, Members Say You CAN!

At Planet Beach, we’re always looking for ways to help our members look and feel good about themselves. The Slim Capsule has definitely made its mark in the spa industry and I suspect it will continue to be one of the most popular services we offer!

So what is a Slim Capsule, you ask? Picture a futuristic, space-age type capsule with a door sort of like the Back to the Future Delorean…cool I know!

Once inside of the capsule, the magic begins! 

Just like a traditional sauna, the device heats up the body’s core temperature so you can benefit from weight management benefits both during your session AND after!

UNLIKE a traditional sauna, your face remains outside of the heated compartment with a cooling air fan keeping you comfortable throughout the session.

To enhance your results and experience increased benefits, apply our special Planet Beach Body products prior to the session and wear a sauna suit to help your body reach optimal temperatures.

The first Slim Capsule session will get to about 150 degrees. In following sessions, the temperature is increased until your body reaches 175 degrees, which believe it or not is not uncomfortable because your head remains outside of the unit. Each session lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes and includes LED light technology, dry heat, massage, ionizing air, and aromatherapy. Couple that with some relaxing spa music and you’re in for a treat!

Relax AND slim and smooth your body…who would have thought the combination could exist!

Our customers have seen amazing results with the Slim Capsule including reducing the appearance of cellulite, stress relief, weight loss and so much more!

With our 1^st Quarter Weight Management campaign in full swing, now is a great time to try this service and some of our other Weight Management services. You can choose three weight management sessions now for ONLY $39!

To find a spa nearest you, click HERE!

To read more about the Slim Capsule, click HERE!

Make sure you follow us on Facebook for weight management tips!

Weight Management spa services and products can help you on your way to a leaner, tighter physique.

New Year ‘get healthy, get fit’ resolutions are in full swing and we are rising to the occasion once again with our popular BODY campaign running now until the end of March. Planet Beach weight management services and products are the perfect complement to any fitness regime, helping you tighten and tone those stubborn areas. 

Our special promotion offers non-members a chance to try out Planet Beach services prior to joining so they can experience the amazing benefits of a Planet Beach membership. For a limited time, customers can try three weight management services that may include the Slim Capsule, Saunatox and customer favorite, Hydration Station for a one time fee of $39. These services can help you lose inches, burn calories, rid the body of toxins and so much more.

To learn more about this special promotion, click HERE!

Make sure you find us on Facebook for tips on getting healthy and fit this new year!

To find a spa nearest you, click HERE!

We understand the wants and needs of our members and franchisees and we will continue to evolve in our use of technology to meet them.

If you were to tell me 20 years ago that we’d have computers as cell phones….or cell phones period… I probably would have laughed at the prospect. How times have changed.

These days, our entire world revolves around the use of technology.  From smart TVs and phones to smart refrigerators and cars, today’s generation relies heavily on technology to work, play and socialize. As a growing franchise, we understand the wants and needs of our franchisees and customers and we are continually incorporating new and innovative technologies into our mix to meet them.

Some ‘tech-y’ programs already in the mix include our custom branded e-catalog, which is an online tool explaining all the services and products we offer with voiceover narration and custom animations. You can view our e-catalog here: www.planetbeach.digbro.com.  We also have our own custom branded social networking platform called pbCrew where our franchisees can interact with their members and customers in a social setting to promote in-spa specials and events.

The newest technology we’ll be rolling out in the near future is our Planet Beach smart phone app. This tool will have all the latest deals and specials, a location finder with direct phone links, and even a feature where customers can book spa appointments! The app will be finalized and presented at our Annual Planet Beach Convention in

Between your once a year hectic family get-together at your house and your Clark Griswold style dysfunctional Christmas lights, the holidays can get a little stressful. Planet Beach is here to help you not only get through the holidays but actually ENJOY it too! The holidays should be a time of celebration and joy, not stress.

Stress-Reducing Holiday Tips:

1)   Maintain a sense of humor!

Getting together with family and friends can sometimes be stressful. Maintain a sense of humor to promote closeness and harmony. Set aside your differences and enjoy the company.

