Spa vacations have become increasingly popular in the past few years as people begin to appreciate the health benefits of spa treatments. In fact, spas seem to be sprouting up everywhere: at city hotels, inns and even at airport terminals.
Can you imagine a universe in which you are the center of attention? You laze about for the entire day without a care in the world. In fact, the only thing that you have to think about is whether or not you want to get a facial or a massage.
The popularity of spa vacations has led to the emergence of luxury spas in almost every imagined spot on the planet.
The very thought of a spa is enough to give a tingling vibrance to our tired body.
The word "spa" comes from a place called Spa in Belgium where there are those historic springs. In the olden days the wounded Roman soldiers would come to these mineral springs to bathe after war in order to soothe their aching bodies and heal their injuries with the warm water of the spring. Since then any natural or manmade place that has medicinal spring is called a spa. In eastern New England these mineral springs were also called soda fountain.
However, according to another story the word spa is derived from the Latin phrase 'sanitas per aqua,' or 'health through water'. All this shows that spa is synonymous with water having medicinal value. That is not to say that the spas that pop up in every nook and corner of the city claiming to provide therapeutic baths and massages have springs with medicinal water.
The modern spas are very different from the original springs of medicinal water. They include the Jacuzzi, sauna, and water-based mud packs in the spas. What has not changed is the fundamental principle behind it - to obtain peace of mind and good health.
In order to be able to select the right spa vacation from the options available today, it is important to understand the different types of spas and the services they provide.
Destination spas are full-service wellness centers whose main purpose is to enhance their guests' physical and mental wellbeing.
Destination spas feature a wide selection of classes, including Yoga, tennis, hiking, Tai Chi, meditation and dancing.
Today’s spa has become a center of health and revitalization.
If your stomach is looking more scary than sexy these days, consider going to a spa to shed those extra holiday pounds. Fortunately the days of "fat farms," group torture and lettuce-only lunches are ancient history.
Today's health spas focus on long-term lifestyle changes that you can take home with you - in beautiful, luxurious settings with a lot more than a few greens on your plate. In fact, most spas understand that the only greens their guests want to see are golf greens and it's always possible to squeeze a round or two in the links, or even a massage, in between those aerobics and yoga classes.
Anyone who is overweight already will do wonders for their body by traveling around the world. Anyone who is a fitness nut will likely weigh the same or less when they return. Long-term travel is a painless weight-loss plan.
What do you do all day when you travel on the cheap? You walk, you swim, you hike, you bike, you lift weights (your backpack), and you walk some more. With this kind of lifestyle, Who needs a gym? Most travelers walk for miles on any typical day: looking around for a place to stay, sightseeing, walking to and from restaurants and bars, running errands, shopping, and getting to the train or bus station. You walk because it's cheap, it's convenient, and in many cases, an adventure it itself. Then there's the exercise you do for fun. You'll probably spend lots of time at beaches, swimming and snorkeling. There are volcanoes to hike, rivers to raft, mountain ranges to trek, temples to bike to. If you want, you can easily get into a pick-up game of basketball or soccer with the locals.
You'll also lose weight in some countries because you need to avoid eating meat. Once you see a butcher shop in some of these places, you'll know why. I lost 20 pounds (8 kilos) while I was eating vegetarian-only in India for 6 weeks and was looking thinner than I had since high school when I left. (Thankfully I was off to Turkey next, where they put meat in almost every dish.) Plus you can't always get three squares a day: on long bus or train rides, you have to settle for what's available when you stop.
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.
Some spa resorts are very simple. They will often offer physical therapy services, volcanic clay "mud" baths and massages.
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.
Your spa resort vacation will only be limited to your imagination and your budget.
If you’re interested in finding a stress-free place to help you with your weight loss, you’ve come to the right place. Modern spas are great for promoting better health through weight loss, and we’ll help you find the perfect one!
Relax and Be Pampered.
Revitalize your mind, body and soul with a relaxing spa vacation.
Search the spa listings here, then visit the spas' Web sites to find deals.
Choose your featured destination:
Top 10: relaxing spa getaways
Need to pamper yourself after the holidays? Why not treat yourself to a relaxing getaway to our favorite hotel spas?
Rants & raves
The good, the bad, and the ugly -- real stories from real travelers.
"The worst night of sleep in my life!!!!! The pillows are plastic covered and the beds are all full size. The TV didn't work half the time and had to have been made back when dinosaurs roamed the earth."
"I've just spent a wonderful and enjoyable six days at this beautiful hotel and cannot imagine a better experience. The location is perfect, the amenities superior, and - best of all - the staff outstanding."
According to a recent survey of more than 3,000 TripAdvisor travelers from around the world, visiting a luxury spa was the third most likely vacation activity in the next year, following sightseeing and shopping. 55% of travelers plan to visit a spa next year.
What was most surprising? Men are almost as likely as women to pursue
pampering - with an even split between male and female travelers.
Start 2010 off right and escape to these destinations that cater to the
spa-loving crowd!
More people are turning to weight-loss spas to drop the holiday pounds.
As their popularity has grown, so, too, have the types of services they offer. How do you choose one?
Search the spa listings here, then visit the spas' Web sites to find deals.
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Almost every morning (when the desire takes me) I run along the canal Lachine to the downtown or Old Port. This is about 10 ... 12 kilometers and It takes about 1.5-2 hours. Sometimes I try to combine the run with visiting of new places. There is always a small camera in my pocket. And from time to time I take some Montreal's pictures that attract my artistic attention.
[12.03.2009] What does the run mean for me?
Running helps resurrect my inner introvert, and I cherish those long runs alone. It gives me opportunity to escape the constant buzz of my home and business lives, and get back to basics. It is a great time for prayer and reflection.
Spa vacations have become increasingly popular in the past few years as people begin to appreciate the health benefits of spa treatments. In fact, spas seem to be sprouting up everywhere: at city hotels, inns and even at airport terminals.
Can you imagine a universe in which you are the center of attention? You laze about for the entire day without a care in the world. In fact, the only thing that you have to think about is whether or not you want to get a facial or a massage.
The popularity of spa vacations has led to the emergence of luxury spas in almost every imagined spot on the planet.
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