วันเสาร์ที่ 16 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Placing Your Spa

Could where you place your spa effect how often you use it? It may not seem so at first but over time the answer is a resounding, Yes. So, you finally bought that spa, now what. Wait, before you pour that cement pad and call out the electrician think about how you are going to use the spa.

First you should know that most of the serious injuries and deaths involving spas are deck mounted spas. If your are thinking about sinking your spa in a deck, turns out leaving it at least bench high can make all the difference as far as safety. Bench high will still make getting in and out of the spa with ease but your guests or children will be far less likely to step into it by accident. So, safety first, make sure the spa stays at least bench high out of the deck and you will be less likely to end up a statistic.

Next, make sure you leave plenty of room around your spa. It is natural to think putting the spa in the corner or up against the house. But in order to keep debris out of your spa and keep the water warm you are going to need to use a spa cover. Once you have the cover off and you are in your spa it will not matter if the spa is in a corner or hanging off the edge of the deck. However when you go to put the cover back on, in order for that to be easy, you need to have easy access around the spa.

If you think about putting the cover on your spa like you would make your bed it will make more sense. If you have your bed shoved into the corner of your room, you may open up more floor area but making the bed, tucking in sheets is going to be a struggle. With your bed you can grab it and pull it away from the wall. You can’t do that with your spa. No matter what kind of cover you decide to use, it will always be easier if you can get around at least three sides of your spa.

I know what you are thinking. I can open my spa cover standing on one side, and when I put it back on I just push it across the spa. And that may be true of your brand new rigid foam spa cover. Unfortunately no rigid foam cover in the history of man has ever stayed light weight. Once the cover begins to get heavy, it will be a lot easier if not necessary to have two people to take the cover off and back on the spa.

One more thing to mention. As humans it is our nature to get by with as little effort as possible. When you first get your spa, you may have plenty of energy you are willing to expend to get into your new toy. As the new wears off however, you will be less likely to exert yourself just to get a little relaxation. If you are using the typical rigid foam cover, you will almost certainly start to open only one side of your spa. You will flop the spa cover halfway open and just use the one side that you can get at. In my humble opinion, this is the beginning of the end.

What I mean by this is as humans when we begin to justify having half as much enjoyment, or telling ourselves we really don’t want to sit in the soothing pulsating jets of the spa we once were so excited to get home to, we begin to have less quality of life. I am convinced that if we make the right choices now we can keep a quality of life well into our twilight years.

You already bought the spa. That was a big expense and given the way spas are built by most companies these days that spa can last you the rest of your life. Where you decide to place your spa can make all the difference between using it later on or deciding to give it away because you just do not use it as much as you used to. The secret is making it easy to use, not just now, but later when the cover starts to get heavy and when you get older and lazier. When the new wears thin, you can still benefit from a dip in the spa.

Back in the annuals of time, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, thought it important enough to include regular spa use as part of the healthy lifestyle. If you want to live a healthy life well into your later years, using that spa is going to be a part of it. And because we are naturally lazy beings, making that easy now will be a big part of how often we use it later. Like brushing your teeth.

If you still have your teeth when you are old, it is largely because you planned for taking care of them when you were young. You made it part of your daily routine by planning on making it easy to do so. You put your tooth brush in the bathroom where you knew you would end up at some point in the morning. To a large degree you now face the same kind of decision in placing your spa.

If you place your spa too far away, walking out to it in your bathing suit seems far less inviting. I heard one person say he placed the spa as far away as his wife was willing to walk in the nude. I would add that she is going to get older and that distance may be less. Make the cover easy to get off and on. Like I said earlier having easy access to at least three sides of the spa will be important but maybe you should consider that eventually you might add a cover lifter of some sort. Leaving space around the spa will make a lifter a lot easier to add later too.

Having the spa partially sunken into the deck can assist in getting the spa cover off and on because as it gets heavier, and it will, and you get older, you will have less distance to move it. Leave room to fasten the cover easily on to the sides of the cabinet. In order to be as safe as possible your cover should be secured to the spa.

