Spa Definitions - different types of health spas

Spas are divided into categories such as resort spas and destination spas. In some cases - overlapping spa definitions - spas fit into more than one category.

Resort/Hotel Spa

These are hotels and vacation resorts with all the usual facilities. A Resort Spa will normally focus on the specific activities offered, such as Golf, Game Reserves and Game Drives etc.

A Resort or Hotel Spa also has a spa leisure centre - this will normally include a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi plus treatment rooms where therapists administer individual treatments.

One can expect massages, facials, body and beauty treatments, but specialized treatments are less common. Guests generally wear robes or gym gear in the spa area but not in the main hotel.

There are seldom age restrictions in the hotel, but there are often minimum age restrictions for individual treatments.

Spa hotels and resorts usually provide a la carte services. The facilities are either free for guests or available for a minimal charge. The downside to a spa hotel or resort is that it is probably not the best place to go to if you are wanting to change to a healthier lifestyle - spa guests mingle with other resort guests and all the temptations of a normal resort may affect the results.

Destination Spa

These are facilities that are totally dedicated to the Spa experience. They offers healthy cuisine, professional treatments, wellness educational, and fitness programs designed to enhance health and well-being.

Wellness Centre/Health Hydro

A wellness center is a place for people wanting to learn about disease prevention, or learn how to change their lifestyles, so that they can take an active role in maintaining their own good health and sense of well being.

Health Spa/Health Farm

A Health Spa / Health Farm offers all the facilities you are likely to find at a hotel, and specifically caters to beauty, health and fitness. It has more treatment rooms than a Hotel or Resort and you can normally wander around the entire venue in robes or casual fitness gear.

The phrase 'health farm' is commonly used in the UK and 'health spa' in the RSA and USA.

Health Spa cuisine tends to cater for both the weight loser as well as the food lover.

Pamper Spa

A Pamper Spa concentrates on spoiling people for whom the stress of everyday life is getting too much. If you are looking to indulge yourself in relaxation without worrying about detoxing or dieting - then this is for you.

Here counting calories is out and chocolate cake and bubbly is in! Whether it is simply treating yourself to a manicure or experiencing the wonders of a Full Body Aromatherapy Massage, a Pamper Spa will cater to your needs.

Holistic / Alternative Healing Spa

These are places that offer traditional beauty and health therapies aimed at enhancing well-being. They incorporate more modern therapies, but their main focus is the body and soul, and achieving balance in one's life.

Medi Spa

A Medi Spa offers wellness treatments and procedures under the direction of a medical doctor and usually includes medical services (i.e. chiropractor, nutritionist, internist, MD, Injury Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy, Nurse Practitioners).

Rehab Centres

These are clinics that provide detox and rehabilitation treatments for addictions, eating disorders and depression. Most centres have fully-equipped hospitals with High-Care facilities, all with highly trained staff.

Multi Professional Teams consisting of a Medical Doctors, Professional Nurses, Social Workers, Therapists and a Clinical Psychologist, Dieticians, Counsellors are on hand to assist guests.

Day Spa

A Day Spa is one you can visit for a day or an hour. They do not provide overnight accommodation and are ideal for those wanting a day or half day of pampering.

You can have single services like a facial or massage or a full or 1/2 day package of spa services. Some offer use of their fitness facilities or personal training programs depending on the package you buy.

Stay Spa

A stay spa is any spa that provides accommodation. This includes Health Farms, Retreats, Resorts and Hotels. In addition to multi-day packages, these usually offer day treatment packages so a day getaway can still be enjoyed.