All About Spas: What To Know Before You Go

My first time at a spa was in 1975. I had been assigned to write a feature on The Golden Door, a luxury spa located in Escondido, California. The Door, as it is affectionately referred to by guests and personnel, had moved to larger quarters after becoming so well known that the waiting list became too long. At that time, The Door accepted no more than fifteen guests at a time.

Because it was the week of Thanksgiving, there were only seven of us. I was young, trim, and energetic. What do I need with a spa, I thought. Before the end of that week, I had become a firm believer in the true benefits of a spa vacation. Since then I have spent time at a spa at least once a year. Some years have found me spa-ing around as many as three times. Each visit has further convinced me that this is the perfect antidote to what has become a stress-laden, fast-paced life for most of us.

The growth of spas has tripled just within the last ten years.

What used to be referred to as "fat farms" or "health farms" has burgeoned into a multi-million dollar business. Just about every state in the country has a spa offering a variety of programs suitable for every budget. Spas in Europe and Asia offer a combination of state of the art R&R and a visit abroad.

No matter what your age, from the early twenties up to a mature eighty-plus, there is a spa that's right for you. I spent a week at a posh spa a few years ago where I met a vital, youthful guest of ninety who enthusiastically told me that she took spa breaks as often as possible and shared her opinion that this is what kept her in such good form, physically and mentally.

Spas are now the health meccas of the century, no longer relegated to just the rich and famous. Today, you will find guests ranging in occupation from teachers, nurses, and sales personnel to top executives of large corporations. Each seeking the nirvana of a spa visit.

My series of columns, "All About Spas," will explore all aspects of a spa vacation, offering in-depth information on spa types, benefits, program focus, and price. You will also find advice on how to select a spa to suit your budget and your goals- R&R, shedding inches and/or pounds in a healthy way.

The benefits are as many as they are varied. It's not enough to decide to spent a few days or a week at a spa. You have to do your homework to determine which of the hundreds of spas is the one to provide you with the ultimate in spa experience for your particular budget.

This series will provide all pertinent data to help you choose the spa for you, wherever you live. Want to stay close to home? There's a spa for you no more than one-hundred miles away.

Want to take just a few days to unwind? There's a spa that will turn three or four days into a magical experience of complete rejuvenation. Want to shed a bad habit (too much sugar, smoking, red meat, being a semi-couch potato?) It is all painlessly possible at the right spa.

In future columns we will investigate all of the above issues, explore the subject of choosing the spa that is right for you, and many other related topics. Each issue will include tips from some of the most famous spas in the country as well as quotes from spa afficianados who know the benefits of this very special type of vacation from personal experience.

Check for updates on the latest spa treatments as well as questions to ask before booking your stay.

Each column will focus on a different type of spa with a description of basic therapies: massage, facial, fitness classes and nutrition. We will take a step forward to include information on how to obtain a complete holistic experience no matter what your age or budget.