What  is Spas

The word spa conjures up images of mud baths and meditation classes, spa cuisine in a serene desert setting.

But spas, lately, seem to be popping up everywhere: office buildings, strip malls, village storefronts. Salons and Korean nail places throw the word around. How can they all be spas?

First, there are different kinds of spas. At a destination spa, the whole environment is geared toward the four cornerstones of a spa experience: mind and body fitness, healthy eating, relaxation and treatments. You generally go there for at least two or three nights and immerse yourself in the spa atmosphere. Some people go to help them make lifstyle chnages. The destination spa is sometimes confused with a resort spa, which is one of the many amenities at a resort, along with golf, tennis and as much fatty food as you feel like eating.

At the day spa, people can drop in for massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. Often, day spas are an extension of a hair salon. This is fine, as long as the spa offers a quiet, serene, environment.

But no one is regulating use of the word spa. That's why some salons promote spa services when all they have is one massage table, or use names like "spa pedicure." If you have any doubt, check out the facilities yourself before booking an appointment. Just drop in and ask for a quick tour.

At a minimum, a day spa should offer professionally administered massages, facials and body treatments in a quiet, serene atmosphere. At its most elaborate, a destination spa like Canyon Ranch has a staff of physicians, psychologists, nutritionists and physical therapists. It offers so many classes, lectures and services that and so many things going on that you could spend months there and still not experience them all.

What does it mean? It's up to you, the spa-goer to figure out what kind of service and experience you want, and find the place that suits you.

Mineral waters and hot springs - the original spas - have been part of relaxation and healing in many cultures for centuries. Towns with hot springs grew into popular destinations for holiday retreats.

Today this concept is still intact but greatly expanded into modern health resorts offering just about everything for what relaxes, what energizes and what ails you. Contemporary spas cater to people who want to lose weight, get in shape, simply relax or luxuriate with pampering treatments. They offer all the elements you need for a healthy lifestyle including nutritious food - fitness activities - body treatments - medical evaluations - behavioral management counseling - nutrition education - stress management - holistic health - spiritual growth - movement therapy - exercise physiology and more.

You'll find spas in all shapes and sizes - at a mountaintop retreat, in the heart of the city, on a tropical island, in a desert oasis or in the serene countryside. What they have in common is they all specialize in wellness. To one degree or another, each addresses physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Some have distinct specialties while others can tailor your stay for your preferences.

Generally, spas fall into seven categories:

Club Spa - a facility whose primary purpose is fitness and which offers a variety of professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis.

Cruise Ship Spa - a spa aboard a cruise ship that provides professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.

Day Spa - a spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis.

Destination Spa - a spa whose sole purpose is to provide guests with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally administered spa services, physical fitness, educational programming and on-site accommodations. Spa cuisine is served exclusively.

Medical Spa - individuals, solo practices, groups and institutions comprised of medical and spa professionals whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment which integrates spa services, as well as conventional and complimentary therapies and treatments.

Mineral Springs Spa - a spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.

Resort/Hotel Spa - a spa owned by and located within a resort or hotel providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.

 

What Does A Spa Do

 Massage, Facial And Body Treatment Basics
Even the tiniest day spa can offer a dizzying number of services. Should you get the aromatherapy or the purifying facial? A salt scrub or a mud wrap? Paraffin or algae for your body wrap?

The most popular service and the best place to start is massage, the manual manipulation of the body's muscles. Massage has been around for thousands of years and has a number of health benefits. It improves blood circulation. It prevents and treats muscle pain and spasm. It reduces tension and anxiety, calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.

Massage therapy can be effective with pain management, but many healthy people get massage regularly because it helps them maintain physical, mental and emotional well being.

The second most popular service is the European facial, which involves skin analysis, deep cleansing, massage, "extractions" (removal of blackheads and whiteheads), toning, and moisturizing.

Body treatments are essentially facials for the whole body. The most popular body treatment is a salt glow or body scrub, an exfoliating treatment where the therapist rubs off the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This will leave your skin feeling velvety soft.

The body scrub is often combined with a detoxifying or hydrating treatment. Products like mud, algae, or seaweed are detoxifying because they stimulate your blood circulation and lymphatic system. This aids your body's own ability to carry away waste products. Rich cream or oil softens and condition the skin , so it's a hydrating treatment.

Most spas offer manicures and pedicures, and spa/salons offer hair cutting and styling services.

