Travel Ticket Magazine - Book - Page 11
Who’s Going?
The Reviews are In
Are you going alone or with a loved one, friend or family
member? Many spas accommodate single guests and do
not charge extra for the guest room. If going solo you have
control over the activities and treatments you want. As
opposed to other types of resorts, spa resorts and retreats
are used to guests going on their own and leaving their
partner at home. It’s your wellness journey. Alternatively,
couples 昀椀nd a spa holiday (especially if you have kids) a
chance to reconnect and reinvigorate the relationship. When
selecting a spa 昀椀nd one where you both would enjoy the
environment and activities on offer.
Check out Google, Tripadvisor and other review sites but take
any extremely 昀氀attering or negative comments with a grain
of salt. Look for reviews detailing the level of accommodation, spa treatments, staff service and food and beverage.
Pick a spa that matches your style and the feeling you’re after
– casual, informal, re昀椀ned, luxurious, pampering, scheduled
or free-wheeling. Find out what type of guests go there –
singles, couples, old/young, open to LGBTQ+, multicultural,
local and international visitors.
Spa Programming
What spa treatments can you experience – 昀椀rst-time goers
may enjoy the basics like Swedish and Deep Tissue massage,
facials, and mani-pedis but regular spa enthusiasts may want
to expand their treatment horizons with tech or indigenous
focused treatments or ones that incorporate the destination’s
plant extracts, herbs or seaweed. Are different modalities
available like re昀氀exology, Ayurveda and touchless therapies?
How well trained are the staff? Do they have both male and
female therapists? Are there steam rooms, couples treatment
rooms, saunas, relaxation lounges (indoor/outdoor), cold
plunges, mineral springs, and medical staff?
The spa industry has evolved worldwide to include spas
for every interest, age and gender. They have laid out the
welcome mat. Like any vacation you need to do your
homework but what fun homework this is – 昀椀nding the right
spa to bring you to a blissful state of being to help keep you
on the road to good physical and mental health.
Let the relaxation begin.
Beyond the Spa?
Besides various treatments, many spas offer a range of
activities and programs like forest bathing, desert or
mountain hikes, water activities, beach yoga, meditation,
breathwork, couples workshops and nutrition and culinary
classes. Decide if your preference is a spa with numerous
activities or just time to put your feet up and relax.
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