Back in the medieval days of Spa, Belgium, one was cured of maladies, supplemented for deficiencies, and sustained in wellbeing by partaking of the local spring water. By the 16th century, other believers had established satellite “water” towns (the most famous one still known today is Bath, England), and the term “Spa” became more commonly defined as any water-based therapy, either internally or externally administered, for the betterment of one’s physical condition.
Today, among the original definition, the dictionary defines spa as “a commercial establishment providing facilities devoted especially to health, fitness, weight loss, beauty, and relaxation,” and the International Spa Association (ISPA) offers, "Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.” So, does this mean that your local nail salon can be considered a spa? Yes! …but so, too, can your dentist.
How can we wade through the diluted waters of spa-land by today’s definition? Experts in the industry feel the term “Spa” still holds true to the original ideals and beliefs – that natural remedies, modern enhancements, and spiritual awareness can heal, supplement, and sustain our happiness and general wellbeing. If your weekly pedicure eases your stress levels, or your teeth whitening treatment boosts your happiness, you have found yourself a spa!
The most progressive approach to Spa is the Medispa. Medical doctors have recently seen the benefit of coupling a modern, medical approach with a pampering and restorative environment. And while the approach is less based in the natural remedy space, the intent to heal, restore and nurture certainly has been preserved.
My favorite spa style will continue to be the true wellness centers, commonly found in a destination setting like the Golden Door or Miraval, and more decadently in luxury residence communities such as Canyon Ranch. A new breed of spa, the urban destination concept such as exhale mind body spa ®, nationwide, brings this destination spa experience to everyday life, so you can lead a destination spa lifestyle on a daily basis. These types of spa tend to offer total mind and body wellness options and programs, encompassing fitness classes, healing treatments, and traditional spa and beauty therapies.
With the overabundance of spa choices, we can certainly look at the proverbial spring water bottle as half full; perhaps that is why the spa has become more prevalent in our daily lives and will continue to offer alternative healing remedies for what ails us.
How do you see the future of the spa industry? Do you think it will return to a more traditional spa focus or continue on its expansionist path?
Today, among the original definition, the dictionary defines spa as “a commercial establishment providing facilities devoted especially to health, fitness, weight loss, beauty, and relaxation,” and the International Spa Association (ISPA) offers, "Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.” So, does this mean that your local nail salon can be considered a spa? Yes! …but so, too, can your dentist.
How can we wade through the diluted waters of spa-land by today’s definition? Experts in the industry feel the term “Spa” still holds true to the original ideals and beliefs – that natural remedies, modern enhancements, and spiritual awareness can heal, supplement, and sustain our happiness and general wellbeing. If your weekly pedicure eases your stress levels, or your teeth whitening treatment boosts your happiness, you have found yourself a spa!
The most progressive approach to Spa is the Medispa. Medical doctors have recently seen the benefit of coupling a modern, medical approach with a pampering and restorative environment. And while the approach is less based in the natural remedy space, the intent to heal, restore and nurture certainly has been preserved.
My favorite spa style will continue to be the true wellness centers, commonly found in a destination setting like the Golden Door or Miraval, and more decadently in luxury residence communities such as Canyon Ranch. A new breed of spa, the urban destination concept such as exhale mind body spa ®, nationwide, brings this destination spa experience to everyday life, so you can lead a destination spa lifestyle on a daily basis. These types of spa tend to offer total mind and body wellness options and programs, encompassing fitness classes, healing treatments, and traditional spa and beauty therapies.
With the overabundance of spa choices, we can certainly look at the proverbial spring water bottle as half full; perhaps that is why the spa has become more prevalent in our daily lives and will continue to offer alternative healing remedies for what ails us.
How do you see the future of the spa industry? Do you think it will return to a more traditional spa focus or continue on its expansionist path?
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1 comment:
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Please...Magical Susan of Lands Far Far Away...bless me with more of your literary decadence...
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