The Difference Between a Spa Resort

The confusion often arises because the terms spa resort have been blurred since long ago. Many traditional destination spas now refer to themselves as spa hotels. While some still insist on using the terms interchangeably, there are those who take the traditional term of a spa and expand it into a spa resort. However, with both the terms now in the same sentence, it is important to know the differences between these destinations so that you can easily differentiate them from one another.

Spas

A spa is defined by most sources as a place where relaxation and treatment are practiced or offered. Many spas, particularly those that are well-known for treating the elite, have elaborate and expensive features such as massages, saunas and treatments. It is very common for spas to offer luxurious accommodation, including fine dining, as well as spa services, and these include spa-type programs in addition to relaxing spa sessions. Spas are usually equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that clients get the maximum possible relaxation from their treatment. Many spas even have a spa in which clients can enjoy a relaxing bath or steamy sauna or steam room. It is common practice in many spas to treat the client with a meal at the restaurant before they leave for their treatment, which allows them to relax before the therapy session.

A spa hotel is a much larger resort than a spa. These resorts generally have many spa rooms as well as separate wellness and fitness centers where clients can visit after a spa session. A spa hotel might be located in a town or city, or it might be in a country cottage surrounded by trees. It could also be located in a large upscale house that features high-tech appliances and other amenities that allow the client to relax as much as possible.

Spa hotels are sometimes considered a more complete experience than spa spas. There may be a spa-type programs available in a spa hotel, as well as massages, saunas and other types of therapies, as well as fitness and wellness centers and swimming pools. A spa hotel may also feature a spa salon or sauna for clients to get their hair and skin exfoliated or pampered in a spa environment. These services are typically provided at a fraction of the cost of a spa visit, and often include a spa-type breakfast.

Some spa resorts are so luxurious that they are able to offer full service, including a full service restaurant, swimming pool, bar and even cable television. In some cases, spa vacations might include packages to activities like sailing, scuba diving, horseback riding, jet skiing, parasailing, fishing, golfing and many other outdoor activities, all of which are more popular with the elite than other spa vacations. It is important to realize that while spa vacations offer more amenities than spas do, they usually do not offer as extensive of a personal experience as a spa. Spa packages might include a wide variety of different spa services, including massages, facials, sauna sessions, manicures and pedicures. A spa vacation might include spa treatment options, but spa vacations might not include a full spa experience in the form of spa-type treatments.

When booking your spa vacation, it is important to ask yourself whether you want more amenities than just massages and saunas. Most hotels will have all the basic facilities to ensure that you and your guests have the best possible spa experience, but you might prefer more personalized spa vacations in order to experience a spa as a spa tourist.