The main objective of this study is to test a hypothesized model constructed for examining the
service purchasing process from beginning to end. In the context of the U.S. resort/hotel spa
sector, data concerning what motivated spa patrons to visit resort/hotel spas, how these patrons
perceived the quality and the value of the services received, and what influenced their levels of
satisfaction and behavioral intentions were collected and analyzed. In addition, the possible
moderating effects gender and age might have on the relationship between motivation and service
quality were assessed empirically. Except for the hypothesized relationships of “service valuerepurchase”
and “satisfaction-repurchase,” all other relationships among the constructs proposed
in the model were supported. It was confirmed that resort/hotel spa guests’ motivations to visit
resort/hotel spas influenced positively the perceived service quality of such visits. In terms, the
perceived service quality influenced positively the perceived service value and the level of
satisfaction. In addition, the perceived service value had significant positive effects on
satisfaction, and both perceived service value and satisfaction influenced word of mouth
positively. The hypothesized moderating effects of gender and age on the relationship of
motivation and service quality were not found. Instead, these moderating effects exercised their
influences upon the relationship between service quality and satisfaction, with female and
younger resort/hotel spa patrons appearing easier to be pleased than their male and older
counterparts were. Lastly, it was discovered that resort/hotel spa guests with different
demographic and resort/hotel spa visit characteristics were motivated to visit resort/hotel spa
differently and had different perceptions on service quality, value, satisfaction, and behavioral
intentions.