If you have already placed your spa and when you read this you realize your spa is not going to be easy to use, move it now. Drain your spa, move it to so you can walk around at least three sides of your spa. If you have shrubs or other landscaping right up to the sides of your spa so you can not walk around it, move them. Back them away from the spa. If you have a privacy fence surrounding the spa, take it down or move it back.

If you got one of those cute little gazebos or tea houses that fit right on to the spa, take it off. Move it to some other place in the yard. Make it a play house for the kids, a shed for the mower, or a tea house or gazebo, but get it off the spa. Either that or eventually you will get to the point where you can not remember the last time you got in the spa. You will get tired of paying to heat the water you are never in and you will drain the spa and shut it down. It will sit there until your wife decides to reclaim her yard and tells you to get rid of it. That will be a shame considering when you first got it, you could not wait to get into it. And your life was better. Do it now, you will thank me later.

วันศุกร์ที่ 15 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

The Spa Break

How about a nice weekend escape, a visit to s romantic hotel or inn, and a few nice and calm candle lit dinners… this is almost any young adult dream in these days, some break off work, and time to completely relax and rest. The traditional weekend break was once a low cost, small hotel weekend which usually started on Friday night and ended on Saturday noon, today things have changed, the small hotel is usually replaced by a fashionable spa hotel or better yet a resort with a spa in it.

Spa services are what most weekend guests are looking for, it makes perfect sense to compliment your weekend away with a few body treatments that will take off that extra stress and anger that has been accumulating in you for the whole month. Spa treatments are not so cheap, but if you ever used one you would probably know that on some level they are well worth the money time and effort.

So there is no wonder that some people prefer to stay in a place that has the Spa treatment option in the facilities it offers, rather than having to go outside to look for a good treatment. On the other hand there are some places that you will want to research the Spa in the location, because sometime the best sap is not located inside an hotel ,and is not associated with any of the hotels in the area. The best example is the city of Spa in Belgium, this is the place that started it all, and you will find that the main Spa location is not inside a hotel but a facility by itself.

Some Spa treatment centers are located near a place of interest or provide some special services, the dead sea spa services have a large variety of treatments that are unique for that area of the world, a place rich with minerals and salts, and the spa uses these in its treatments, so you can research the place in which the spa is located in order to get a better idea on the unique things you can find at that location, not only special features are different from spa to spa but sometimes the people giving the treatments are also qualified in different arts. You should always try and research the level of professionalism the spa has, and that its employees have been properly trained for giving the treatments.

If you are looking for a weekend break with some spa treatments you should also think about the other things you want to do, if you had some sports in your mind you will need to think carefully of when you want to have your spa treatments so you don’t find yourself in bed relaxing just half an hour before your tee time, a spa weekend should be dedicated to relaxing and resting so keep that in mind when you make your plans, reserve in advance and have fun.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 14 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Spa Covers

Spa Covers are an economical solution to saving power and retaining the heat in the water.

By using a spa cover the heat that would normally dissipate from the water when left uncovered, is captured under the cover and due to this, there is a lot less power required to reheat the pool.

There is a big range of spa covers and also a big variance in their prices. The higher quality spa covers can cost quite a lot more than their cheaper alternatives, however they might work out more economical over time as they are better at retaining heat and saving energy.

As well as the obvious power savings that can be gained by having a spa cover there are the additional benefits of cleanliness and safety.

By having a spa cover the water in your spa will remain a lot cleaner when not in use and this will save money on chemicals. Spa covers also add safety to your spa with most covers able to hold the weight of a small child should they ever venture onto the cover.

Many authorities are now insisting that spas are either fenced or covered to help with child safety and a spa cover is often a cheaper and more appealing alternative than fencing off the area surrounding the spa.

There are many accessories that can be purchased for the premium model spa covers such as remote control systems that will cover the spa at a touch of a button. These accessories can add considerably to the cost of the covers but make the use of them very simple and convenient.

Most spa covers are made from vinyl with added support from a steel or aluminum frame. The premium covers have additional heat saving insulation materials to help retain more heat in the water and reduce power costs.

