A newly launched spa management company in India has set itself an ambitious target of securing 20 new sites during 2012 as well as opening a new spa training academy.

Urban Nirvana Wellness Corporation (UNWC) was founded by wellness entrepreneur Manish Patwardhan in December 2011 and the company has already agreed deals to operate four spas - two in Goa and one each in Bandhavgarh and Alibag.

Acording to Patwardhan, the group is primarily looking for new openings in India, but hasn't ruled out properties abroad.

"Between 80 to 90 per cent of our operations will be in India", he said.

He cites the lack of professionally trained spa staff as one of the main obstacles for expansion - an issue that he is looking to correct with the opening of a wellness-based training academy with a revolutionary concept.

Patwardhan said: "The academy will include a fully equipped 2,000sq ft (185sq m) training spa and we are hoping to turn around at least 240 students in the first 12 months.

"The academy will offer students around 200 hours of intensive training followed by at least 1,000 hours of structured work experience."

He added that the focus of the spa academy will be based on recruiting young people from poor backgrounds and turning them into qualified therapists.

"The training model is unique and is based on empowering the youth," he said.

"We're recruiting young people from socially and economically deprived areas of the country and bringing them to the academy. The training is entirely free and we offer each student all travel costs, overnight stays and food.

"Once the training is completed, the academy will employ the candidates within the spa industry through its recruitment arm. Training costs are then recovered from the employer and not from the employee in any manner. This is the first of its kind of model being introduced in India."

Following the training, students will receive a "Certificate in Spa Therapies" awarded by the academy itself.

Patwardhan is, however, currently looking to gain accreditation for the academy's courses and training from the Indian Spa and Wellness Association.

UNWC currently operates four spas in India - Zuri Spa and Salon at the Sarowar Lazy Lagoon Portico, Goa; Ziv Spa and Salon at Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim, Goa; Urban Nirvana Spa at Syna Tiger Resort, Bandhavgarh; and Urban Nirvana Spa at Karpewadi Agrotel Resort, Nagaon.

It has already secured a contract to operate its fifth site - the spa at the Chariot Spa and Resort in Puri, which is scheduled to open in Q1 2012.