Spa association working on guidelines for operators

The Spa Association Singapore (SAS) has come up with plans for more protection for stranded customers.

It said on Thursday it will act as a "discussion outlet" for any member spa facing financial difficulties.

And if need be, it will allow clients to complete their packages at other participating member spas, should a troubled spa member close down.

13-year-old St Gregory's Spa will now take over the space in Pan Pacific Hotel - previously occupied by Wellness Village, which shut down overnight.

St Gregory's said the spa association is also in discussions with CaseTrust on guidelines to ensure customer protection.

But it said consumers should also do their homework.

"Basically you need to do a background check to establish how long they have been in the market and look at the background, the management team - who is the person behind the spa. I think that should be sufficient," said Wee Wei Ling, COO of St Gregory's Spa, and executive committee member of Spa Association Singapore.