The most important thing you can do to maximize your enjoyment is arrive at least 15 minutes before your treatment is scheduled to begin. That way you can check in, change into your robe, and start to relax. If the spa has facilities like a sauna, steam bath, or hot tub, arrive even earlier.

What happens at a Spa?

Destination and hotel/resort spas range from luxurious to rustic, from large resorts with lots to choose from to intimate personal retreats, and in a variety of locales from the beach to woods to the city to the mountains to the desert.

A spa day may begin with a refreshing morning walk followed by a selection of exercise classes before lunch. In the afternoon you might enjoy a pool class, play tennis or take a nutrition workshop. You can finish your day with a healthy dinner followed by a soothing massage or relaxing aroma bath.

You can expect to interact with other interesting guests who have also decided to take charge of their well-being, many with a spirit of adventure and discovery or they wouldn't have tried a spa vacation. Many people develop new friendships through their spa experiences.

How Much Will It Cost

Prices will vary depending on where you live and the spa's luxury factor. A smaller day spa outside a major city will have lower prices: a fifty minute Swedish massage for $75; a European facial for $65; a half-hour body scrub for $40.

Prices at a more luxurious spa in a bigger city might be $95 for the massage; $90 for the facial; and $60 for the half-hour scrub. Manicures range between $20 and $35; pedicures between $45 and $65.

Destination spas can vary a great deal in the luxuries and amenities they offer, so there is a wide price range. Prices begin at around $200 per person, per night (double occupancy), including meals and some treatments, for more rustic destination spas, usually with a two-night minimum.

A top-of-the-line spa Resorts has a three-night minimum and can run $600 per person, per night (double occupancy) including meals and some treatments. And once you get there, you'll probably want more services and treatments than come with your allowance.

Always check to see what's included. Meals? Treatments? Tax? Service fees? And some resort spas even charge extra for yoga or aerobic classes

You can save by traveling off-season, planning your stay during the week rather than on weekends, and looking for special bring-a-friend programs.

You can also make the most of your time by arriving early in the morning on your first day and leaving late your last day.

Why a Spa Vacation

A spa vacation is the epitome of the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Let's face it, most people spend more time and money on preventive maintenance for their cars than on themselves.

People go to spas to rest, relax and become spiritually and physically replenished. It's a chance to get away from work, obligations, telephones, e-mails, doorbells and everyday stress, giving guests the time to concentrate on themselves.

Spas provide stress-free, noncompetitive experiences in settings that promote rest and relaxation. They offer a time - all too rare these days - to focus on you, take better care of yourself and totally unwind.

A Spa Vacation can be "all things to all people."

A spa vacation can cover the spectrum - it's ideal for people who need to make serious lifestyle changes and people who simply want to play.

It's great for someone traveling alone because it's safe and there are no forced or contrived social interactions (guests can meet people to the degree that they want).

It's great for all ages and people of all fitness levels.

Guests choose the pace of their vacation - active, inactive, whatever.

It's great for couples. There is plenty for both to do, together or individually.

Aren't spas just for the rich and famous?

You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a spa vacation. There is something for every taste and budget.

Many spa packages are all-inclusive (rooms, meals, services, exercise classes, lectures, etc.) and offered at a single price which make the vacation even more of a value. You get more than just a room for what you might pay per night at any upscale resort or hotel.

Day spas offer both a selection of individual treatments as well as half- or full-day treatments.

Once thought of as the playground of the affluent, spas now offer well-rounded health experiences that attract people from all walks of life. Professional men and women, families, couples, seniors and singes all benefit from spa vacations.

How do I Know Which Spa is Right for me

It's important to know what you want from a spa vacation or experience. Identify what you'd like to accomplish, then select a spa that enables you to concentrate on an area of emphasis such as:

Fitness
Work out in fitness classes, enjoy invigorating body treatments, participate in outdoor sports activities or sign up for programs to lose weight, get fit or adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Stress Management
Learn relaxation techniques, how to manage stress, and other strategies for feeling more in balance and in control.

Peace of Mind
Pursue a spiritual journey of introspection and reflection through meditation, yoga, tai chi, chi gong and other practices or activities that lead to serenity, understanding and self acceptance.

Pampering and Pleasure
Guests indulge their senses with massages, facials, mud or aroma baths and other delightful treatments as they enjoy a completely relaxing vacation.

Health and Wellness
Explore health, learn to deal with issues such as smoking or medical concerns and discover how lifestyle choices can lead to optimal wellness.

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