With the amazing growth in the spa industry, I thought I’d include an oldie but goodie in today’s blog entry. It’s an article I wrote a while back and it still applies today. Spa is more than lotions and potions and a massage every so often. It’s a lifestyle…it’s about healthy living and encompasses good nutrition, fitness, relaxing sleep and meditation. We are responsible for our well being and being mindful of what we eat, when we move and how well we sleep are all factors in living a healthy lifestyle. You may have heard some of this before, however now is the time to make the changes to improve your life and that of your loved ones. I often think to myself, “if not now, when” and so I challenge you to the same. If not now, when? Create the life you want. It all starts with good health!
Spa Travel – A Vacation with a Purpose
When you think of spa, you may visualize healing waters and mineral springs. Your thinking would be on target, however nowadays ‘spa’ is much more than that. Consider going to a Day Spa and pampering yourself for a day, add in Yoga or a Pilates class and you’ve done a great job on focusing on yourself and creating a little more balance. Now, consider a few days or a week of fitness classes, pampering spa treatments, stress reduction, healthful spa cuisine and additional opportunities to create a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps a cooking class or nutrition class is appealing or something more challenging like climbing a rock wall or doing something you never thought you’d do. A spa vacation is relaxing, rejuvenating and in many cases a week away could be life changing.
Let’s embark on a journey to discover more about Spa Travel. Relax, pour yourself a cup of green tea and discover a world of possibilities.
Spa 101
Spa Travel is growing and spa-goers are looking for new experiences. Indulge your senses and consider a Spa Vacation. Below you’ll find information to help in your decision process.
Hotel & Resort Spas – these typically include fitness facilities and can sometimes be managed by an outside source or by the resort. Spa visits are typically complemented by use of the resort’s other facilities, such as golf, beach or tennis. Spa cuisine may or may not be offered.
Destination Spa – The key focus is to provide specific health and wellness treatments and facilities. Guests stay for at least several days, sometimes enjoying week-long packages. Spa cuisine is always offered at a destination spa. Some destination spas have their own natural springs which provide mineral, thermal or seawater for hydrotherapy treatments.
Medical Spa – A fast-growing part of the spa business, medical spas (or medi-spas) usually have a medical director supervising treatments that could include cosmetic surgery, dermatology and other “age-slowing” treatments. Typical spa treatments are also usually offered at medical spas. The growing trend is for medical doctors to open medical spas either on the same site as their medical facility, or adjacent to it.
Cruise Ship Spa – Cruise ship spas provide spa and fitness facilities aboard ocean liners. Cruise ships are now also offering spa cuisine in restaurants throughout the vessel.
(Source: International Spa Association)
Now that you have an idea of the different types of spa opportunities, consider what you’d like to do and what area you might like to focus on. Do you want to focus on fitness and perhaps hiking or are you looking for a location to help reduce stress and create a healthy lifestyle. Consider the following:
• Stress Management: Learn how to manage stress and learn new relaxation techniques and ways to put them into practice when you return home. Learn how to create a life in balance.
• Pampering: Indulge in spa treatments from facials to massages to something exotic.
• Fitness, Health & Nutrition: Stretch your body and participate in an array of classes, sports activities and integrate what you learn into your lifestyle. Learn how lifestyle choices can lead you to a path of wellness.
• Spirituality & Enlightenment: Engage in T’ai Chi, Yoga, Meditation and other practices to calm your mind and spark your spirit. All roads lead to self-awareness and tranquility.
Sample schedules are available to review and get ideas on what you can do on your spa vacation. Below is just one idea:
Sample a Day
7:00AM Morning Yoga
8:00AM Breakfast
9:00AM Hiking Adventure
10:30AM AntiAging Seminar/or Nutrition Seminar
12:30PM Lunch
1:30PM Pool/Free Time
3:00PM Spa Treatment – Hot Stone Massage
4:00PM Healthy Cooking Demo/Class
6:00PM Dinner
8:00PM Relax/Evening Program-optional
Okay, so you’ve been going for facials, massages and maybe an exotic treatment once in a while. There’s an abundance of treatments available at spa locations, many are ‘signature’ treatments created by the spa as well as ‘exotic’ treatments that are sure to rev up your senses and bring serenity to your body, mind and spirit. Here are just a few of what you’ll find:
Spa Treatments Glossary
Aromatherapy: An ancient healing art using essential oils from plants, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers. Oils are used to treat emotional disorders, organ dysfunction, and skin problems and are used during massage, facials, body wraps and hydro baths.
Ayurvedic: An ancient system of traditional folk medicine from India using a Variety of techniques to restore balance. Often used in nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, massage and meditation.
