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ARTICLE

Ahh...The Spa Vacation

Excerpts from "Living Out of A Suitcase" by Anita Pagliasso-Balamane

Spas have become such an important part of the American landscape that it's hard to believe most have been around for only a short time.  As a vacation option the growth has been phenomenal.   At hotels, on cruise ships or standing alone, spas have reinvented--and continue to reinvent--the way we take care of ourselves.

As the industry moves onward, however, devotees and spa newcomers are faced with sometimes bewildering choices. Many spas specialize in pampering and beauty. Others are more clinical, focusing on preventive care and the treatment of existing conditions. Still others are serene retreats from the pressures and stresses of the modern world.

To help you find your way through this maze of choices, I've categorized the spas into their basic types. Note that some comfortably straddle two or more categories.

Fitness   Ever wonder why gyms are called health clubs, when most really focus only on exercise? That's changing rapidly as more and more fitness spas are offering state-of-the-art spa therapies along with their state-of-the-art exercise equipment and classes.  This choice is good if you are looking for a multi-sport spa vacation package with a health spa touch ... guided hiking, kayaking, biking, yoga, massage, healthy spa cuisine, weight loss retreats, and more!

Wellness   At wellness spas, the primary focus is on regaining or maintaining balance--mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual--by using popular spa treatments like massage and aromatherapy, coupled with acupuncture, chiropractic, yoga and other more medically oriented treatments.

Retreats   If frazzled nerves and frantic schedules are the poison, retreat spas are the antidote to the pressures of the modern world. These spas offer serene environments, where every detail--color, sound, scent, and texture--is designed to appeal to the senses.  A place far away from their everyday lives, where they can revitalize and reinvent themselves.

Another option for a retreat is to get a way and focus on a project, business or hobby such as scrapbooking, where enthusiasts can scrapbook together non-stop.  However, having availability of the use of a spa as an option throughout the stay.

Beauty   Luxurious treatments such as Aromatherapy, facials, salt glow rub, and European-style deep cleansing are offered, as well as more traditional beauty treatments such as manicures, pedicures, makeup applications, hairstyling, and scalp treatments. A variety of massages are available including polarity, reflexology, shiatsu, hot stone, Thai, and Swedish. Also available are body scrubs and herbal wraps.

All of these choices can be found on land or on sea.

Cruise ships - The mere mention of the term cruise conjures up visions of basking in the sun as you sail to exotic destinations such as the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Baltic Sea. Exquisite cuisine and luxurious appointments are enhanced by over 36 various spa therapies and treatments as well as all the other services you can expect on a cruise ship.

Hotels - World wide, more and more of the top luxurious hotels are now offering the enticing combination of a spa vacation with options to enjoy local activities, wonderful sights, additional sports activities and other area attractions.

Today, more than ever, there are spas for every taste, interest and pocket book.  Contact Ticket To Travel at 408-531-9228 to help you find the best option or further information for any of the following categories:

Fits most budgets:  Most Luxurious to most affordable,

Spas for all of us:  Women or Men only, Families, Mother/Daughter, Maternity, Meditation and Yoga

Active Spas: Spas on the Beach, Golf or Tennis and Hiking/Mountain Biking.

Life Style Management:  Smoking Cessation, Detoxification & Nutrition, Weight Loss, Stress Management and Vegetarian.

Tips for Your First Spa Visit:

  • Go for at least 4 nights if you want a true perspective.
  • Arrive at a reasonable hour even if you need to leave work a day early.
  • Meet with the spa coordinators immediately to get you set up for your stay.
  • Choose a spa that fits your needs; overseas spas usually emphasize beauty rather than exercise, nutrition etc.  Some spas are really resorts with a few spa facilities.
  • A good gauge of a spa is the number of professionals on staff.
  • Does the manicurist also do facials; if so, this is not a true spa.
  • Have a goal; this helps you to schedule properly and make priorities, i.e. weight loss, stress reduction, learning about new ideas, menopause considerations, etc.
  • List all the machines from your hometown gym; you can get a trainer to teach you how to use them more effectively.
  • Figure out how fast you walk so that when you join a morning walk you know your level. Instructors might say something like, " This is the 12 minute mile group" etc.
  • Before you pack, find out about laundry facilities so you don't over pack. If facilities are not available, buy inexpensive Hanes Beefy T Shirts to wear on top--they will be cheaper to throw out than most spa laundry services.
  • Leggings and spandex shorts are easy to pack and to wash in your room.
  • Do carry some exercise clothes on the plane and wear your sneakers. If luggage is delayed, you will find the spa store very pricey!
  • Packing in two small bags increases the chances that one will arrive with you.
  • Do not overindulge immediately on fresh salad, fruits or high fiber foods. Ask about ingredients.  Some chocolate sauces may contain ingredients such as prune nectar!
  • Spread your appointments so that your body has a rest from exercise.  Book a massage and longer services on the second and fourth days, as you will probably be too tired to continue exercising.
  • Use your services for information you cannot get from your hometown: i.e. don't waste time on a manicure if the spa offers for the same price a physical trainer or hydrotherapy.
  • Ask a physical trainer for a short stretch routine to do in your room before you jump into the early morning walk, especially if you are not in great shape.
  • Bring minimum make-up and no jewelry; most spas are very casual and women wind down quickly. Spas are not a fashion show.
  • Try one new class or lecture each day even if you walk out before the end. These include meditation, tai chi, and alternative health proposals. Try two new services; even picking what you consider "off the wall". Professional spas do not offer services that are not of benefit.
  • You will drink lots of water so you will need to get rid of your bathroom and locker room qualms. Remember, you are there for yourself, not to compete or look good for anyone else.
  • Keep an open mind and you will learn not only from the professionals but also from the other guests.

 

 

Anita Pagliasso-Balamane, President, Ticket To Travel,  founded Ciao Bella Getaway Club, specializing in spa packages and retreats for everyone, as well as, women-only tours and travel.  For free membership into the Ciao Bella Getaway Club or further information on any spa package, please contact 408-531-9228  www.aticket2travel.com or email info@aticket2travel.com.

For More Information Contact:

Ciao Bella Getaway Club
Tel: 408-531-9228
Email: info@ciaobellagetawayclub.com

 

Copyright © 2004 Ciao Bella Getaway Club
Last modified: 11/06/05