How to Choose a Spa -- Day to Destination

Lavendar Scented, Dimly Lit or Bright, Filled with New Age Music or Jazz, Choices AwaitIt's easys to choose a Spa if you use a checklist like this one.This checklist for choosing a spa is a simple matter once you decide what you want, be it a relaxation moment, a romantic time, a maternity treat or a full-body tune-up with facial, body and cosmetic (pedicures, manicures, hair-do) choices. Day spas, destination spas, in-hotel spas -- local, national or international -- fit any need you have.

Money and time are important factors, naturally. Spa treats do help reduce the stress, hustle and bustle of hectic schedules so schedule a treat for yourself on a regular interval. Then, once used to the pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation treatments give, plan a vacation to a destination spa or resort. Bring your friends and family along, too. Introduce them to the treats Europeans long indulged in at their spas.

To choose a Spa, begin by analyzing desires and needs:

1. Decide betwee a quick treat, or a longer, leisurely treatment or stay.

2. Choose a time of year.

3. Do you want do go to a local day spa for an hour's massage, then go about your day?

4. Do you want to spend a few hours, like I did in Montana, with a gaggle of girl friends as you dish the dirt? (I am not excluding gents, but women make up the majority of spa goers although this is changing as the men discover they have been missing lots of pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation. Men, singly or part of couples, now understand the "joy" of sitting in the Jacuzzi, sauna and Spa lounges eating healthy snacks in terry-cloth robes and slippers.)

5. Do you have time for a Destination Spa or Spa Resort? Here you can eat right, learn Yoga, practice it, take quiet time and chill out.

6. Once you have made your basic decision, look at the titles of my Spa articles see if any of them fit your needs, then go to their website or telephone for a brochure and start comparing prices, spa menu, and locale.

Spa services vary from spa to spa, as so do therapists and prices. Destination spas cost between $200 a day to more than $5,000 a week. Some spas have spa restaurants, cafes and special menus to meet healthy needs. Other spas help clients weight.

Atmosphere and ambience factor heavily into a spa experience. During a weekong visit to review some of Cancun’s top destination spas and hotels, I enjoyed the atmosphere and relaxing service at upscale spas from The Spa Fiesta Americana Grand AQUA, with delightful Spa Manager Jaime Martinez. Here, a walk down a spiral staircase passes by an open ocean-facing restaurant with pillars featuring mosaic portraits of famous Mexicans like artists Frieda Kalo and Diego Rivera. Inside the spa itself is infused with light wood, floral aromas, incense and soft music. This is part of the pleasure of getting into a spa moment.

The soft lighting and lovely spa lounge helps the mind and body relax. At the Ritz Carlton Spa in Cancun, Simona oversaw our treatments, while personal spa valets brought clients light fruit juices and a warm, damp neck pillow while we waited in comfy chairs in a dimly lit room. www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/cancun.