Your Guide to Choosing Spa Resorts

When choosing a spa resort, there are almost endless options to choose from. Whether you are looking for something simple and low cost, or if you want a pampered and extravagant experience, there is a spa resort that offers what you are looking for. Spa resorts can be found all over the world too.

To find one, you can check with AAA, or a very good option would be to search the internet for exactly what you want. Many online sites specialize in vacation planning, including spa resort information. Below are just a few of the many options you have to choose from when picking a spa resort.

Some spa resorts are very simple. They will often offer physical therapy services, volcanic clay "mud" baths and massages. Facials and body treatments will also be included. Of course, they will have spa facilities as well. These spa packages can be enjoyed anywhere from 4 to 30 days, depending on how long you can stay, and what your budget allows.

When you move up to the mid-level spa resorts, they tend to offer a little more. An exercise facility is one of the extras. Depending on where the spa is located, they may offer hiking or other outdoor activities. Often gourmet food is on the menu and included in the package. Of course, the mid-level spas also offer everything you would find in an economy package.

Things become more exciting when you opt for a luxury spa resort. This is where the services offered become almost endless. At some luxury spa resorts, you are afforded a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. Others offer health improvement, fine dining, yoga and meditation, and low-fat cuisine. Horseback riding and other outdoor activities will often be available.

Golfing facilities are common at luxury spa resorts. Watersports and skiing are offered sometimes, too. Regardless of the spa you choose, the goal will normally be stress reduction, relaxation, and health improvement.

You will also find that there are many types of specialty spas available. An example of this would be a Connoisseur spa. These spas are more "upper class", and give more attention to each guest. They usually have more staff available per guest than a conventional spa would have. Wonderful ambiance and cuisine are always offered at a Connoisseur spa. Don’t forget your checkbook, though, as these are at the top of the list of spas.

Mobile spas are a novel idea. With a mobile spa, the professionals bring the spa to you. Well, they don’t bring an actual spa, but they will offer massages, facials, manicures, and other health treatments right to your house. They can even come to small parties.

Your spa resort vacation will only be limited to your imagination and your budget. If what you are looking for is health related, you can normally find a spa resort that caters to it, regardless of how much you have available to spend. All it takes is a little research on your part, and you can have a spa vacation that you will always remember.

Go to a destination spa if you want:

• An all-encompassing spa environment where the whole emphasis is on getting healthy, finding new energy and getting inspired.
• An adult environment.
• A sense of camaraderie and an atmosphere where it’s easy to get to know people.
• A supportive environment for recovering from major life events.
• Lots of programming, including exercise classes, hikes, meditation, and lectures on health and personal growth.
• Healthy food. Most don't serve alcohol and some don't serve caffeine.
• Pricing that includes room, meals, classes, lectures and usually some spa treatments.

Examples of great destination spas include Golden Door in California, Red Mountain Spa in Utah, Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas and The Lodge at Woodloch in Pennsylvania.

Some resort spas like The Spa at Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona and Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in California are becoming more like destination spas by offering hiking and exercise classes without charging extra. But typically resort spas charge for classes, and don't have nearly as much programming. Spa treatments are an "a la carte" amenity to your larger vacation.

Go to a resort spa if you want:

• Spa treatments as part of your overall vacation experience.
• To spend time with your family.
• A particular vacation spot, like Hawaii or Scottsdale.
• To spend just one-two nights. Most destination spas have two-three night minimums.
• Particular amenities such as golfing, tennis, or lots of swimming pools.
• To drink, eat rich food or gamble.
• To go to the spa while your partner, mate or kids do something different.
• To relax instead of taking lots of classes.

Examples of great resort spas include The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, The Spa at Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvana, and The Watermark Hotel & Spa in San Antonio, Texas.

What is A Resort Spa?

spa is the new "must-have" amenity at resorts and hotels. But make sure you know what you're getting into before you book.

Resort/hotel spas come in a wide range of sizes and styles, from small private inns like The Harbour Inn in St. Michaels, Maryland, to the lavish, sprawling resort spas in Hawaii.

Resort spas are different from destination spas like Lake Austin Spa Resort . Destination spas offer a total wellness experience. Meals, classes and some spa treatments are usually part of the price.

At a resort spa, you buy your spa treatments a la carte. You usually have to pay extra for yoga and other classes. The restaurants will offer spa cuisine -- but also burgers and fries.

What You Need To Know About Resort/Hotel Spas

* Large resort spas will have a wide range of activities, including golf, swimming, tennis, and sometimes water sports, horseback riding and skiing.
Some also have kids' camps.

A hotel spa is in an urban setting. It can range from the splashy, over-the-top spas in Las Vegas to elegant, sophisticated spas like The Mandarin Oriental in New York City.

* Resort spas do not include meals. Destination spas include meals. Keep that in mind when you compare prices.

* You may have to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 for yoga or other exercise classes. Classes at destination spas are included.

* Many resorts have kids' camps. Destination spas don't allow children.

* Beware: some resorts and hotels say they have a spa when it's just one treatment room off the gym. Don't take their word for it. Do your research before you go.

Resort Spas Are A Good Choice If:

* One wants to golf, the other to spa

* You want to eat -- and drink -- whatever you want.

* You have children

* You're a business traveler who needs a massage.

Destination Spas Are Good Choice If You:

* want to jumpstart a diet or healthy lifestyle

* want to be with like-minded people

* are traveling alone

* need to address specific health issues

* want to be nurtured after a loss

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