When you are buying a spa cover it is wise to check the consumer comparison sites on the Internet to see what is available in the price range that you can afford. By shopping around you might be able to get a higher-grade spa cover for the same price as the budget models, particularly if you are buying direct from the manufacturer.

วันพุธที่ 13 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

The History Of The SpaThe History Of The Spa

The very thought of a spa is enough to give a tingling vibrance to our tired body. In the fast-paced life with heavy loads of work we hardly get the time to take care of our body. No wonder, the advertising agencies cash on the word spa to sell all kinds of products. In the midst of all these connotations we may lose the real meaning of a spa. Literally, the word spa refers to a health resort located near a water body like a spring or at the seaside.

The word 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.

Nevertheless, the idea behind modern spas is the same. They include the resorts that provide hot tub or hydro massage facilities to calm the body and the mind, irrespective of whether or not it is located near the water body. Moreover, spas include resorts that provide complete privacy to
people.

Spas are quite popular in countries like Germany, France and Italy where people go to revitalize their bodies. Many times they may not even bathe in the fresh water of a spring or sea, but just drink it. Spas are known to cure all types of problems like eczema, arthritis, liver problems and kidney stones. In European countries even the insurance and health agencies are ready to bear the expenses of this therapy. People don't mind queuing up outside spas because they hope to get rid of their illnesses. Many people have been successfully cured by this therapy.

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.

วันอังคารที่ 12 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

How Often Should You Spa?

It is common that when you first get your home spa installed to want to use it every day instead of a shower or bath. This may be okay initially for a while, but you don’t want to over do it or get sick of it quickly. The idea is to use it regularly enough to maintain relaxation and good health without affecting your desire to continue long term home spa use.

John, from California, is a perfect example of this problem. He purchased his home spa in 2003 for the purpose of performing health spa massage on a football injury he desperately wanted to recover from. The first night he tried the health spa, he loved it and he awoke feeling better than he had for a long time the next day. Some would say he became obsessive with the spa, using it sometimes from day to night, taking only small breaks for the toilet and meals. This lasted about a month before it became a chore. The positive effects on his injury were noticeable due to his constant spa massages, but he was actually developing other small, niggling injuries due to uneven area concentration on his part. Apart from a very occasional party in his home, he really never got back into using the health spa since that initial month, which was a shame since it was helping so much.

When you are focusing on a certain injury or area, remember not to narrow in on just treating a small spot. Often, injuries are referred from other areas and problems and by allowing the spa massage to be a full body work over, you will ensure any possible problem is addressed and investigated. You could discover a pain in an area you weren’t even aware was there or realize that the muscle you thought was the problem is simply responding to another muscle in trouble somewhere else.

Everyone knows what it is like when you stay in the pool for too long and you go all “pruney” or wrinkly from the excessive moisture absorbed by your skin. This is usually a good time to get out of the spa, as your skin has absorbed as much as it can process and can begin to peel and even blister if you stay in there for way too long. Usually, you will notice your fingertips begin to wrinkle first, which is a good indication that it is time to end your session. So you don’t over do the home spa novelty, you should try to have only a few a week. Some people like to dedicate a particular night to having a health spa and relaxing, while others like to do it more regularly. The main thing is that you are enjoying yourself and getting the benefits out of it.

With a portable home spa, you can choose whichever bathroom you want to use, then attach and turn your regular bath tub into an exotic resort-like health spa for your personal use. The prices are more reasonable than having a full unit installed in a fixed position and if you ever tire of the whole process, it’s easy to store away until the next time you feel like using it.

A good example is if you have a sore back you can get it out and use it a few times a week for a good spa massage. When you are recovered, store it away until you need it

again for a similar reason, to heal injury or reduce stress. Go to http://www.hydrospabusiness.com to find quality portable home health spa that will change your bathing experience forever!

Whether you are using a fixed or portable home spa, it is important to not over do it or over use it. To receive maximum benefits from using your health spa, regular, low level use is best and will maintain the fun factor for you as well. By choosing to turn your bath into a home spa, you can have relaxing, rejuvenating and invigorating health spa baths whenever you want one.

