There are several types of spas: day spa; salon/spa; destination spa; resort spa; hotel spa; club and medical spa.
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The day spa offers spa treatments, such as massages, facials and body treatments, on a day-use basis. Most offer manicures and pedicures as well. Many hair salons have added day spas, which allow you to combine spa and beauty services in one day.
Facilities will vary at day spas, but most have treatment rooms, a meditation or waiting room, and a locker room with showers. A "wet room" is a tiled room with special shower facilities for more elaborate body treatments. Hydrotherapy tubs are not that common at day spas, but desirable. |
The Destination Spa offers a complete spa experience in an overnight setting (most require a two or three-night minimum stay). Its sole purpose is to provide mind and body fitness, healthy eating, spa treatments and relaxation.
There is a great range in terms of size, style and luxury, but the facilities should be more elaborate and extensive than the average day spa. Ideally, it will have hydrotherapy tubs, wet rooms, steambaths, saunas and some unusual treatments. Expect a wide selection of exercise and stress reduction classes, as well as outdoor activities. It should have gyms for working out, swimming pools, tennis courts, and sometimes Pilates studios. Classes and lectures are part of the program. Healthy spa cuisine is generally included in the price. While some treatments are included, you will probably want additional services. Some destination spas allow non-guests to book services on a day use basis. Others are limited to guests.
The Resort Spa is a facility that is just one of the many guest amenities at the resort, not the sole or primary attraction. This can be a good choice when one person loves spas and the other loves golf. Check your package: treatments and exercise classes may not be included. Meals are almost certainly a la carte. While there will be some spa cuisine, you can wash down your steak with a bottle of wine. (Some destination spas forbid alcohol.)
The Club Spa is attached to a fitness club, and the Hotel Spa is generally a luxury facility attached to an upscale urban hotel. Finally, the medical spa has been popping up in large cities. It offers treatments that require a doctor's supervision, such as laser resurfacing and Botox injections, in addition to traditional spa services.
The different types of spa are summarized below:
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 on board 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 program 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.