So, you're looking for something new, uplifting and unforgettable in a vacation. And, like countless others, you're considering one of the most rewarding vacation options - a spa vacation. The spa vacation is an ancient concept whose time has truly come.
As you begin your search, it is important to understand what to expect during a spa experience, particularly if this is your first spa vacation. This section highlights the basics and provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
What Is A Spa?
Webster's defines spas as: entities devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.
Mineral waters and hot springs - the original spas - have been an important part of stress-relief and healing in many cultures for thousands of years. Towns with therapeutic hot springs grew into popular destinations for holiday retreats. Today this idea is intact but greatly expanded into modern health resorts offering total, integrated environments devoted to relaxation and re-energizing - and curing what ails you.
Modern spas offer all the elements you need for health, recreation and peace of mind, including: nutritious food - indoor and outdoor fitness activities - body treatments - medical evaluations -behavioral management counseling - nutrition education - stress management - holistic health services - spiritual growth - movement therapy - exercise physiology, and more. There are seven categories of spas, all of which offer very different types of spa experiences. Thus it is very important to understand the differences and know what to expect.
What Are The Different Types Of Spas?
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has defined seven categories of spas: Club, Cruise, Day, Destination, Medical, Mineral Spring, and Resort/Hotel (see definitions below). For most spa vacations, guests visit Destination Spas or Resort/Hotel. Destination Spas offers a world apart, a sheltered wrap-around environment devoted to the health, pleasure and ease of the whole person. Resort Spas offer a spa environment as an amenity within the Resort. Club, Cruise, Medical, and Mineral Spring Spas are generally limited to day spa visits.
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 providing 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 destination spa is a facility with the primary purpose of guiding individual spa-goers to develop healthy habits. Historically a seven-day stay, this lifestyle transformation can be accomplished by providing a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthful cuisine and special interest programming.
Medical Spa: A facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complimentary and/or alternative therapies and treatments. The facility operates within the scope of practice of its staff, which can include both Aesthetic/Cosmetic and Prevention/Wellness procedures and services.
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. In addition to the leisure guest, this is a great place for business travelers who wish to take advantage of the spa experience while away from home.
How Do I Know What Spa Is Right For Me?
With hundreds of choices of spas offering thousands of services in so many different settings, how do you find the spa that's right for you? There are several ways to learn more about spas including:
· Ask your friends
· Call the spas themselves
· Consult Destination Spa Group via e-mail info@destinationspagroup.com or by calling toll free 888-772-4363
· Check out spa magazines & websites (Spa, Spafinder, Healing Lifestyles & Spas, SpaQuest, SpaAddicts, International Spa Association)
· Cross reference travel magazine awards (Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Spafinder)
· Talk with a travel professional that specializes in spas
Why Choose A Destination Spa Over A Resort Spa Vacation?
More and more people are choosing destination spa vacations because of the lasting benefits of creating a healthier lifestyle - and because of the sheer fun of going to a spa. Destination spas take care of people like no other places on earth and you will return home renewed, revitalized and with great memories.
A destination spa vacation is an excellent value in that it's the epitome of the old adage about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. Most of us spend more time and money on preventive maintenance for our cars than on ourselves. There's just something wrong with that picture. As the founder of Canyon Ranch, Mel Zuckerman, says, "Take care of your body. If it wears out, you won't have anywhere to live."
In the nurturing environment of a destination spa, you'll have the time and all the resources you need to truly take care of you. People go to spas to rest, relax and become spiritually and physically replenished. It's a chance to get away from work, obligations, phones, e-mail, doorbells and everyday stress. It's a chance to slow down, unwind and find balance in your life in a safe, fine-tuned environment.
Who Should Go To A Destination Spa?
· People who are intent on making lifestyle changes and for those who simply want to go play. Some guests change the way they live forever; some just come for the peace and quiet; some spend their time sampling the latest in treatments and fitness, or hiking all over the map. Guests suit themselves, every moment of every day.
· Solo travelers - the environment is safe, welcoming, casual and completely free of contrived social interactions and forced group activities.
· Adults of any age, at any fitness level and state of health. Some of best-known destination spas offer sophisticated medical resources in addition to services like nutrition counseling, movement therapy, personal assessment and training, behavioral health consultations and spiritual workshops. Destination spas are some of the most complete "wellness libraries" in existence.
· Couples - There's plenty for both to do, together and individually. Golf, bodywork, hiking, dance class, kickboxing - it's always up to the guest. Destination spas offer a great honeymoon option - start your married life together on a healthy path.
· Parent/child - Share the spa experience with someone you love and you'll have a vacation to remember always. Just like couples, there is plenty for both to do individually and together. Spas offer a great bonding vacation. Note - most destination spas require children to be at least 14 years old.
· Groups - social or corporate meetings, destination spas provide an ideal setting for small gatherings. Meetings, team-building, group fitness classes, or social events can all be arranged if desired. Let the group specialists take care of all the details while you and your group enjoy all the spa has to offer.
· Anyone who wants to step out of the rush of every day life and into a world of tranquility and health.
How Much Will It Cost For A Destination Spa Vacation?
You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a spa vacation. There's something for every taste and budget. In fact, most destination spa packages are all-inclusive (rooms, meals, services, exercise classes, lectures, etc.) and offered at a single price which makes the vacation even more of a value. You get much, much more than just a room for what you might pay per night at any upscale resort or hotel.
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 of all ages, couples and singles, people with health challenges and devoted athletes all take spa vacations - many of them year after year. There are so many options at a destination spa that the experience is always new.
A traditional 7 day program at a Destination Spa varies from $700- 7,500 or ~$100 - 1,000 per day and priced accordingly.
What Happens At A Destination Spa?
Destination 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 desert. But no matter what the setting, destination spas offer a wonderful blend of invigorating activities and rejuvenating relaxation. You choose what you want to do, every minute of the day.
Your spa day may begin with a refreshing morning walk followed by a selection of fitness classes before lunch. In the afternoon you might enjoy a pool class, play tennis, do yoga or take a nutrition workshop. Or take a peaceful nap in your quiet room. You can finish your day with a delectable, guilt-free dinner followed by a soothing massage or relaxing aroma bath.
Expect to meet other interesting guests who have decided to take charge of their well-being. Like you, they have a spirit of adventure and an intention to health - or they wouldn't have tried a spa vacation. Many people develop lasting friendships through their destination spa experiences.
What About The Food?
Generally, destination spas offer healthy, nutritious food. Many specialize in gourmet spa cuisine. Coffee and tea are available at most spas. Wine and organic beers are offered at some spas, but distilled beverages are rarely served. Comparatively, Resort/Hotel spas may serve low-cal food as an option on the regular menu and alcohol and caffeine are available.
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