Curious about what massage therapists and spas are doing to prepare for reopening? Wondering about what a massage experience might be like in the “new normal?” We know you are, given that 73% of you are aching to get your stress worked out when wellness businesses reopen post-COVID-19. Well, we are just as curious as the lot of you. So much so, that we reached out to our friend Jenalee Dahlen, Chief Visionary and Integrative Officer of Yoso Wellness Spa, to get some answers. 

What should clients expect to be different when they come to your business? 

Jenalee: A few things they can expect to have changed when they come in are... 

1.    Forms and screenings 

We send clients an intake form along with their booking confirmation, as well as a COVID-19 form and safety reminders to read and sign before their service. This removes or minimizes the time clients are gathering in the reception area. Upon arrival, we ask a series of COVID-19-related health questions and give clients a no-touch thermal temperature check. From there, we offer a spritz of sanitizer or directions to the restroom, so clients can wash their hands before receiving their service. 

[See what other salons and spas are doing to reduce contact and keep you safe] 
 

2.    Faster checkout 

On top of that, we are also providing checkouts before the services. Once the client’s treatment is complete, the practitioner can immediately step outside with them, schedule their next appointment on a tablet, and send them on their way. The only reason they would need to spend time in the reception area after their service is if we needed to show them skincare products.  
 

3.    Protective gear 

The practitioners providing the service will be wearing gloves, face coverings, and, when necessary, a face shield or protective eyewear. 
 

4.    Fewer amenities provided 

To reduce touch points, we are asking clients to bring their own water bottle, and for the time being, have removed our magazines and books for lounging and reading, extra amenities in the restroom, and client refreshments and snacks through the spa.  


These new processes will help reduce client crossover, limit the number of practitioners being in the space at the same time, and protect everyone within our doors, reducing potential exposure. Our top priority is the health and safety of our team and clients, followed by the prevention of our business from being closed again. When it is closed, we cannot physically support the wellness and self-care of our community. Anything we can do during this time to continue to create an experience while protecting everyone within our doors, we will do. 


[Book an experience at Yoso Wellness Spa] 
 

What have you changed about your business to keep clients safe? 

While Yoso Wellness Spa has always had high standards for cleanliness, we have created a space to take a deeper look at our processes. This is to ensure we are creating a safe space for our clients, community, and team.  

Some additional new "Stay-Safe Protocols and Policies" we have implemented that our clients are not directly involved in are increasing our cleaning schedule for sanitizing and disinfecting through the spa: 

1.    If the restroom is used, a team member will be going in and wiping it down after.  

2.    We always try to keep the front door open to reduce the number of touch points for our clients. If a door needs to be opened, one of our team members will do it.  
 


3.    We have removed testers from the skincare area and are asking clients not to touch the retail products. A team member will be handling the products unless a client has already purchased it in order to reduce any potential exposure.  
 


4.    To help keep our clients safe, we are also holding the team members of Yoso accountable with COVID-19 screenings, staggered lunches, and sanitized skincare bottles in the treatment room at the end of every service instead of at the end of the day.  
 


5.    Additionally, Yoso is scheduling or has already taken COVID-19 testing to reassure our community that we are a safe space. We are taking this seriously, as our clients’ health and wellness are top priorities. Yoso was created to be a respite—a space for healing, balancing, and nurturing through touch and wellness—and we will do everything possible to continue to uphold, and go above and beyond, our standards to continue this mission.  
 


6.    While it is not required, to help keep our clients safe, we have also ordered eight eco-friendly air-purifiers to place throughout the entire spa, including staff-only areas. These air purifiers use a process to deactivate airborne toxins and collect tiny particles as small as bacteria from the air.  


Ultimately, our goal is to create a calm and seamless experience. While processes have changed due to COVID-19, we continue to do our best to make sure our services feel gentle, reassuring, safe, and enjoyable. What won't be different is the care, passion, and heart that go into each treatment, and the smiles that are happening under our masks. 
 

As you can see, our favorite spas are doing everything they can to keep us safe and healthy. Whether you feel comfortable going back or want to stick at home for a while, find comfort in the fact that they’re patiently waiting and preparing for your safe and comfortable return. Thanks, Jenalee and Yoso Wellness Spa!  

Yoso Wellness Spa offers a variety of treatments from CBD massages to spray tanning. Live near Santa Cruz and want to check them out? Browse their services and book on Mindbody! 

Don’t live near Santa Cruz, but still want a massage? Browse wellness businesses near you. 

MINDBODY COVID CONSUMER SURVEY #5, JUNE 2020.