วันจันทร์ที่ 11 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Spa Resorts And Spa Holiday

Fancy going on a holiday for Spa treatment and detox. There are many beautiful beaches and resorts in Thailand that catering for this.

In many Thailand spa resorts, the well-trained therapists will ease away your stress and tensions with a wide range of treatments and therapies. Pamper yourself everything from traditional Thai massage to various types of exotic massages and treatments with special oils and scrubs imported from many destinations in Asia and in the West.

If you visit Koh Samui and Chiang Mai, there are a lot of Spa and Resort facilities that offer a broad range of spa, health and beauty treatments.

Ask your travel agent to choose for you a Spa holiday packages that includes Rejuvenation, Body Detox, Health Management, Fasting & Weight loss programs. Choose a Spa takes a holistic approach to your health and well-being. Visit to a spa cultivates your inner harmony and promote health and beauty.

Many Spa Resorts in Thailand offers a range of spa treatments, facials and Thai massage, all to the highest standards in town. A spell at the spa will leave you rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to continue your adventure in Thailand city.

In most of the Thailand Spa resorts, you can have your treatments in one of the wooden, Thai-style houses or in a traditional sala at the water’s edge. You can choose from a wide range of massages, including Foot, Facial, Aromatic Oil, Herbal Steam, and Classical Thai treatments, or pamper yourself with a body masque. They have also luxurious open air bathroom with Jacuzzi.

Modern Spa use a combination of tradition and modern techniques, such as herbal remedies, steam compresses, natural ingredients and some spa even have the state of the art facilities such as the salt flotation tank to ensure clients satisfaction. Most Spa Resorts in Thailand offers a holistic spa and salon approach, such as:

1. Ayurvedic Aroma Therapy
2. Herbal Steam Room
3. Classic Thai Massage
4. Body Masque
5. Jacuzzi
6. Facial Massage
7. Aroma Oil or Herbal
8. Steam Massage
9. Aroma Therapy
10. Foot Massage
11. And many more treatments.

While on holiday, Indulge yourself in sheer indulgence and exquisite pampering. You can choose from a wide selection of spa services: from romantic treatments to comprehensive one-day packages combining hydrotherapy, mesotherapy and aromatic body, beauty and skincare treatment. You are certainly spoiled for choices. Relaxation through Spa allows you to focus on harmony between the mind, body and spirit. So after a relaxing spa holidays, you should feel more refresh and more energetic back at work.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 10 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Spa Etiquette: Know How To Tip And Strip At The Spa

An experience at the spa is like none other. Where else can one receive pampering services, reconnect with one's self, and emerge revitalized? Spas offer personal, hands-on services that provide endless healthful benefits. Because of their intimate nature, the spa environment can also represent an unfamiliar level of exposure to new spa-goers. To get the most out of their experience, visitors need not be intimidated. A little bit of knowledge and preparation can go a long way.

The first rule of thumb is to arrive early to any appointment. For first-timers, this is a good time to enjoy the facility and peruse their other services. Many spas have both male and female therapists on staff. If you have a preference, don't hesitate to let your choice be known. Customers receiving a massage are met by a therapist who escorts them to changing room. Robes and sandals are made available for the comfort of the client. Underwear may be left on. For clients who may be changing in the room where the service is provided, the therapist will leave the room, giving the client time to change out of their clothes and lie down on the table.

During a massage session, the therapist may ask for some feedback as to comfort and any trouble areas that might need extra attention. It's important for customers to relax and enjoy this time but also communicate any discomfort. Therapists are well trained in the art of draping, which means they keep clients covered at all times except for the area of the body being massaged. Some enjoy conversing quietly with their massage therapist during the session and others prefer to remain quiet. It's up to the client and her comfort level.

After the massage session, the therapist will leave the room as clients slip into their robe or clothes. It's important to vacate the room within a reasonable amount of time as the room must be prepared for the next client. A glass of water should be provided by the therapist following the massage. Hydration is an important element in massage therapy as it helps to clean the body of toxins. Clients should be escorted to the changing room where they can freshen up.

