Eat Right & Spa

A resort spa (also known as a spa resort provides a relaxing, pampering experience for people staying at the resort or people who live locally. At a resort spa you stay overnight, enjoy spa treatments, and eat whatever you want to -- steak, wine, you name it.

This is different from a health spa or destination spa, which is more about healthy living and personal transformation. (Though just to make it more confusing, many destination spas are now calling themselves "spa resorts" because it's more highly searched term on the internet.)

The classic resort spa offers golf, tennis, swimming, kids clubs, gyms, and the spa is just one more amenity. They might also offer exercise classes, either for an extra fee or free. Older resort spas, built in the nineties, tend to be smaller and not so "over the top". Newer resort spas tend to be bigger and more lavish.

How Resort Spas Differ From Health Spas 
At resort spas, you usually pay for your spa treatments a la carte instead of having them as part of the total package. The resort spa may or may not offer classes like yoga, and the selection is usually much more limited than at a destination spa.


Resort spa restaurants generally offer spa cuisine, but their real forte is the rich food that most people like to order when they're out on the town or having a special night out. Spas are the new must-have amenity at resorts and hotels, so almost everyone says they have a spa.

It's important to do your research before you go. You don't want to find out what the hotel is calling a "spa" is a hot tub, or one treatment room off the gym. (This happened to me in the days before I knew better, though it's less common these days.)

What You Need To Know About Resort Spas
* Large resort spas will have a wide range of activities, including golf, swimming, tennis, and sometimes water sports, horseback riding and skiing. Some also have kids' camps.
A hotel spa (also known as a spa hotel)is generally in an urban setting and lacks all the outdoor amenities. It can range from the splashy, over-the-top to elegant, sophisticated spas .

* Resort spas do not include meals. Destination or health spas include meals. Keep that in mind when you compare prices.
* You may have to pay anywhere from $15 to $25 for yoga or other exercise classes at resort spas. Classes at health spas are included.
* Many resorts have kids' camps. Health spas don't allow children.

Resort Spas Are A Good Choice If:
* One person wants to golf, the other to spa.
* You want to eat -- and drink -- whatever you want.
* You have children
* You're a business traveler who needs a massage.

Health Spas Are Good Choice If You:
* want to jumpstart a diet or healthy lifestyle
* want to be with like-minded people
* are traveling alone
* need to address specific health issues
* want to be nurtured after a loss
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Blog Credit :  Anitra Brown,
 http://spas.about.com/od/resortspas/a/resortspa.htm

Health spas help you develop a healthy lifestyle through:

• healthy spa cuisine that emphasizes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and nutritional education
• a full program of fitness and stress reduction classes
• therapeutic spa treatments including massage
• educational lectures that teach you how to bring your healthy habits back home

Health spas, also known as destination spas, usually require that you stay at least two or three nights and some require a week. Prices at health spas usually include all meals, classes and some spa treatments.
Traditionally, resort spas offer spa treatments "a la carte" alongside golf and tennis. They focus more on relaxation and pampering than wellness. Recently, though, some resorts and even small inns are calling themselves “destination spas” even though they don't match all the traditional criteria of health spas. Other resort spas are offering exercise classes at no extra charge and lots of healthy food options. Your best bet is to decide what you're looking for and see who offers it.

Health spas serve healthy food exclusively, but there are different philosophies. Some health spas are geared towards weight loss, with restricted calories and strict portion control. Others have an all-you-can-eat philosophy. Many don't serve alcohol, while others serve wine with dinner. While health spas emphasize healthy, whole foods, it might not necessarily be organic.

Health spas have a spirit of camaraderie. You’re with like-minded people who share your interest in health. Many have a small number of guests at any one time and you can get to know people even if you go by yourself. Small groups go on hikes, take exercise classes, and share tables together. There is usually a high staff-to-guest ratio, and staff is enthusiastic.

Health spas have different personalities and vary widely in size, price, setting and programming. They can accommodate anywhere from 8 to 250 guests, with an average around 60. They come in a wide variety of prices, from most budget spas that are a few hundred dollars a night to $8,000 a week. Some are restricted calorie and others are all-you-can-eat. Here’s more information on how to choose a health spa. 

Blog Credit : Anitra Brown,
 http://spas.about.com/od/destinationspas/a/healthspa.htm

How Destination Spas Differ From Resort Spas:

The Food At Destination Spas:

 

The People At Destination Spas:

Destination Spa Personalities:

There are many types of spas -- and it's important to understand the difference so you get the experience you're looking for. In general, a spa is a place where you can receive spa treatments, most commonly massage , facials, and body treatments . Spas are devoted to enhancing your health and well-being -- though medical spas have a stronger focus
Here's a guide to the different types of spas:

• Day Spa. It offers spa treatments exclusively on a day-use basis. Many also offer salon services. Size and character can vary widely. The important thing here is to find out if the day spa is separated from the noisier salon environment.


• Destination Spa. Its sole purpose is to help you lead a healthier lifestyle through spa treatments, exercise, and educational programming. You stay at least two nights. Some have minimum stays of three or seven nights. Spa cuisine is served exclusively.


• Resort/Hotel Spa. It is located within a resort or hotel. It offers spa services, fitness classes and spa cuisine alongside less health choices like steaks and burgers. It's a good choice when one person wants spa and the other golf. It also works for business travelers and families.


• Medical Spa. It offers treatments that require a doctor's supervision, such as laser resurfacing and Botox injections. It also offers spa treatments.


• Mineral Springs Spa. It has natural mineral, thermal or seawater that is used in hydrotherapy treatments.


• Club Spa. A day spa located in a fitness facility or health club.


• Cruise Ship Spa Aboard a cruise ship that provides spa treatments, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.


• Airport Spa It is located in an airport and specializes in short treatments aimed at the traveler, like 15-minute chair massage and oxygen therapy. Some also offer longer treatments. 

Blog Credit :  Anitra Brown 
http://spas.about.com/cs/spa101/a/typesofspas.htm