As consumers focus more on their health and well-being, the spa and relaxation vacation becomes more popular. Spa vacation destinations are not just for the rich and spoiled - in fact, as more hotels feature spas in their amenities the concept of a spa getaway becomes more affordable to travelers of any budget.
But booking a spa getaway is not as simple as clicking as your heels three times and being transported to a sea of tranquility. The options are endless when it comes to spas and relaxation vacations. In the U.S. alone there are more than 12,000 spas, where everything from the yoga and meditation to the mud baths and massages are presented a la carte on the menu. However, choosing the right spa vacation is a vital part of the planning process. With options ranging from day spas to medical spas to mineral spring spas, it's hard to know where to begin.
Remember, relaxation is key. Clear your mind and consider these essentials when choosing your rest and relaxation spa vacation.
Investigate Your Spa Options
With so many spas to choose from it's hard to know where to start. First thing is first -get some basic information. Web sites like Spa Finder and the International SPA Association (ISPA) provide a glossary of spa terms, reviews of destination spas and photos and information for spas around the world. You can even narrow your search by choosing "medical spas," "beach spas," "weight loss spas," "vegetarian spas," etc., based on your preferences.
Read up on featured spas in magazines such as Body & Soul and Self, which promote healthy living. Research online sites that focus on homeopathic treatments - many of these Web sites recommend spas that are conducive to the same types of treatments discussed in articles.
Before you book, check out the user reviews on independent message boards and blogs. Consumers are always the most truthful of their experiences and can provide an insider look at their spa experiences that you won't find on the spa's Web site.
Focus on Your Goals
No one spa is alike. Some cater to specific treatments including acupuncture and reflexology, while other spas have a menu of options for you to choose from. When booking a spa vacation, first consider your goals.
"It's very important to know what you want to accomplish [with your spa vacation]," says Dan Chandre, Director of SpaBooker.com. "The types of spas are so different - you need to match your goals with what the spa focuses on."
Consider these questions when booking a spa getaway:
- What type of services do you want from the spa?
- What do you want to accomplish with spa treatments?
- Are you interested in exercise and/or nutritional services?
- Is a spiritual and/or religious atmosphere important to you?
"There is a difference between a full-spa vacation and a vacation at a five-star spa," says Chandre. "It's important to determine what you're looking for and find the property that matches that goal."
Full-service spas offer everything from the typical spa services to nutritional analysis and diet-specific meals; golfing, yoga and hiking activities. A day spa, which is sometimes located at a resort or hotel, offers mainly a la carte spa treatments. Before you book, determine what is important to you and then narrow your options by doing a spa search for spas that cater to exactly your needs.
Money Matters
Yes, cost counts when looking at spa vacations. Whether you're planning a cheap spa vacation or looking for a luxury spa resort, it's important to have a budget mind before booking. Check with your travel card companies, too, like American Express, which offer points toward travel and booking options. You can book spa vacation packages or spas by destination, depending on your travel interests.
Once your narrow your options by determining your goals, contact the spas that interest you and request a menu of spa services. Find out what is included the price of the service (use of locker rooms, sauna, steam rooms, pools, fitness centers, etc.) If you're heading to a luxury spa resort it's important to find out the following:
- Does the price of the spa package include hotel rooms, food and spa treatments?
- Are exercise classes, golf course access and special excursions part of the spa price?
- What service charges are included in the overall price? For example, is gratuity automatically included in the price of your treatments, or will you be expected to tip after each spa service?
Budget spa-goers can book cheap spa services if your dates are flexible and you do your research. At some spas, it's cheaper to book a spa package than to choose treatments a la carte. Call ahead and ask about any mid-week prices or off-peak prices that might not be advertised.
"Affordable spa vacations are available. It's not a luxury niche anymore - everyone wants the concept of wellness into their life," says Chandre. "Spa vacations … are not something that needs to be excluded to those who don't have an indispensable income."
Enjoy Your Spa Vacation
The most important to do on your spa getaway is to have fun and relax. But, it's equally important to ensure the spa can provide you with the peace and tranquility you seek. Before booking with any spa, check that the spa is certified by the International SPA Association.
"We always urge spa-goers to look for the ISPA logo," says Shelby Jones, Public Relations Coordinator for the ISPA. "All ISPA members sign a standards and practices along with a code of ethics document. It is also a requirement of membership to have licensed therapists (each state has different requirements)."
The ISPA Web site (www.experiencespa.com) offers spa-goers a list of all certified spas and a Code of Conduct that lists the rights and responsibilities of spas and spa guests.
