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Before you go. It helps to know the types of spas out there and which one is right for you.
The decision to go to a spa is easy. Trying to figure out where to go can be a little mind-boggling. Mineral waters and hot springs were the original spas, and they are still widely popular today. But worldwide the spa concept has grown far beyond hot spots to soak. Spas now offer a dizzying array of amenities and programs that range from deluxe pampering to serious health and fitness to outdoor adventure to all of the above. As with any other vacation, your choice will depend on the spa location, cost and type, your personal preferences and goals, and whether this is to be an experience for the family.
Spas can be divided roughly into three categories:
Destination Spas
Resort Spas
Day Spas
Destination Spas
At destination spas life focuses completely on spa programs and activities. They generally offer comprehensive packages, which include your accommodations, meals, a multitude of body treatments, use of the fitness facilities, and access to exercise classes and spa programs (i.e., nutritional education, stress management, medical evaluations and so on). Meals at destination spas tend to be low-calorie and nutritious; often, alcohol and caffeine are not available. It is a total immersion into the spa experience, and everyone you meet is there for basically the same purpose; health and well-being. Some destination spas even have guests arrive and leave on set dates soothe same group will be together for their entire stay. Most destination spas are co-ed with separate spa treatment facilities for men and women, but a few are women-only. While there are no exclusive men's spas, you will find occasional men only weeks or programs.
Some destination spas offer small, intimate environments with only 10 to 30 guests at a time and abundant personal attentions from the staff. Others are larger, making it a little easier to get lost in the crowd. Although much of the activity takes place on site, destination spas also often have activities, such as hiking, that get you out into the great outdoors.
When looking for a destination spa, consider your goals. Do you want to lose weight? Are you having trouble managing stress? Do you want to learn how to better manage a medical condition? Do you have a passion for hiking, horseback riding or other outdoor fitness activities? There are destination spas out there with programs in all these areas.
Resort Spas
A resort spa differs from a destination spa in that the spa is an amenity available to guests within a resort setting. Sometimes the spa facility is a separate building on site, other times it might be incorporated within a wing of the resort. Your accommodations and meal service, however, are typically part of the overall resort offerings, although spa cuisine is often available on the "regular" menu. You can often purchase a spa package at a resort, which might include your room, meals, use of the fitness facilities and a few spa treatments. Or, guests can pay for these services a la carte. Resorts also sometimes offer packages that combine spa treatments with special programs in golf, tennis, cooking and so on.
If you plan on taking the whole family, or want a more flexible schedule with time for day trips and sightseeing, then a resort spa might be for you. If you're planning to take the kids, be sure to check out any family-friendly activities and special programs for children.
Day Spas
In cities nationwide, day spas are booming, offering n easily accessible and refreshing spa experience. Some include large fitness facilities, while others focus exclusively on beauty and body treatments. Some are businesses on their own, while others are located in upscale hotels and serve both hotel guests and the public. Purchases options vary, from treatments a la carte to half-day packages to blow-your-mind-but-not-your-budget full-day option. With full or half-day packages, spa lunches are sometimes included. Choosing a day spa is easy just pick you pleasure, and enjoy.
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