2)   Shop Early & Online

Avoid the long lines and crowded mall parking lots. Online shopping allows you to shop at multiple stores without running all over town. Be sure to allow plenty of time for shipping and keep a written record of each purchase to stay on track

3)   Wrap as You Go

Wrap gifts as you buy them instead of leaving all the wrapping until the last minute. Stock up on more economical wrapping supplies by shopping the after-holiday sales for next year.

4)   Stay Pampered

No matter how long your ‘to-do’ list gets, remember to take the time to pamper yourself so you can re-focus and re-charge

5)   Don’t Splurge (well at least not too much)

There are ENDLESS opportunities to eat during the holidays, leading to weight gain, which can lead to MORE stress. So keep that in mind when you are attending all those holiday parties

6)   Don’t Over-Commit

You are ONE person. And you have a ton of things to juggle. You can’t make everybody happy all the time. Know your limits and stick to them.

Remember, the holidays should be fun! Follow these simple tips and you will avoid any unnecessary stress.

For more tips, make sure you visit our Facebook Page! 

 

Facials and massages becoming more popular among male demographic

Women, who make up the majority of spa visitors, have long understood the importance of relaxation and rejuvenation.

But these days, we’re seeing a shift in our demographic: More men are venturing into salons and spas across the country to enjoy facials, massages and other services.

Men aged 18 to 34 are increasingly using salon and spa treatments, says Mintel, a global market research group that released the results of a survey on industry trends in July. The survey found that 38 percent of men aged 18-34 have had a facial or body treatment, compared to only 15 percent of men 55 years old and older. The study also found 39 percent of men surveyed who have had a facial get one once a week, compared to only 6 percent of women who get the treatment that often.

Research shows a growing desire among men to maintain a well-groomed look, leading to the increase of male spa visits.

The same trends go for Planet Beach. The demographics in our spas have changed during the last several years with an increase in male customers. Men now make up nearly 11-15 percent of our customer base and we feel that number will continue to rise.

Mintel’s research reveals a growing desire among men to maintain a well-groomed look. We’re happy that our male clientele, no matter their ages, trust us to deliver relaxation and rejuvenation services that improve their quality of life.

To find a spa nearest you, please click HERE!

Interested in joining the relaxation revolution with your very own spa? Download a free franchise report.

 

With such an amazing cast of five beautiful & fun ladies, we’re not surprised that the 2012 Cover Model TV Show became such a hit across the nation! Reaching over 70 MILLION homes, these girls really knew how to keep the audience engaged and entertained.  With behind the scenes footage, photo & video shoots, interviews and of course, the final competition, the TV show was all we hoped it would be…and more!

Jodie, Bianca, Michelle, Laurence and Sierra did an outstanding job representing our brand in 2012 in our campaigns and out in the community. With their reign at its end, we want to take the time to thank them for the impact they’ve had on our Planet Beach family and welcome our newest Cover Models for the 2013 calendar year.

Our 2013 Cover Models, Brittanie, Jenya, Saher, Linsey & LauRen have an amazing journey ahead of them. Judging from the recent photo and video shoot in Cancun, Mexico at the Grand Palladium Resort, I think we’re all in for a treat this year! Stay tuned!

To watch the 2012 Cover Model TV show, please visit our YouTube channel!

Or watch them below!

Cover Model TV Show Part One

Cover Model TV Show Part Two

Research shows a probable link between longer lifespans and happiness in the elderly

Studies show the happier you are, the longer you may live.

WebMD recently reported a study that further proves the importance of our mission to provide our members with relaxation and rejuvenation. And of course, we couldn’t be more pleased.

Last year, a United Kingdom study followed more than 3,800 people between the ages of 52 to 79 for five years. The study asked participants to rate their feelings of happiness and anxiety at different points throughout their day. Researchers found the people who reported feeling the happiest had a 35 percent lower risk of dying than those who reported high levels of unhappiness.

For some time, research has suggested a direct link between emotional well-being and longevity. Our mission at Planet Beach is driven by the need to address a growing concern plaguing our communities: increased stress and anxiety levels that can ultimately lead to illness, depression and a host of other negative side effects.

