{"id":68611,"date":"2023-02-08T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-08T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=68611"},"modified":"2024-09-19T12:55:15","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T10:55:15","slug":"adding-a-massage-room","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/adding-a-massage-room\/","title":{"rendered":"Adding a massage room to your rental property in the Alps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With countless Alpine properties for guests to choose from, it’s now more important than ever to find ways to stand out from the crowd.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many factors which affect your bookings including pricing<\/a>, the quality of your property\/photography<\/a>, successful marketing<\/a> and much more<\/strong>. But, in this series, we’re focusing on chalet equipment and the associated considerations, costs and benefits that come with investing in additional features.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the wellness tourism industry booming, adding a massage room to your Alpine property is a simple way to help your property attract a wider range of guests. Here’s an introductory guide to adding a massage room to your rental property in the Alps…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to consider before creating a massage room<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Indoor space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First of all, you need a private space that is comfortable, relaxing and large <\/strong>enough to fit a massage table and allow a therapist to move around it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have an unused room in your chalet, for example somewhere you previously used for storage, converting it into a massage room is fairly straightforward. It could be as easy as purchasing a massage table, adding some ambient lighting and heating the space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or you may, for example, have a very large area such as a garage or basement that you want to completely transform. In this case, a massage room may be part of a bigger project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The owners of <\/a>Chalet Le Mousqueton, La Clusaz<\/a><\/strong> refashioned their garage into a wellness zone and created an additional massage room next to the games room.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The treatment room at Chalet Le Mousqueton, La Clusaz<\/a><\/strong> is functional yet relaxing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Finding a local mobile massage therapist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Creating a space for people to enjoy a massage is great – but you also need to recommend someone local who can travel to the chalet to offer their services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s high demand for massage therapists <\/strong>in the Alps due to ski injuries, sore muscles and guests who have a little extra budget to spend, especially in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask around in your local area, do some online research and even try a few treatments to find the right contacts. Ideally, try and find at least one bilingual therapist so that non-French guests can communicate their needs with ease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you manage the property yourself or employ a guest manager, make sure one of you is on hand to book the appointment. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The lovely massage room in Chalet Julena, Th\u00f4nes.<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Massage room setup ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What are the investments?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As far as additional chalet equipment or facilities go, a massage room is a pretty low-cost choice<\/strong>. If you’re working with an existing room that needs little renovation or reconstruction, there will be few investments to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what you’ll need to purchase for a successful massage room:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massage table<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Expect to pay between 250 and 500 euros for a massage table<\/strong>. Advanced models can be in the thousands, but you won’t necessarily need a high-tech, professional model as it won’t be in constant use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, do prioritise quality and comfort.<\/strong> The last thing you want is for the table to break or hinder the guest’s experience in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storage<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you have room, a small cupboard for storing supplies is a good idea. However, it’s not essential as long as items can be easily accessed elsewhere in the property and the massage room has been set up properly for guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chair<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Purchase a simple dressing chair to place in the corner of the room where guests can sit to take their shoes off or discuss their needs with the therapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coat hooks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Attach some coat hooks to the wall or back of the door so that guests can hang up any clothing they don’t want to crease. <\/p>\n\n\n

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We love these ornamental hooks at Chalet Vivaldaim in Morillon<\/a><\/strong>. They’re a great way to bring a natural feel to your massage rooms in the Alps.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Pillows, linen and towels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to provide additional pillows, linen and towels and budget for the extra laundry costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’d recommend purchasing towels in a separate colour from your bath towels so that you can easily distinguish between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could also invest in a few fluffy robes and slippers for guests to wear after their treatment for a real sense of luxury!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaker<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A Bluetooth speaker which can be used to play relaxing music is a great idea. Models range from 30 – 100+ euros. Again, as this won’t be the main sound system for your chalet, and it’s likely the music will be played fairly quietly, it’s not necessary to purchase an extremely high-end solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massage oils, lotions and creams<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The likelihood is, most mobile therapists will bring their own products with them, but it’s a good idea to provide a small stock just in case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, premium products with attractive packaging make a great focal point in the room and create a spa-like feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aromatherapy diffuser<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

An essential oil diffuser can be purchased for around 30 euros and helps to create a relaxing environment where guests can unwind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often made of natural materials such as wood, bamboo or crystal, they double up as lovely ornamental features for your wellness room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artwork<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Buy some neutral prints or artwork to hang in the massage room. Art that captures nature, the mountains or calming scenes will be in keeping with the ambience.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Dark tones, atmospheric lighting and matching artwork create a deeply relaxing mood at this Chamonix chalet<\/a><\/strong>, which allows space for two treatments at once.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The advantages of adding a massage room to your property<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. It’s a relatively low-cost option<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As far as chalet equipment goes, massage rooms do not require the same level of ongoing maintenance as a hot tub or swimming pool, for example.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have bought the equipment, apart from energy costs, occasional odd jobs and an extra room to clean on changeover day, the room will be entirely self-sufficient.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. You can earn more<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Investing in any kind of chalet equipment or extra facility justifies higher prices<\/strong>, as it represents an extra level of service and luxury available to guests during their stay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially, you will be paying off the cost of installation or renovation, but once you have, you can enjoy some additional profit from your increased rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Promote low-season bookings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Massage rooms can be used all year round, and guests considering a break in the spring or autumn will look for additional facilities like this. This equipment is particularly appreciated after a hike or a bike trip in the off-season, and is likely to make a difference in guests’ decision when booking your chalet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Tap into the wellness market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Policy Advice<\/a> <\/strong>states that wellness travel represents 17% of all worldwide tourism spending. <\/strong>Therefore, investing in equipment or facilities that appeal to this market is a wise decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other ideas to think about include yoga\/gym equipment, providing information about local activities or investing in additional cooking appliances such as juicers or blenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n How to Attract Wellness Travellers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Boost guest satisfaction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Guest satisfaction is key to running a successful rental business. Loyal guests spread the word about your property to friends and family, who may decide to book for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The owners of Chalet Chasmere Spirit, Manigod<\/a><\/strong> have included a spacious massage room in their wellness zone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The disadvantages of adding a massage room to your property<\/h2>\n\n\n\n