HEALTH & SPA AWARD: Definition

Definition

Definition of Terms

What is a SPA?

A spa is an oasis of calm where people actively do something for the relaxation of body, mind, and spirit. This is achieved through treatments (message, beauty) as well as through fitness equipment for the body, through meditation or relaxation. The treatments that are used make use of all five senses. The spa manager and the spa staff commit themselves to the individual needs of the guests. The guests expectations of wellness are met, and the company is committed to working on the basis of quality and ethical principles.

Hotel Spa

A hotel spa offers a wide variety of recreational facilities, including a full-service spa. Activities may include golf, tennis, water sports, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and more. The spa menu is dedicated to day treatments including pampering beauty salons and holistic wellness programs. Hotel spas, as the name suggests, are always in conjunction with an adjoining hotel, allowing guests to access their services while on vacation. They can be found in both urban and rural settings, and range from budget to luxury spa treatments.

Thermal Resort

At a thermal resort, comprehensive programs are offered that include holistic spa treatments. The central event for guests includes of course the diverse forms of thermal water applications from swimming in different types of swimming pools to holistic treatments using thermal water. The spa facilities vary across the board - from beauty and health treatments to those of a medical and recovery nature. The stay typically last more than two days. A hotel can, but does not have to, have an adjoining thermal resort. This means that either people from the public or private hotel guests could have access to the thermal resort.

Day Spa

Day Spas are designed for treatments that take anywhere from an hour or two to a full day. Typically, local clientele go to a day spa in search of a healing break from the daily routine and to be pampered. Services offered vary from therapeutic messages and beautifying face and body treatments to spa facilities such as saunas, vapor baths, swimming pools, gym equipment, etc. Day Spas are stand-alone operations that cater guests wanting to enjoy a wholesome rest.

Destination Spa

Destination spas are predominately visited due to their specific position and use a complete infrastructure of wellness facilities to offer a special spa experience. The Spa itself is a speciality and most of the services of the hotel are focused on the Spa. The Destination Spa also represents the highest form of Spa lifestyle. Hotels often offer All-Inclusive packages which include spa services. These include spa treatments such as therapeutic full-body and beautifying treatments as well as fitness activities, nutrition programs, and a holistic approach to health. This must also be done by specialist staff and requires therefore the presence of a medical doctor. Destination spas offer a variety of programs to help guests jump-start a new, more healthful lifestyle.

Medical Resort

A medical resort also offers comprehensive programs that strive for a holistic approach to treatment. A team of doctors leads medical treatments. The emphasis is on more lengthy treatments which take three weeks or more, and therefore have adjoining hotels. Medical resorts enable complementary and alternative medical treatments to be applied, and there is also the possibility of thermal water treatments in various forms. Nutrition and exercise programs as well as physical therapy programs are offered. Medical resorts are exclusively to be used by patients or private guests.

Medical Spa

These spas also operate under the full-time supervision of a license healthcare profession. Medical personnel work alongside spa therapists in an atmosphere that integrates clinical-grade aesthetic enhancement and spa treatments/concepts. Med spas may or may not have overnight accommodations. These spas provide comprehensive wellness and preventive care that may adhere to traditional Western medical concepts, complementary/alternative philosophies, or a combination of the two (known as integrative medicine). Spa treatments are incorporated into wellness programs as an effective way to reduce stress and for rejuvenation.

Public Bath

At a bath, comprehensive possibilities to swim and programs are offered that include spa or holistic spa treatments. The central event for guests is the water from swimming in different types of swimming pools to holistic treatments. The spa facilities vary across the board - from beauty to health treatments. The stay typically last not more than one day. A hotel can, but does not have to, have an adjoining to the bath. This means that either people from the public or hotel guests could have access to the bath.

Signature Treatment

This is an exceptional treatment that is best described as consisting of several treatments (massages, facial treatments, baths, etc). It typically makes use of organic cosmetic products or essences and materials that can be obtained from the region. The aim is to uniquely pamper the guest. Therefore, this kind of treatment usually lasts longer than an hour. The name of the treatment also suggests a special meaning: a Signature Treatment should be the house specialty and can be compared to a kind of business card. A Signature Treatment should convey a lasting impression to the guest as well as reflect the character of the region and of the facilities.

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