Feldenkrais (Method): A system of bodywork developed by Moshe Feldenkrais that attempts to reprogram the nervous system through movement augmented by physical pressure and manipulation.
Lomi-Lomi: Hawaiian rhythmical, rocking massage.
Salt Glow Treatment: The body is rubbed with a vigorous, abrasive scrub, consisting of coarse salt usually mixed with essential oils and water. It cleanses pores and removes dead skin. It is usually followed by a gentle shower and moisturizer.
Thalassotherapy: An Ancient Greek therapy (thalasso is Greek for sea) – treatments use the therapeutic benefits of the sea, and sea water products for their vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which can heal and reinvigorate skin and hair. (Source: International Spa Association)
Enjoy the Spa Life!
© Copyright 2006 Donna M. Mantone-Adinolfi and Mindful Adventures. All rights reserved.
Greetings from the southeast!
With the end of summer nearly upon us many are either on vacation or still thinking of where to go and what to do before September arrives. I don’t have children, however when September arrives I often think of going back to school and that mindset of ‘buckling down’ and getting back to focus. Even though I work just about every day including weekends, summer is a more relaxed time and one that I’d like to extend, at least mindfully.
If you’re still considering some summer spa time, and by spa, I am referring to the lifestyle…eating healthy, fitness/nature/hiking, and perhaps jumpstarting a healthier lifestyle and getting back to living in the moment. Of all the seasons, summer is a great time to learn more about living in the present moment. I hope you’ll find something interesting here. Enjoy the rest of the summer and (yes, a little self-promoting), if you’re still looking for a spa getaway, call me for some great promotions still being offered…most are in the southwest. Live mindfully! Enjoy the spa lifestyle….every day.
Summer Spa Speak…it’s more than just lotions and potions:
#1 – Make an investment in your health: Stress….we all know what they say about stress. So, why not consider taking control of your health and consider a spa. Take time to relax, revitalize and rejuvenate and spend time at the spa. Spas offer an opportunity to make changes in eating habits and take advantage of nutritional information and consultations. They offer a plethora of fitness classes and a chance to try something different. And, of course, enjoy spa services such as a Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Facials, Reflexology, Acupuncture and a wide variety of services that help with relaxation and so much more.
There are more than 14,000 spas in the U.S. – consider taking a few days to immerse yourself into the spa lifestyle and if you only have one day off, make it a day at the spa. You’ll return home feeling better than ever.
#2 – Gal Pal Power: If you’re like me, you don’t see your friends very often……between work and their family obligations, there is little time for some girllfriend time so perhaps it would be a good idea to combine two important events in one…….time with your friends and some relaxation time. A few hours can be life changing especially if you’re on your own most of the time and just need to be with your friends….the ones who know you best and offer a support system. Whether you’re a spa pro or someone who has never been before, surely one of your friends knows a spa to consider and can plan the afternoon or day. Relax and reconnect with your friends…..and yourself.
#3 - Things to know before you go:
* Do some research – check on a few spas and get their menu of services. Which one has what you’re looking for and if you’re going with a few friends, check the schedule to be sure you can get appointment times together.
* Express yourself – be sure you mention your preference for a male or female therapist. Ask questions, it’s okay and best to go into your service without apprehension.
* Time to relax – Sometimes we do bring on our own stress by not allowing enough time…..so, be sure to arrive at least 30-minutes prior to your service and take advantage of the amenities at the spa, even if it’s sitting quietly going through a magazine and drinking a cup of green tea. You will get more from your treatment if you walk in the room in a more relaxed state. After your service, feel free to do the same. Sit quietly and extend that feeling of eurphoria.
* Bare minimum – Your comfort is important. What you choose to wear under your robe is your decision, especially if it’s your first spa experience.
* Quiet Rooms – Do you prefer a quiet service or a little conversation? It’s up to you…….you can either immerse yourself into the experience and relax quietly or (if you’re like me), you may want a little conversation. You decide!
* Affordable? Yes! – Many spas offer special rates and packages and there are also spas connected with massage schools, so it is affordable for all. Although most services are 50-60 minutes, there are opportunities for 30-minute massages, which offer lower rates. Take a look at the spa menu and simply ask if there are any specials.
* Grateful for Gratuities – Some spas include a service charge, which could be the tip. So always ask if you’re not sure. Although it is customary to tip 15-20 percent, it is also up to you.
* ISPA – International Spa Association: ISPA has more than 3000 members in 75 countries and ISPA member spas sign a Standards & Practices agreement and respects your rights as a spa-goer by using the ISPA Code of Conduct. So be sure to look for the ISPA logo.
Resource: ISPA
