Forbes Spa Standards List
A Forbes Five-Star spa List is built on consistency: calm arrival, flawless cleanliness, discreet professionalism, and treatments delivered exactly as promised. The Forbes 5 Star Spa Standards Checklist translates those expectations into a clear, verifiable workflow—reservations and pre-arrival communication, reception and guest greeting, facility and locker room readiness, treatment room staging, therapist consultation and technique, hygiene and safety controls, service recovery, retail and aftercare guidance, and end-of-visit follow-up.
The checklist is designed for real operating conditions. It aligns reception, therapists, attendants, and managers around observable standards: spotless wet areas and stocked amenities, correct draping and consultation, consistent treatment timing, quiet and controlled ambiance, and documented responses to guest discomfort or complaints. Each item is concrete, reducing “personal style” variation and making five-star execution repeatable across shifts and teams.
Use the checklist as a printable PDF for daily openings, spot checks, and manager walk-throughs, or run it in a mobile checklist app to assign responsibilities, track completion in real time, and capture notes or photos as evidence (where permitted). This creates reliable handovers, supports compliance and hygiene audits, and provides management with a clear view of recurring gaps.
Overall spa status (Normal / Busy / Issues)
Phone/email response time meets standard
Online booking working and up to date
Appointment confirmation sent with details (arrival time, attire, policies)
Guest preferences captured (pressure level, allergies, therapist gender)
Health screening questions included (as required)
Cancellation/no-show policy communicated clearly
Upsell options communicated appropriately (add-ons, upgrades)
Special occasions/VIP notes captured
Entrance clean, calm, and welcoming
Spa scent and ambiance consistent (music/lighting)
Reception staffed and attentive
Guest greeted promptly and warmly
Guest name used when known
Check-in completed discreetly (privacy maintained)
Consultation form provided/confirmed
Waiting time managed and communicated
Tour/orientation offered for first-time guests
Retail/product guidance offered (non-pushy)
Floors clean and dry (no slip hazards)
Surfaces dust-free, fingerprints removed
Seating clean and well-maintained
Trash bins not overfilled
Amenities stocked (water, tea, snacks)
Spa signage clear and elegant
Noise level controlled (no loud staff talk)
Temperature comfortable (°C)
Cleanliness photo evidence (public area)
Lockers clean, functioning, and secure
Towels fresh, folded, and stocked
Robes/slippers available in correct sizes
Showers clean (no mildew/odors)
Toiletries stocked and premium quality
Sauna/steam room clean and within temp spec
Jacuzzi/pool area clean (if applicable)
Water quality checks logged (if applicable)
Wet area safety signage present (if required)
Locker room photo evidence (if allowed)
Treatment room spotless and staged
Bed/linens fresh and properly set
Lighting and music set to standard
Room temperature comfortable (°C)
All tools sanitized and stored properly
Products labeled and within expiry date
Disposables stocked (cotton, tissues, covers)
Hand sanitizer available for therapist and guest use
Aromatherapy/diffuser used per policy
Treatment room photo evidence (staging)
Uniform clean and professional
Grooming and hygiene meet standard
Therapist introduces self and role clearly
Consultation conducted before treatment
Confirms guest preferences (pressure, focus areas)
Confirms contraindications/allergies
Explains treatment steps briefly (sets expectations)
Maintains discretion and quiet confidence
Draping technique correct and respectful
Checks comfort periodically (temperature/pressure)
Treatment begins on time
Technique matches treatment description
Product usage correct (amount, method)
Transitions smooth (no rushing)
Guest comfort maintained throughout
Therapist avoids unnecessary conversation
Focus on guest wellness and relaxation
Treatment ends on time with clear closure
Guest feedback captured immediately post-treatment
Any discomfort/complaint addressed immediately
Manager escalation used when needed
Alternative solution offered (adjustment, reschedule, comp)
Incident documented (what happened + action)
Follow-up with guest before departure
Post-treatment product recommendations personalized
Recommendations are helpful, not pushy
Therapist explains aftercare clearly
Retail displays clean and organized
Pricing visible and consistent
Retail purchase offered at checkout appropriately
Sanitation procedures followed (tools, linens, surfaces)
Handwashing compliance observed
Laundry handling separated (clean vs used)
Sharps disposal process in place (if applicable)
First-aid kit available and stocked
Emergency contacts and procedure visible to staff
Slip/trip hazards controlled
Chemical storage compliant (locked/labeled)
Appointments running on schedule (no cascading delays)
Therapist roster matches bookings
Breaks managed without impacting guest experience
Walk-ins handled professionally
Overbooking avoided / managed with protocol
Daily opening checklist completed
Daily closing checklist completed
Checkout smooth and discreet
Next appointment offered appropriately
Guest thanked sincerely by name (when possible)
Feedback request offered (survey/review)
Guest belongings returned (locker check)
Departure area clean and calm
Daily briefing completed (spa priorities)
Quality spot-checks logged (count)
Staff coaching notes recorded
Recurring issues identified
Overall spa service rating (1–10)
Corrective actions assigned
Overall audit status (Met standard / Issues noted)
