For those receiving body scrubs, body wraps and hydrotherapies, clients are not draped in order to receive maximum benefits from the services. In some instances swimsuits are optional. Clients should inquire with the staff beforehand. When entering a soaking pool, a swimming pool or whirlpool, it's necessary to shower beforehand. In the sauna or steam, clients should always sit on their towel and wear the sandals provided by the spa.

Facials are the second most popular spa service after the massage. Those who schedule two treatments together should get a massage before the facial. Clients receiving a facial should alert the esthetician if they are wearing contacts. Facials consist of a deep cleansing using mineral essentials and other products to purify, nourish, and tone skin. Basic facials take one hour to perform. It's not necessary to unclothe during facials.

The spa is a great place for some alone time so leave children under 16 at home. If someone else has brought along young children who are disruptive, it's a good idea to speak to a staff personnel. The spa environment is one that is meant to foster calm and serenity. For that reason, it's also important to turn off cell phones at the spa or leave them at home. And although the spa is a "customer first" service industry, that does not give clients the license to speak abusively to spa staff. Lewd and inebriated guests will also find themselves quickly and professionally dismissed from the spa.

In all service-related businesses it's common to tip the person who has performed a service. If a service was rendered to the satisfaction of the customer, it's expected the client will tip for the service. The rule of thumb for spas today is 15 to 20 percent of the cost of service, or about $10 to $15 for one treatment. If you are enjoying spa services as a result of a gift certificate, inquire if the tip has been included in the total. Tips are made at the time of check out. Many spas provide envelopes at the front desk for tips.

For those who are still unsure about their first spa visit, consider going along with a friend who has spa-going experience or call ahead for a tour of the facility.

วันเสาร์ที่ 9 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Commercial Spa Versus A Home Spa

Being fortunate enough to make regular visits to health spas, massage spas and beauty spas is wonderful, but not everyone is so lucky! Lets face facts - health spas are very pricey for either a holiday or a day visit and for most people, it is a once in a life-time experience. The great news is that there are ways you can create the same experience in the privacy of your own home.

From a few thousand dollars and up you can purchase a spa to install in your own home. These are fantastic as either indoor or outdoor units and combined with a few extra tips and tricks, can definitely give you the benefits of a health spa holiday. They are fairly easy to clean, don’t cost too much to run and once you have installed them, there is no more to pay and you can use it anytime.

If installing a home spa is not an option for you because of space or finances, there is a revolutionary invention that will resolve these issues. It is a portable home health spa device that you can use in your very own bathtub! You can move it from one tub to another, so everyone in the family can use it and you can easily take it with you when you move. The jets are relaxing, rejuvenating and can have your tub bubbling in a minute or two. There are even heat settings to keep the water warm while you enjoy the tub for a lengthy time. These portable home spas are a fraction of the price of a permanent fixture or long term spa visits.

Whichever option you choose, there are a few things you will need to do to prepare for your home health and beauty spa pampering. First, choose your products: You will want a scrub for your face and body, a cleansing mask, several clean, dry towels, shampoo and a hair treatment, a loofah or body brush, nail scrubber, facecloths, floor mats, bath oils or salts and plenty of our favorite moisturizers. When you have all of these things ready, do the following:

oPut on a robe or wrap a large towel around yourself and a smaller one around your hair.

oWet your face with lukewarm water and wipe it over with a facecloth.
Begin with a small amount of facial scrub to determine how much you will need to cover your face, neck and collarbones.

oGently exfoliate your skin in these areas in a circular motion – first in one direction, then the other. Do this for three minutes or less if the skin begins to feel sensitive.

oWipe the scrub product gently from your face with a warm, wet facecloth. Rinse and repeat wiping until your skin feels clean.

oNext, apply a liberal layer of face mask to your face, neck and collarbone area and leave it to draw any toxins from your skin and add nutrients.

oUse a clean, damp facecloth to wipe over your whole body with the purpose of dampening your skin (Avoiding areas with mask on them). You want to keep the cloth full of fresh warm water so it opens your pores up ready to clean.

oNow apply the body scrub in circular motions concentrating on one limb at a time. By the time you have finished your feet, your face mask should be ready to remove and you can hop in the shower. Give your body a good all over rinse in the shower and wash your hair.

oHop out of the shower and dry your body and lightly dry your hair. Apply a liberal amount of your chosen hair treatment and wrap a towel around your head. You are now ready to hop in your home spa!

