Blogger: Kim

Did you know that up to now, apparently just body massage itself contains more than 200 hundred over types that being practiced all over the world? Did you know that spa is not merely as simple as soaking yourself in a Jacuzzi pool / tub? Did you know that some food/beverage that we consume all this while is actually spa treatment, such as caviar, wine, chocolate and even beer?! Did you know that there are actually age limit concerns when you want to visit a spa? Ever notice that mostly all the high end hotels nowadays, spa is like a MUST, as part of their facilities?

After many years of searching for the ultimate relaxation, I’ve finally found my favorite. 3 magical letters would now brighten my day however dreadful or tiring the day might have been - SPA. The word “Spa” is frequently used, but seldom defined. No mystery to all who’ve heard this the term SPA before but how did all this start? That was my question seeking for the genius who invented my favorite mode of relaxation.

Through the Oxford Dictionary, a spa is “a place where there is a curative mineral spring”. It has been argued that the Belgian town of Spa gave rise to what has become a widely-used noun and adjective. There is also an argument that the word spa is actually an acronym based on the Latin phrase “sanitas per aquas”. True or not, the original phrase remains an excellent definition for the word spa meaning - “health through water”. It is said, that in the medieval times illnesses caused by iron deficiency have been treated by drinking iron bearing (chalybeate) spring water.

With the Spa being an international phenomenon, associations governing Spas around the world such as the International Spa Association (ISPA) are formed. According to the ISPA Spa is simply explained as an entity devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

In today’s society, numerous types of Spa are available for your relaxation as well as to cater for special interests group. Some of the categories as defined by the ISPA and Spa Finder include the following:

Casino Spas - Casino Spas offer vacationers a chance to try their hand at any number of exciting games of chance without leaving the premises. These high-end properties tend to attract fun-seeking travelers who like both their excitement and their spa luxury in large doses.

Club Spa - A facility whose primary purpose is fitness and which offers a variety of professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis.
Connoisseur Spas - To SpaFinder, connoisseurship stands for scarcity, authenticity, and pedigree. Only truly extraordinary spas are invited to be listed as a Connoisseur Spa. This elite collection was chosen by the SpaFinder through using strict criteria such as extraordinary ambience, luxurious accommodations, high staff-to-guest ratio, exceptional spa services, outstanding cuisine, and industry awards and recognition.

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.

Dental Spas - Dental spas often feature spa-inspired twists on traditional dental equipment, such as massage-capable dental chairs and new, less painful ways of delivering anesthesia. Also, many dental spas offer patient-friendly options–like a selection of soothing music and portable DVD players and televisions—to make the experience less stressful.

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. Spa treatments are incorporated into wellness programs as an effective way to rejuvenate and reduce stress. Medical spas may or may not have overnight accommodations.

Mineral Springs Spa - A spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.

Mobile Spas - Mobile spas bring professional practitioners to your home or office, making it simple for you to enjoy pampering spa services such as facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures anywhere at any time. Plan a unique birthday party, bridal shower, or office party!

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.

Spa Lifestyle Real Estate - An increasingly popular option with community living enthusiasts, Spa Lifestyle Real Estate offers homebuyers an opportunity to purchase an exclusive home in an environment constructed around a luxurious spa facility. At one time golfing communities were the trend, but now real estate developers are adding spas as more and more people are pursuing health, beauty, and wellness. The choices are plentiful—full ownership, fractional ownership, residence clubs, and condo hotel resorts.

With everything being increasingly technical and complex, each time the magical letters are spoken, it literally means only one thing to me… My Ultimate Relaxation!

Source; Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia & SpaFinder