Thankfully, Baby Boomers are catching on. We’re seeing an increase in this demographic who seek Planet Beach services as they draw closer to retirement age. Our automated massages, facials and light therapy help them relax, which can lead to lower blood pressure and an overall higher quality of life. With this in mind, our younger demographic — especially those around the age of 35 — seem to be following suit to begin reaping the benefits early on.

 

We’re at the leading edge of a shift in the way Americans think about wellness — as a necessity, not an option. As health care costs continue to rise, we’re looking forward to implementing even more ways to keep our communities relaxed and rejuvenated at our automated spa.

 

Find us on Facebook for tips on staying healthy & beautiful!

With “to-do” lists longer than a roll of toilet paper, the hustle and bustle of every day life can become quite overwhelming. As parents, friends, and children we need to use all the resources we have to live healthy, strong lives.

Massage has long been known for its natural ‘healing’ abilities. Today massage therapy is considered a highly respected holistic way to relieve pain, prevent illnesses, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation. Once perceived as a luxury reserved for the wealthy, massage therapy is now considered an important and necessary component of modern life.

Here are just a few of the many benefits you could receive with massage therapy:

1)   Relax Your Muscles

Whether you’re sitting at a desk or standing on your feet 8 hours a day, both take a toll on your muscles. Massage can be a great way to work out those kinks while helping you relax.

2)   Detoxify Your Body

Massage therapy also has also been known to have detoxification benefits to help get rid of harmful body toxins.

3)   Reduce Stress & Anxiety

The never-ending “to-do” lists need to be put aside to let your body and mind relax. When you’re overwhelmed, chances are you’re not productive. Take this time out to regroup and refocus.

4)   Relieve Minor Aches & Pains

Massage therapy can help with those aches and pains in your muscles caused by a buildup of lactic acid. By improving your blood circulation, those tense muscles can get the oxygen rich blood they need.

5)   Promote Overall Well-being

By relaxing your mind and body, getting rid of toxins and improving blood circulation, massage therapy can have a powerful effect on your overall wellbeing.  You could leave a massage session completely revitalized and ready to tackle the day.

With all these benefits and more, it’s not surprising that more and more people are turning to massage therapy as a way to enhance their wellbeing.  Get a massage on a regular basis. See what difference it makes in your life.

At Planet Beach, we have a variety of automated massage options you can choose to target those vital pressure points along your body.  The great part about it is you can get a massage in just 20 minutes…perfect for a lunch break or after work. Learn more about our massages by clicking HERE 

To find a location nearest you, click HERE!

The new Planet Beach campaigns are underway.

A couple of weeks ago, five lucky ladies boarded a plane to Cancun, Mexico for the first of many adventures they will share as the 2013 Planet Beach Cover Models.  Their very first photo, video and promotional shoot and events took place at the beautiful Grand Palladium Resort in Mexico, which was truly the perfect backdrop for the shoot.  Grand Palladium is one of Planet Beach’s newest partners that offers members discounted vacation packages at their resorts.

Although an ideal place to relax and have fun, these girls were put to work as soon as they stepped off the plane. But don’t feel too bad for them, that didn’t stop them from having fun and bonding over their new chapter of their life as Planet Beach sisters!

The week started off with a bang as the girls met for the first time and started getting to know each other.  Coming from so many different backgrounds, there was A LOT to share! The ladies are made up of a beautiful mom of 3 that works at a spa, a TV personality, a professional cheerleader, a geoscientist and a college student! However, the ladies shared one passion, a love for Planet Beach!

Their schedules were packed full of photo shoots and video shoots but there was always room for a little fun. Nice dinners, celebrating birthdays, boating adventures and snorkeling excursions were all part of the mix.

“The trip was an absolute success! They ladies brought beauty, professionalism and passion and were a pleasure to work… and play with. The outcome was one of our best campaign shoots yet,” stated Franchise Marketing Director, Troy Wise. “Everyone needs to keep an eye on these new Planet Beach rising stars!”

Check out some sneak peaks from the 2013 Cancun photo shoot here!