Ay, There's the Rub!

(12/16/2010)

I Gde Nyoman Indra Prabawa, general manager of Bali's poplar Jari Menari Spa, recently spearheaded a creative and innovative reward and incentive program for his fellow-members in the Bali Spa and Wellness Association (BSWA).

Beginning from Bali's established reputation as a world leading spa destination, Prabawa came up with an ingenious way to upgrade skills and job knowledge by creating a "Massage Practitioners Exchange" for 90 therapists working at 8 hotels and spas. Under the scheme, each participant agreed to massage fellow BSWA member at their place of employment and then, in return, receive a free treatment at a reciprocating establishment.

The exchange program ran from November 15-30, 2010.

In discussing the program, Prabawa said: "The best way to learn more about the processional aspects and experiences in a spa is to enjoy them as a guest. Within our own staff, I knew the team had not had the opportunity of being a guest at a spa other than our own and I wanted them to experience how the guest feels and how massage techniques differ at different spas."

After the exchange, all the participating practitioners to a lunch hosted at the newly opened Jari Menari Nusa Dua, as a sign of appreciation for their participation in the exchange.

Appreciative for the chance to exchange spa ideas and concepts, it was also very interesting to note that most of the spa workers made a special point of leaving gratuities for their co-workers after experiencing their exchange treatment session.

Bali was recently named "Best Spa Destination" at the Asia Spa Awards in Hong Kong. Speaking at the luncheon, Prabawa thanked all the participating spa practitioners, saying they were the ones that earned the award for Bali by offering such great service in their respective spas

The first spa practitioners exchange participants included therapist from Jari Menari Nusa Dua, Harris Hotel Kuta, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa, Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, Nikko Hotel, Padma Hotel, Ayodya Hotel and Bali BISA.

Based on the strong and very positive response from participating therapists, the BSWA plans to hold another exchange in 2011.

Shown on Balidiscovery.com are photos of I Gde Nyoman Indra Prabawa and a group picture following the luncheon held for exchange participants.