Add the recommended amount of your bath oil or salts to the water, get your towels ready for when you get out and you’re ready to go for it!

You might want to have some soft, slow music on to deepen the meditation. Relax in your health and beauty spa until your fingers begin to go a bit wrinkly from the water. Then hop out, dry yourself off and jump in the shower to quickly rinse your hair and body.

Apply moisturizer to your skin all over your face and body, put on comfy clothes and slippers and take some time to read a good book or do an outdoor meditation. What a luxurious time you have just had in your own home spa!

Although having a spa resort holiday is an amazing experience, with a home spa, you can use it regularly to get the most out of it. Once you have it set up, the only money you have to spend is on a few beauty products and you can crawl straight into your own bed if you like, completely relaxed, afterwards. If you are interested in setting up a home health and beauty spa for the lowest cost, visit http://www.hydrospabusiness.com today and you could be living a life of luxury in no time!

วันศุกร์ที่ 8 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Sardinia Spa Holidays - Top 5 Spa Hotels

With a combination of some of the finest health and beauty treatments and all the usual comforts of a superb hotel, a trip to a spa hotel can be the ultimate luxury holiday. Sardinia has been used as a retreat from the cares of the world for many years, and it is easy to see why. Not only does it offer blazing Mediterranean sunshine and spectacular scenery, the quality of the thermal and mineral waters on this island make it the ideal setting for some of the world’s finest spa centres. Here is a selection of the very best places for a luxury spa holiday in Sardinia.

Valle dell Erica Resort, Santa Teresa Di Gallura

Located on the north coast of Sardinia, this luxury hotel and resort is perfectly located a stones throw away from the beach. The hotel is beautifully, elegantly designed, and is popular with both families and couples, and its fully equipped spa centre includes sea water swimming pools, a sauna, Turkish bath, gym, and a relaxation centre. It borders a National Marine Park and faces the uninhabited island of Spargi, giving you plenty of natural spaces to explore on trips outside the resort itself. Overall, it is an outstanding place to be pampered while on a luxury holiday to Sardinia.

Hotel Marinedda, Isola Rosso

The Hotel Marinedda, set atop a cliff overlooking a horseshoe shaped bay of golden sand and crystal clear waters, offers one of the most spectacular sea views in Sardinia. A spa holiday here offers more than great views – the Thalasso and Spa Centre includes hydromassage amongst its many luxurious services, and the hotel is renowned for its relaxed, refined atmosphere and the personal quality of service offered by its staff. A stay here won’t disappoint – the Hotel Marinedda is widely regarded as one of the best luxury hotels in Sardinia.

Hotel Capo D’Orso, Palau

The Capo D’Orso is located in the unspoilt bay of Cala Capri, one of the most secluded corners of Sardinia. This luxury hotel is surrounded by juniper trees and olive groves in an enormous private park, and is one of the most private and relaxed spa hotels on the island. Well known for the outstanding cuisine served up in its restaurant, excellent service, and its superb spa facilities, the Capo D’Orso offers its visitors a complete luxury experience.

Hotel Relax Torreruja, Isola Rosso

Isola Rosso is famous for its romantic sunsets, it is no wonder that couples in particular are attracted to the Hotel Relax Torreruja for a spa holiday in Sardinia. The luxury hotel is set a few hundred metres away from Isola Rosso, offering both seclusion in the hotel itself and access to the charming red granite port town and four local beaches. The impressive Roman style spa doesn’t disappoint either, offering comprehensive facilities that include open air spa pools, saunas and an excellent health and fitness centre.

