Travel Ticket Magazine - Book - Page 10
How To Choose The Right Spa
By Chris Ryall
Making the right choice matters. You want your spa
holiday to be a relaxing, rejuvenating and ultimately rewarding
experience whether you are going alone, with a loved one or
family member.
The task at hand can be overwhelming and time-consuming especially if you have never been to a spa or wellness
retreat before. I have had the opportunity to visit hundreds of
spas and sampled a variety of treatments like caviar facials,
chocolate bean polishes, bamboo stick massages, whiskey
pedicures and sacred Indigenous sweat lodge and Temazcal
ceremonies. There has been everything from heavenly blissful
experiences to “stop pummeling me!” tortuous treatments.
Visiting a spa is hot right now and we’re not just talking
about springs or rocks. The Global Wellness economy is
booming. Try $5.6 trillion (yes trillion) US in 2022 according to the
Miami-based Global Wellness Institute. Wellness tourism
made up $651 billion of that 昀椀gure. There is plenty of competition for your wellness dollar. Just in the U.S. alone almost
22,000 spa locations are generating 181 million visitors.
Let’s break down the key factors you should consider when
choosing a spa holiday.
What’s Your Goal?
Are you in the mood for pampering, need time to destress or want to shed a few pounds? This is a
critical 昀椀rst step in determining the type of spa you
select from multidisciplinary medical-focused spas to
luxurious over-the-top pampering spas. Many spas specialize in
controlled weight loss programs with a detox menu to match.
Others will spoil you with champagne and strawberries after
your treatment. Decide what you want to get out of the spa
holiday 昀椀rst – better health, relaxation, or just time to chill.
Location, location, location
It’s crucial in real estate but also when choosing a spa. The
location will have a huge impact on your experience. Do you
want a tropical Caribbean paradise with the melodic sounds
of waves while enjoying a massage? Or perhaps a more rustic
setting where you can go forest bathing and listen to Mother
Nature. Or breathing fresh air in the Swiss Alps? Do you want
to be close to home or travel to a faraway land? Check the
weather for the best time to visit especially if you plan to engage in outdoor wellness activities.
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Is it time to leave already?
Are you the type of person to get into the chill zone immediately or does it take a couple of days? The last thing you want
to feel is rushed during a spa holiday. If time is very limited
a Day Spa may do the trick but for most at least three nights
is the preference. Many spas offer a variety of weekend, oneweek to one month-long or more stay packages, especially for
weight-loss or medical-related guests.
What’s your Bliss Budget?
Spas can be expensive but with so many spa retreats and resorts to choose from there are deals to be had. Determine
your focus – accommodation and spa facilities with all the
bells and whistles, free airport transfers, included daily spa
treatments, all-inclusive packages, or meals/drinks separately, tipping policies (is it already included or at your discretion),
airfare/car rental and other personal expenses. If you’re on
a budget, visit during off or shoulder season, mid-week and
avoid holiday periods. If you don’t need certain services ask
for a discount. Sign up for any special promotions or discounts if you are a senior (AARP member), military, or AAA
member. Determine what you want and what you don’t.
What’s Cooking?
It’s not just water, tea and salads any more. You can eat
healthy and have your cake too. Spas now offer vegan, detox
and vegetarian menus while others offer beef, chicken, pork
and seafood – even dessert to top it off. All washed down
with your choice of healthy beverages or indulge with wine,
craft beers and cocktails. It’s your choice.