Kathmandu, 11 April: After completing the 21-day long ‘Three Passes Trek’, French tourist Natalie’s body was exhausted. Her body and legs were tired from the ‘high altitude’ walk. The medicine for a tired body was – spa.
“The long trek had worn out my body and made me mentally weak. After returning to Kathmandu, I was refreshed with a massage at Zen Spa. The service here was very good,” she said. Not only her, Paul from Hong Kong never returns to Nepal without taking advantage of the spa facilities. He has been to Nepal many times for trekking. “The body does not accept it without taking a spa after trekking, it is like medicine for the body, I find the facilities here very good,” he said.
In colloquial language, the treatment method using water is called spa. It is a natural treatment method that has been practiced since ancient times. Spa generates positive energy in the body and instantly reduces stress. Spa also helps in increasing blood circulation and boosting immunity. It reduces physical and mental fatigue and also awakens interest in food. Experts say that it also helps in refreshing the nervous system by solving the problems of joint pain and insomnia.
Recently, the number of Nepalis who are using spa services has also increased. According to Ramdev Mahato, owner and acupuncturist of Zen Spa, the number of Nepalis using this service has increased significantly in recent times.
“Until a few years ago, it was believed that only foreigners would use spa facilities, and Nepalis rarely came. At that time, there was a negative perception towards it,” he said, “but now the mindset has changed, those who use spa facilities are becoming more aware, and there has also been a change among business owners.” According to him, now a crowd of Nepalis can be seen in almost all spas.
Many people come to relax their bodies, relieve stress, and improve their circulatory system. “Spa facilities not only help in replenishing energy in the body, but also in boosting self-confidence. Those who use this service once come back,” said Mahato. According to him, the spa business has also contributed to extending the stay of tourists and increasing their spending in recent times.
Now that businessmen have started selling packages for families as well, the attitude towards it has also changed. Ramdev Mahato, who is also the secretary of the Spa Association Nepal, says that spas are the best way to make a tiring and hectic routine stress-free, pleasant and enjoyable.
Mahato is among the entrepreneurs who are investing the knowledge he learned abroad and expanding the spa business in Nepal. Mahato, who embarked on the spa business journey after receiving training from the Philippines in 2007, had worked in the same field in Abu Dhabi for about 12 years. Currently, he is taking the business forward through various outlets of Zen Spa.
Bhabi Sharma, the manager of Real Therapy and Beauty Point in Thamel, says that most foreign tourists visiting Nepal spend money on spas. “Spa is an important package of wellness tourism, which is on the must-do list of tourists, especially for those who go trekking,” he said.
According to him, recently, travel agencies have been including spas in travel packages. “In the past few years, not only has investment in this business increased, it has also provided employment to thousands. Recently, as the number of people doing decent business has increased, it has also become a choice for Nepalis,” he said.
Sharma, who is also the former chairman of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, says that spas have also played an important role in promoting tourism in Nepal. He says that not only tourists, but doctors also recommend going to spas for most patients.
“I think a spa is a good place for those with headaches, back problems, and allergies. In addition, it has been proven that it helps to rejuvenate the body and increase confidence,” he said. According to him, now that spa facilities have become a must in hotels, the number of hotels offering spa facilities has increased.
According to businessmen, most tourists from India and China, as well as Asian, European, and American countries, are among those who take advantage of spa facilities. Spa centers offer facilities such as steam, sauna, and jacuzzi, as well as Ayurvedic massage therapy, hydrotherapy, facials, and acupuncture. Recently, spa centers have also included yoga and meditation.
Suresh Puri, president of the Nepal Spa and Wellness Association, says that spa and wellness tourism is currently growing rapidly and is becoming a major choice for foreigners. “Spa is a business that provides relaxation, treatment, mental health, and an overall lifestyle-enhancing experience,” said Puri, who is also the executive director of Tranquility Spa. “It is no longer limited to luxury, but has become a necessity in everyday life.”
He said that the association is continuously working to develop spas as an industry that provides professional, dignified and international-level services. He said that the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation also needs to prioritize the wellness business and facilitate the operation of the business in line with international standards at the policy level.
According to him, investment in the spa business has also increased recently. “Generally, an investment of Rupees 20 million to Rupees 100 million is required in a spa. So far, more than Rupees 1 billion has been invested in this sector and more than 10,000 people have been employed.”
