In order to end up with the perfect spa resort vacation for you, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of spa resort vacations are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a spa resort vacation.
Research the market: Spa Resort Vacation essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the spa resort vacation market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Types: Some spa resorts are dedicated to a specific wellness mission, and center their treatments and activities on that belief system. Others are simply focused on providing you with a relaxing vacation, and do not adhere to a prescribed wellness program.
Some spa resorts are designed primarily for relaxation and amusement, while others are health spas with a focus on improving medical conditions. Spa resorts come in all shapes and sizes; some are so large you may never feel compelled to leave the grounds, and others are quite intimate with fewer guest accommodations.
Location: Some spa resorts are conveniently located in major cities, while others, especially destination spas, are to be found in remote locations. There are benefits to both, but do consider the cost of transportation to and from the spa resort. Out-of-the-way spa resorts are often more secluded, but urban spa resorts offer the opportunity to explore interesting attractions in the area.
Some treatments are only available in certain regions of the world, or are specialties of the area. For example, when traveling in Egypt, you can partake in an elaborate bath and massage ritual similar to what Cleopatra experienced.
Facilities: One of the benefits of a spa resort vacation is having fun and rejuvenating activities within steps from your room. A vast array of fitness and activity options are offered at spa resorts, including tennis courts, hiking paths, horseback riding, rooms for yoga and Pilates classes, meditation centers pagodas, and golf courses.
The type of activities and fitness facilities vary from one resort to another. Although it is common for spa resorts to have a swimming pool, for example, they may or may not have one that is protected from the elements. Fitness centers are also widely available at spa resorts, but check to see whether the equipment is up-to-date.
Treatment rooms also differ in quality and ambience; some are quite small and others are roomy.
Structure: Some spa resorts are structured, with set schedules for dining, treatments and activity. A structured program is generally all-inclusive, with very few hidden fees. Other spa resorts allow you to set your own treatment schedule, and post a list of scheduled activities that you are free to attend if you wish. While you can purchase treatment and activity packages as well as la carte services, there are often additional and hidden fees in less structured spa resorts.
Amenities: Abundance of amenities directly affects the cost of your spa resort vacation. Luxurious perks such as French linens, Turkish bath robes and organic bath and beauty products will add to your experience, but also add to the price. Some spa resorts provide you with all of the comforts of home, including wireless Internet, television with DVD player, and even business centers with printers and fax machines. However, some are designed to be a vacation from your life, and do not provide television sets and other media in lodging rooms or common areas.
Lodging: Many hotels are renovating their facilities to create a spa resort feel, and most of the newer resort hotels include an in-house spa and fitness center. Lodging in spa resorts of this type is similar to a hotel room or suite, and you will be one of many guests. At a destination spa, you may be more apt to find yourself in a tiny bungalow all to yourself, or sharing a cabin with other guests.
Treatments: The types of treatments offered at spa resorts vary widely, and also vary in price. Swedish and shiatsu massages are standard fare at most spa resorts, but specialized massages such as chocolate or honey massage, may or may not be offered. The same holds true for other types of spa treatments, such as facials, body scrubs and masks, and scalp treatments. Generally speaking, the more specialized the treatment - often with exotic ingredients - the more you will pay. Treatment packages offer you some relief from the expense, and you may also find some spa resorts offer massages in communal rooms at a discounted rate.
Food: Some spa resorts offer in-room and restaurant dining options for guests, while others, such as health and medical spas, have a prescribed nutrition program, which leaves you little or no option. However, if the goal of your vacation is to lose weight, for instance, this may be just what you're looking for.
Length of Stay: You can stay at a spa resort for as little as one night, but most packages and structured spa programs are in blocks of three days to two weeks.
Guest Demographic: Spa resorts are becoming a popular vacation for families, and some resorts attract specific demographics, such as senior citizens or singles. While the resort itself may seem appealing to you initially, you can avoid regret by taking the time to research the resort's typical clientele. Likewise, you may want to call the spa resort directly to inquire about large groups that may be attending the resort during your vacation.
Experience: With the popularity of spa resorts and destination spas increasing, you will surely come across new and relatively-new establishments. A spa resort with experience in catering to guests and providing quality treatments is ideal, but if you have your heart set on a newer spa, make sure to book your treatments with the most experienced masseurs, trainers and physical therapists.
References and Reviews: Reviews from industry insiders are helpful in making your purchasing decision, but also see if you can browse the comments from previous customers in online forums.
Price: Spa prices vary over a vast range. At a luxury spa with a wide range of treatments and activities, you can expect to spend at least twice as much as you would in a hotel which offers spa amenities.
Research Your Needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a spa resort vacation. For example, will you use the spa resort vacation only for a girls-only weekend?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I had a spa resort vacation before? |
| | If you have, work out what you did or didn't like about the spa resort vacation. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| What type of spa experience do I want to have? |
| | You might be looking for a luxury spa experience focused on pampering, a medical spa to help with an ailment or disease, or a health spa with an abundance of fitness-related activities. |
| Where do I want to travel? |
| | Some options would be to stay near the ocean or a lake, in the mountains or in the desert. Think about whether you're looking to get far away from home; even to a different country! |
| How much freedom do I want? |
| | You might prefer a structured environment with scheduled activities, or you might like to schedule your treatments and activities on your own. |
| What type of indoor activities would I like to have available to me? |
| | You could play tennis, take a Pilates class, or just read or meditate. Think about what activities interest you and what you're most likely to attend. This will help you narrow down your choice of spa resorts. |
| Would type of outdoor activities would I like to have available to me? |
| | You could go skiing, or perhaps a water sport, such as sailing or scuba diving, or maybe horseback riding. Again, check which spa resorts have these options nearby to help narrow down your choices. |
| How much personal attention do I want? |
| | You may want to work with a personal trainer to achieve a fitness or health goal. You might like the spa resort to create a custom health, fitness and beauty plan for your stay, or have access to experts upon your request. |
| Am I planning to travel alone? |
| | If you are traveling with a spouse and/or your children, make sure the resort has activities that they could be involved in. |
| Do I want a special interest or theme vacation? |
| | You might like to attend a spa resort with special enrichment opportunities, with classes in scrap-booking, painting, or photography. |
| Do I have any special needs? |
| | You might use a wheelchair or have allergies or special food requirements. Make sure the place you are going can accommodate your needs. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of spa resort vacations and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
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