Korean entrepreneur expands spa business

By the end of 2017, Cebu-based Korean entrepreneur Sophia Lee intends to offer 54 beds for Cebu’s booming spa and wellness industry.

Well Spa (Thai Massage), which operates under K. City. Amir Corp., opened last week its third and biggest spa facility so far, located at the basement of Sarrosa International Hotel and Residential Suites.

Its two other branches are located in Welcome Hotel and Mezzo Hotel. The firm is slated to open its fourth branch at Allsons Inn before the end of the year.

Lee, in an interview, said the aggressive expansion is buoyed by the flourishing tourism industry in Cebu, manifested by the rising arrivals of foreign tourists from Korea, Japan and China, most of whom are into spa and wellness.

“Massage is still the most popular request among tourists. After a day of exploring, or touring Cebu, they go to a spa to get pampered and to relax,” she said, adding that the spa is also getting popular among the locals.

The 280- square-meter spa in Sarrosa Hotel offers body and foot massage, as well as premium services such as hot stone massage, lava shell massage, and slimming massage at affordable packages. It features 18 spa beds.

Training

Well Spa’s expansion has also opened local employment. At present, it now employs 45 massage therapists. Lee has hired a Filipino licensed spa trainer who studied massage therapy in Thailand to train the therapists.

The spa is open from noon until 2 a.m.

After Cebu, Lee is considering to invest in Bohol, another destination with high tourism traffic.

“The opening of an international airport in Panglao Island offers an opportunity for us to bring the Well Spa brand to Cebu’s twin sister destination,” said Lee, adding that the Bohol expansion might take place in 2018.

Aiming to grow the Well Spa brand, the Korean investor is also eyeing the business for franchise. Lee said they already have a system that has worked well for its three branches.

The worldwide wellness industry grew 10.6 percent to $3.72 trillion, from 2013 to 2015, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing, most resilient markets, according to the 2016 Global Wellness Economy Monitor released by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).