The spa concept has evolved dramatically in the last decades; As our disposable income has increased, so has the variety of our leisure activities. The idea of the spa is traditionally a place of relaxation, where people can enter a zone of calm and enjoy luxurious pampering treatments such as facials and massages. Fundamentally, in recent years, spas have become less exclusive to women, and more men have also started attending spa treatments. This relatively recent development has meant that the number of spas across the country and the world has been on the rise, as has the range of services on offer.
Historically, the “spa towns” have been visited for health reasons, due to the curative properties of the waters. The name comes from the city of Spa in Belgium, which is famous for its hot thermal baths and mineral water treatments, known as balneotherapy and hydrotherapy. Although these spa towns are generally concentrated in continental Europe, hot springs in the United States have similar properties for hydrotherapy due to their high mineral content. The scientifically proven medical value of these spas and hot springs has made them attractive tourist destinations and popular locations for rehab clinics.
The modern spa offers a variety of services and is now considered both a type of beauty salon and a place for relaxation and therapy. Common treatments include massages, facials, waxing, aromatherapy, and skin exfoliation, and each treatment often involves a complex set of secondary options. For example, spa massages are often more than the simple practice of applying pressure to help the muscles and tissues of the body; The choice of massages in most spas is wide and can include Chinese Zhi Ya massage (based on acupressure), myofascial release (which involves releasing fascial restrictions), and trigger point therapy, which applies manual pressure or carbon dioxide injections into a “trigger point,” an area of the muscle that can transfer pain to other parts of the body. While these treatments can be offered in many spas, all will also offer more general treatments, such as Swedish massage and hot stone therapy.
Among the most popular body treatments are reflexology or “zone therapy,” the practice of stimulating points on the feet and hands that is believed to be beneficial to other parts of the body; the “designer contour”, which acts to detoxify, firm body tissue and reshape the body; and anti-aging body treatments that generate heat and increase circulation, making your skin look smoother and more hydrated.
Recently, “spa parties” and “spa dates” have become popular. Many spas offer a “couples treatment” that allows couples to enjoy time together while being pampered. Spa parties have become very popular with women and are increasingly being chosen as bachelorette parties. Today, many of the luxury hotels, such as the Hotel Conrad , offer exclusive spa facilities, as well as special weekend spa getaways and wedding packages in major cities across the United States. Spa gift certificates are also becoming popular birthday or anniversary gifts, as more and more people around the world jump on the Spa bandwagon.