Generic Rock Lady

I recently made the grave mistake of including a generic picture in a presentation for my masters about a hotel. We all know the picture...

You've seen it on most hotel websites that have a spa facility on the premises. A discussion had developed before the presentation had started about the generic rock lady's over use in the spa realm.I felt that overwhelming "D'oh!" feeling. One conclusion was that whoever took this picture must be making a fortune, because at a quick glance at a number of hotels were culprits in using this image. I wanted to investigate this more and see how many top spas have this picture or a derivation of it. These are my results.

During my online travels I found a number of variations to generic rock lady. This is what I found.

Generic rock man....













Generic rock less lady....













The new "generic rock lady" has become "the generic pondering couple". But once upon a time, before they became the "generic pondering couple", there was a "generic pondering lady"











...and naturally the generic couple

Although outdoor infinity pools are not that common, I believe this could be the new trend in the well being sector. A bandwagon effect is sure to ensue.

A definite pattern arises when looking online for spa's and health clubs. Where one nearly expects to see these pictures of a generic lady with rocks on her back or a couple looking into space. Photographers, web designers and any manager near top level should start to be innovative with their online picture presence. Yes, the odd arty picture of a steaming cup of tea or suggestive view of a woman de-gowning will catch my eye, but I want to see what makes this property different from the next.

Showing me the different types of bedrooms is standard, but I would like to see the idiosyncrasies that make me want to stay in that hotel or go to that spa. I'm sorry the pondering couple in an outdoor swimming pool just doesn't suffice anymore.

Show me something different!

In the interest of being done for copyright, here are the links to the respective pictures:
http://www.irishspahotels.ie/spahotelsirelandmap.htm
http://www.parkkenmare.com/
http://www.farnhamestate.ie/gallery/health_spa
http://www.spa-ireland.com/Aghadoe-Heights-Hotel-and-Spa-Overview-Spa-Ireland.aspx
http://www.lyrath.com/spa-hotel-kilkenny/
http://www.irishspahotels.ie/
http://www.flynnhotels.com/Newpark_Hotel/index.html