All About Spas: Distinct Types of Spas

A spa is a spa is a spa. But is it really? In the burgeoning business of spas, there are distinct types from which to choose. Not only with budget in mind, but in the time you have to spend at a spa as well as your ultimate goal be it pampering, health and/or medical concerns or the immediacy of indulging in treatments on a day set aside especially for you.

The Destination Spa:
This is where you go when you want to "run away from home" for a few days or a week. Here you will be treated to meals that add only the components of good health with the taste of gourmet cuisine with each mouthful. You won't even be aware that you are eating only good for you foods because they taste so great. You'll even learn how to prepare some of these healthy dishes in a cooking lesson included in your visit.

The destination spa promises complete relaxation in a tranquil setting. On hand are professional exercise therapists, facial and body estheticians who know exactly what you need to bring you to the best you that you can be.

Visits to a destination spa can be pricey at the top level but there are some good for you spas that are geared to a price range that is affordable for most. Adding up the cost of a hotel room, three meals and two snacks per day and a series of beauty and therapy treatments and comparing them to the cost of a destination spa makes the latter very inviting.

Most destination spas offer a three or four night visit but there are still a few that run from Sunday to Sunday with a weeks stay the minimum.

The Resort Spa:
Located within luxury hotels, these spas offer a range of body and face treatments to soothe and restore as well as fitness classes and occasionally wellness lectures that resort hotel guests may experience on a freestyle basis. Some hotel resorts even have cozy boutique style cafes located in the spa building that feature healthy breakfasts and lunches. Dinners are up to your will power.

The Shipboard Spa:
Cruise lines have joined the spa enthusiasm by offering a menu of various treatments as well as fully equipped gyms with fitness experts to assist passengers. Many cruise line spas also offer exercise classes. All of this comes with an extra charge. Celebrity Cruises now offers acupuncture at sea.

The Day Spa:
This is the place you go to when you need to unwind and be pampered but don't have the time to spend at a destination or resort spa and have no plans to cruise. Indulging in a day spa treatment or series of treatment for a couple of hours or a day gives you the lift you need to return to your daily routine with enthusiasm. Day Spas vary so ask around for opinions and advice from friends and co workers who have had this experience.

Check out spa websites for more in depth information on various spas, but decide wisely as spas are not all alike. Whether you are on a budget or can indulge in one where luxury reigns, the experience will refresh and revive you. There is a spa to fit every budget with the only difference in the amenities.

Next time we will consider your spa personality. Which type of spa will work best for you?