Cala de Lepre, Palau

The Cala de Lepre borders the same National Marine Park as the Valle dell Erica, but offers a decidedly different feel. Set on a wooded hill a short distance from the ocean, the hotel is surrounded by wildlife, including turtle doves, hares, tortoises and red partridge. After they’ve taken advantage of its outstanding spa facilities, visitors to this beautiful hotel have numerous options for walking and horse riding in the peaceful natural surroundings. If you are a nature lover looking for your ideal spa holiday in Sardinia, this may well be the place for you.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 7 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Spa-rific - Making Sense Of The Spa World

Resort spas, med spas, hotel spas, spa communities - so much spa, so little time. With so many spa choices, how do you tell the difference between spas. Is there a difference? And how do you go about choosing the one that's right for you? According to SpaFinder, there is a difference and those differences make for some exciting choices when it comes to achieving a rested and balanced lifestyle.

It's becoming more common to find resort/hotel spa properties throughout the world. These properties feature a wide variety of recreational facilities, including the full-service spa. Guests may enjoy golf, tennis, horseback riding, skiing, and various water sports, along with a range of dining options located on the property. Spa treatments and services are generally complement to a hotel stay or vavation activities at a resort. For instance, the Acqualina & ESPA Spa in Miami Beach, Florida, is comprised of the Mediterranean-style tower, evoking the city's classic 1950s-era grand hotels. At the heart of the resort is the 20,000-square-foot ESPA, the U.S. flagship of the British-based spa company, known for their customized treatment rituals and thorough therapist training.

Offering a full immersion spa experience for all of its guests, destination spas feature all-inclusive programs that provide fitness activities, nutritious spa cuisine, spa treatments, educational classes, and more to assist guests in jump-starting a more healthful lifestyle. At the Canyon Ranch in Arizona, for example, guests flock here to take control of their health or rejuvenate. The property is distinguished by a team of physicians, nurses, complementary health practitioners, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and more. Guests can start a fitness program, enjoy a massage, reconnect with their spiritualist, take a cooking class, hike a canyon trail, or simply relax.

Connoisseur Spas are an elite collection of properties that adhere to a strict criteria such as extraordinary ambiance, luxurious accommodations, high staff-to-guest-ratio, exceptional spa, services, outstanding cuisine, and industry awards and recognition. In Escondido, California, the legendary Golden Door Spa was founded in 1958 by visionary Debora Szekely on ancient Japanese traditions. The spa's serene setting is matched by a customized program of fitness, nutrition and beauty and guests receive a tailored schedule for each day in the form of a folded Japanese fan.

Increasing in popularity, the Spa Lifestyle Real Estate is favored by those interested in community living. Spa Lifestyle Real Estate offers homebuyers an opportunity to purchase a home in an environment constructed around a luxurious spa facility. Situated on 12,000 acres in western Arizona, the Laughlin Ranch, for example, is a family-oriented luxury lifestyle community with beach access, panoramic views of the Black Mountains, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Many residences are just steps from the full-service Spa at Laughlin Ranch, which features a fitness facility and Southwest-inspired treatments.

Combining games of chance and spa services, Casino spas offer guests an opportunity to enjoy exciting gaming without leaving the premises. The high-end properties most often attract guests who love casino action and spa luxury in large doses. Opened in 2003, the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is one of the newest and largest gaming hotels in the northeastern United States. Situated in Atlantic City's marina district, away from the famous boardwalk, the 29-acre hotel feels more like the Las Vegas than the no-frills atmosphere of Atlantic City. In addition to poker and slots, the hotel also features five-star eateries. The 54,000-square-foot Spa Toccare offers European spa treatments, such as luxurious mineral essential facials.

Med Spas operate under the full-time supervision of a licensed healthcare professional that offer clinical-grade aesthetic enhancement and spa treatments. For instance, Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Skin Care Center has two locations in Pennsylvania and is a results-oriented plastic surgery and medical facility. Treatments blend state-of-the-art medical therapies with a relaxing spa experience.

Not to be confused with a Med Spa, Medical Spas provide comprehensive wellness and preventative care that may adhere to traditional Western medical concepts, complementary/alternative philosophies, or a combination of the two. Spa treatments are incorporated into wellness programs as a beneficial way to reduce stress. In La Quinta, California, for example, A Wellmax Center for Preventative Medicine offers comprehensive medical testing with the pampering resources of the La Quinta Resort and Club, which are often prescribed by the Wellmax professionals.