TYPES OF SPAS

ISPA defines spa as places devoted to overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit. Depending upon what your goals are, and what you are looking for in a spa experience, you will want to know differences in spas and what they offer. Below are the primary types of spas and examples of the kinds of services you could expect. For example, if you're looking for a spa getaway that includes lodging and other amenities, you should consider cruise ship, hotel/resort and destination spas.  If you simply need a wax or single service a day spa could fit the bill.  

CLUB SPA

 A facility whose primary purpose is fitness and which offers a variety of professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis.

CRUISE SHIP SPA

A spa aboard a cruise ship providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.

DAY SPA 

A spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis. Day spas offer many of the same services and procedures as cosmetic spas. 

DESTINATION SPA

A destination spa is a facility with the primary purpose of guiding individual spa-goers to develop healthy habits.  Historically a seven-day stay, this lifestyle transformation can be accomplished by providing a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthful cuisine and special interest programming.

MEDICAL SPA

A facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complimentary and/or alternative therapies and treatments. The facility operates within the scope of practice of its staff, which can include both aesthetic/cosmetic and prevention/wellness procedures and services.

MINERAL SPRINGS SPA

A spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.

RESORT/HOTEL SPA

A spa owned by and located within a resort or hotel providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices. In addition to the leisure guest, this is a great place for business travelers who wish to take advantage of the spa experience while away from home.   In many cases resort/hotel spas also act as day spas for local clientele and may offer special rates for people that live in the community.  If you have a resort/hotel spa in your area be sure to ask if they accept local clientele.

I SPA. DO YOU? ^SM