A Beginner's Guide to the Spa Experience
Once the domain of the social elite, spas have emerged as trendy oases of calm for even the hoi polloi. They now no longer merely offer massages, steam wraps, and manicures, but rather a whole cosmopolitan medley of “treatments,” including standard facials, acupuncture, kick-boxing, spiritually focused tai chi, and self-discovery hikes. There's something for everyone and (more importantly) every budget, from hour-long day-spa treatments to weeks-long immersions at destination spas in exotic settings.
With more than 12,000 spas in the U.S. alone, how do you choose? Be it a city-center sanctum of peace or a luxurious resort spa with sweeping ocean vistas, it helps to know the differences among the various kinds of spas and their menus of offerings.
Resort Spas, Mineral Spas
Resort spas are one of the most popular amenities associated with resort hotels. Consider coupling your vacation with spa treatments and a round of golf, tennis lessons, or active water sports. Some spas, such as the Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa in Carefree, Arizona, or the Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma, California, are legendary, attracting a who’s-who of the rich and famous. If you want to splurge on a truly exotic experience, think further afield. The tropics are therapeutic by nature: bathtub-warm seas act as a natural hydrotherapy tub, humidity is a tonic for dehydrated skin, and the sun is its own healing tonic (as long as you don't get too much of it). Consider these gems: Aveda Concept Spa in Strawberry Hill, Jamaica; Rio Caliente in La Primavera, Mexico; and One&Only Spa Palmilla in San José del Cabo, Mexico, a favorite of stars from John Travolta to Oprah Winfrey.
Built atop or adjacent to natural mineral or thermal waters, mineral spas specialize almost exclusively in hydrotherapy treatments. Steaming-hot whirlpool baths and up-to-the-neck immersions in heated volcanic mud are featured at these locales. Mineral-steeped hot waters do wonders for ailments from rheumatism to skin disorders, in addition to muscle and soul relaxation. Be prepared for noxious, sulfurous smells, and know that many mineral spas were developed in the 19th century and several are in need of updating. Not so, though, for West Virginia’s luxuriant Greenbrier and the Estrella Spa in Palm Springs, California. Both are regal exemplars of the genre.
Day Spas, Destination Spas
Day spas offer treatments from 30 minutes to a full day and are perfect for a quick indulgence and speedy rejuvenation. Almost every city in North America has at least one, so no matter your destination, you’re sure to find a spa to complement your trip. Many day spas specialize in massage, hydrotherapy, or body treatments such as facials; others specialize in more esoteric treatments. Chain spas such as Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spas (1.800.99.ARDEN, www.reddoorspas.com), with more than two dozen outlets across North America, are conveniently located in major department stores. The Day Spa Association (201.865.2065, www.dayspaassociation.com) is another good starting point to find your nearest zone-out zone. In New York, the Avanti Nail & Spa (212.496.6874, www.avantinail.com) has an impressive menu and calming ambience. Prices typically begin at around $60 for a 30-minute Swedish massage and range to around $700 for a full-day treatment.
Dedicated to providing comprehensive wellness programs, destination spas offer a total spa experience in an overnight setting and are perfect for spa-goers seeking total immersion. A stay usually includes a spectrum of experiences: massage, meditation, exercise classes, and even outdoor activities.
Destination spas vary greatly, from luxurious to spartan, so ask yourself if you want a clinical feel or a more luxe, intimate ambience. Would you prefer an urban or outdoorsy experience? Co-ed or single sex? All-inclusive prices range from about $250 to more than $1,000 daily, as at the deluxe, women-only Golden Door in Escondido, California. To get an educated insight into the myriad options, contact the Destination Spa Group (888.772.4363, www.destinationspas.com), which represents more than 20 North American spas. Healthy eating is sometimes part of the package, so check and see if the spa has a restricted calorie diet.