Travel To Wellness Inc.

CANADIAN SPAS

by Anne Dimon

With the spa and wellness travel niche heating up faster than a hot stone massage, Canadian spas find themselves very well positioned to cater to the growing demand for spa and wellness vacations.

Coast to coast, the country offers the three main types of spas:

The day spa, large or small, basic or luxurious, offers any number of treatments, facilities and packages, but no accommodations. The resort spa, too, comes in every size and description. Along with spa treatments, the resort spa can offer a gamut of facilities and activities, a variety of dining options plus packages including accommodations.

The term destination spa is used when the focal point of a facility is the spa or a wellness lifestyle, and the spa/lifestyle is the prime reason for visiting.

Destination spas provide an array of spa treatments including alternative modalities, plus fitness activities, health-oriented workshops and educational programs that can help guests kick-start a healthier lifestyle. At a destination spa you’ll find that all the other guests are here for the same reason, and you’ll feel very comfortable going to the dining room in your spa robe.

While resort spas are attracting more couples and gal pals wanting to relax and reenergize together, and luring the corporate crowd looking for prime, stress-reducing retreats, destination spas are gaining new mainstream popularity as this Age of Wellness continues to grow.

Taking interests, needs and personal preferences into consideration is crucial to selecting the perfect spa experience. And sometimes it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a spa that's right for you:

1. Location.

Do you want a city experience of a country escape? Do you want seaside or mountain scape. Spas are everywhere so they is no derth of options.

2. Type of accommodation and dining options.

Are accommodations and dining options in keeping with your personal preferences? Does the kitchen serve all-you-can-eat buffet, continental fine dining or vegetarian cuisine? Are guest rooms simply comfortable or do they offer all the upscale/luxury trimmings you prefer?

3. Goal of the spa/wellness vacation.

What is the intent of this spa/wellness vacation? Is it rest and relaxation, stress management, loose weight, get fit, learned to cook and eat healthier foods? Is the plan to launch a wellness lifestyle? Perhaps it's all of the above.

Answers to these questions will help you determine the most suitable spa and, in return, you'll derive maximum value, enjoyment and residual benefits from the experience.

For information on spa associations in Canada go to Spa Associations

For more spa information for first timers go to Spas 101