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Spa
A spa is a commercial establishment that has a variety of functions that are
dedicated to the healing and nourishing of the mind, body, and spirit. Spa patrons
have a number of reasons why they choose to go to a spa that includes: fitness;
stress management; achieving peace of mind; indulging in pampering and pleasure;
and health and wellness. Historically emerging in Ancient Greece as a public
bathhouse where ancient Greeks went for cleaning and relaxing, spas have evolved
into centers that provide a variety of treatments and amenities to their patients.
However, the heart of the modern spa, much like the ancient spa, still revolves
around water and the rituals that evolve around it. This is emblematic in the
modern spa ritual which is sequenced as: cleaning, use of a shower to purify
your body; heating, use of a sauna or any type of spa amenity that is designed
to heat your body; treatment, use of a massage or any type of spa amenity that
is designed to treat your body; and rest.
Modern spas offer a variety of treatments and activities that reflect a variety
of different cultures. Additionally, many of the services offered by spas are
modern, recently developed treatments as well as traditional services. The International
Spa Association (ISPA) has identified the ten elements of the spa experience,
which are:
Waters: the use of water, both internal and external, in its many forms.
Nourishment: the use of services or products such as food, herbs, supplements,
and medicines that is required for the body.
Movement: the use of services such as exercise, stretching, and fitness
that utilize movement to provide vitality and energy to the patron.
Touch: the use of services such as massage and bodywork that emphasize
the connectivity and communication caused by touch.
Integration: rediscovering or discovering the personal and social relationship
between mind, body, spirit, and environment.
Aesthetics: the use of herbal supplements or natural services that
are known to affect the biochemical components of the patron’s body to improve
the aesthetic appearance of the patron.
Environment: the use of services and educational tools for the patron
to learn about the natural environment and their social responsibility to it.
Cultural Expression: the use of services and educational tools for
the patron to learn about contemporary spiritual belief systems, the value of
art, and the scientific and political views of the present.
Social Contribution: the use of services and educational tools for
the patron to learn about the importance of social contribution to their overall
well-being.
Time, Space Rhythms: the use of services and educational tools for
the patron to understand how their perception of space and time effects their
natural cycles and rhythms.
Generally a center for relaxation and education, the reasons why an individual
would want to go to a spa are varied. However, spas have become increasingly
popular as a way for individuals to retreat from their daily lifestyle and rejuvenate
their mind, body, and soul. Despite the reasons for going to a spa, it is important
to distinguish the different types of spas, as all spas do not offer the same
services. According to the ISPA, there are seven different types of spas that
are:
Club Spa: a spa whose primary purpose is fitness that offers a variety
of services that are available on a day-use basis.
Cruise Ship Spa: a spa that is aboard a cruise ship. The cruise ship
spa provides a number of spa services that cater to the fitness and wellness
concerns of their patrons as well as offer specialized spa cuisines.
Day Spa: a spa that offers a variety of services to patrons on a day-use
basis.
Destination Spa: a spa dedicated to providing patrons with lifestyle
improvement and health enhancement services. Such services include physical
fitness treatments, educational programs, on-site accommodations, and the exclusive
use of spa cuisines.
Medical Spa: a spa that is designed to provide comprehensive medical
and wellness care to individuals in a setting that uses a variety of spa services
with complimentary medical treatments.
Mineral Springs Spa: a spa that provides a variety of hydrotherapy
treatments through an on-site source of either: natural mineral water, thermal
water, or seawater.
Resort/Hotel Spa: a spa that provides a variety of spa services, spa
cuisines, and the spa emphasis on fitness and wellness that is either owned
or located within a hotel or resort.
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