TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT SPA OR WELLNESS VACATION
When you're looking to find a spa, finding the right spa really depends on what YOU are looking for and what YOU will feel comfortable and happy with.
Ask yourself these questions:
• What is my most important objective in planning a spa or wellness holiday?
a) pampering b)bonding c)stress management d) kick start a healthier lifestyle
• What kind of accommodations am I looking for?
a) an intimate country inn b) a city hotel c) a family resort d) a luxury golf resort
• What kind of food do I want?
a) international gourmet b) basic and nutritious c) lighter spa cuisine d) vegetarian
• In addition to spa treatments what do I want to do during the day?
a) lounge by the pool b) physical and recreational activities c) take part in educational programs d) shopping or sightseeing
• How do I want to spend the evenings?
a) read and relax b) take part in educational workshops c) enjoy live in-house entertainment d) take in local theatre/nightclubs
• If I'm travelling with a partner, a family member, friends, what are their main interests?
a) relaxation and renewal b) recreational facilities and physical activities c) off-site shopping or sightseeing d) socializing and nightlife
• How much do I want to spend? Budget will determine how far you travel from home, how long you stay and the type of accommodations you choose. Remember even if you can't afford to stay at a resort spa, you can stay at a nearby hotel that is less expensive, then book spa facilities as a day guest.
The answers to your questions will help you determine your needs and objectives, and help you find a spa that's right for you. Do keep in mind, however, that due to the continuing popularity of spas and wellness programs, facilities can book up quickly, so reserve treatments at the same time as you make a hotel booking.
Other questions to keep in mind:
• What is there to do other than spa?
• Is the restaurant licensed? Or, is it BYOB and if yes, is there a corkage fee for opening wine with dinner?
• What else should I bring?
• Do the rooms have TVs and telephones?
• What about Internet access?
• What else is there to do in the immediate area?
• How far is the inn/resort/hotel from the nearest town/city/airport?.
STILL NEED MORE HELPING FINDING THE RIGHT SPA? KEEP READING.
It's a buyer's market.
As the new found interest in health awareness and the growing need to de-stress continues, so will the growth of spas and wellness destinations. Much like the bodies that seek them out to be scrubbed, creamed, dipped and polished, they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and descriptions. Spas also offer various levels of quality, service and luxury. Today, it's a buyers market. Spas are everywhere. So YOU, as the spa-goer, have your pick of the patch.
All spas are not created equal.
That's both good news and bad news. Because the thing about the word 'spa' is that it can be used to describe a wide range of establishments from a two-treatment-room facility at the back of a beauty salon in a mall, to a 21-treatment room destination spa with medical services, fitness activities, nutrition counseling and a whole series of educational programs. Some facilities are so sumptuous - with imported marble, mosaic tiles, decorative wrought iron, cut crystal, polished woods, lush carpets, cascading waterfalls and mineral pools in garden settings - they would turn the ancient Sybarites, algae green with envy. Of course, they may break the budget too. All spas are definitely not created equal.
Biggest challenge is finding the right spa.
The biggest problem today is not finding a spa, but finding the RIGHT spa - a spa that suits your tastes, needs, objectives and, of course, budget. While collecting recommendations from family, friends or business associates who know you well is probably one of the best methods of finding a suitable spa, often (especially if you're travelling to far flung destinations ) that's not always possible. Perusing travel magazines, the travel sections of major newspapers and web site such as this one to get first-hand experience from professional travel writers is another way to get the scoop on the spa scene.
To thine own self be true.
The very first thing you need to know about selecting the right spa is yourself. You need to acknowledge your tastes, interests, personality, budget and, most of all, you need to identify your objectives. Why are you planning this spa vacation, wellness weekend or inspirational adventure that will help set you on the path to well-being?
What's the prime purpose of the spa visit?
Do you need a little 'me time' to de-stress after a hectic schedule? Are you and your partner looking for a relaxing, rejuvenation rendezvous? Do you need to kick start a healthier lifestyle? Do you want to get the perfect pedicure while your loved one takes to the manicured greens for a little golf? Are you looking for an intimate bed and breakfast environment? Does a rustic setting sound more appealing? Perhaps, a city-centre spa getaway is preferable. And, what about specialty services? Are you seeking luxurious pampering? Bodywork? Renewal of body and mind? Exquisite cuisine? Are you being beckoned by the great outdoors?