Spa vacations are an extremely popular way to get away from home and travel for leisure. Are you the kind of person who enjoys travel for leisure? Do you want to be pampered at a wellness retreat? You can step back from your busy schedule. Getaway and relax from your physical body through psychological or spiritual activities.
Who wants to make a healthy lifestyle a part of their everyday life? You could take candle-lit baths and enjoy aromatherapy. In addition, you could appreciate the stress-relieving effects of a good massage. You should not only think of sun and surf but health, diet and a mud bath! You are exactly the kind of person who may want to consider treating yourself to spa vacations at a wellness retreat.
Spa History
The word spa came from the name of the famous mineral springs in Spa, Belgium. It has become an all-inclusive term for commercial establishment. For instance, they include facilities for exercising, bathing, and treatment. There are a range of facilities and services available at spas. They run the gamut from what you might find at the local YMCA. A strong distinction would be high-end specialty spas. In this specific instance, your entire body and mind is completely immersed in the experience for hours at a time. The former offers fitness and health assessments. Most of all, body composition analysis, personal training, physiotherapy, gymnasiums with state-of-the-art equipment. Also included are outdoor pools for activities like volleyball and aqua aerobics. Meanwhile the latter offers a full menu of services from massage to body wraps to herbal saunas.
The scent of lavender lingers in the air. The soothing sound of softly flowing water swirls gently into your ears. Warm ginger tea tingles your taste buds. A soft robe rubs gently across your skin. Travel for leisure excites the senses, but the benefits do not stop there. There is also the luxury of experiencing the long-lost art of relaxation and revitalization. There is also no end to the additional health benefits.
Planning travel for leisure
The toxic environment of the modern world exposes us to pollutants. After all, these substances accumulate in our body tissue and bloodstream. Therefore, some spa vacations specialize in treatments that can eliminate toxins. This is done through a combination of massage, sauna, oils, mild fasting and colon therapy. Do not be intimidated though. Nothing is more important on spa vacations than reminding yourself that the experience is all about you! Another way is simply a good sweat. That maybe all you need to feel healthier. Afterall, you can do as much or as little as you would like to improve the feeling of your own body. Although the better situation is under the eye of a skilled therapists and nutritionist. As they would have your best interest and desire in mind.
Two major decisions in planning travel for leisure at a wellness retreat are 1) what experiences you want from the visit, and 2) where do you want to go for your spa vacations? A wide variety of spa options are available. Some focuses on your diet and others on physical activity. Others on relaxation, pampering, and on your spiritual health. Whereas some spas are very structured in their approach to treatments. While others allow for individual variation. Spas that focus on diet and exercise are typically the most structured in their disciplines and scheduling. Your goals while you travel for leisure will largely dictate the type of spa you choose. It will also dictate your willingness to forgo flexibility during your stay.
Destination!
Where do you wish to go for your wellness retreat? Have you always wanted to visit New York? Miami? Los Angeles? What about someplace more tropical and exotic? India? Budapest? Let your imagination roam. Wellness retreat is available around the world. You can find spa vacations just about anywhere your heart desires. Your travel consultant can provide you with details. As there are dozens of spa vacations with themes and the amenities.
Most spa vacations will offer week-long packages that include meals, activities and accommodations. In some instances, steeply discounted airfares are also included. If you are on a budget or only have time for a short trip – consider a stay at a hotel famous for its spa treatments. Then you can recreate the luxury of a dedicated spa vacations on your own. Your travel advisor can recommend hotels with specialized spas. The advisor may even be able to obtain special rates. You can enjoy a few days in heaven. All you need is a spa pass and a few therapy appointments lined up. In addition, your advisor should include room service, several visits to the pool, a hot tub and gym on your own schedule.
On arrival
You will be greeted by a staff member upon arriving at a typical wellness retreat. From this point, you will be assigned accommodations. Afterward, a brief tour explaining how your time will be structured. The tour will also include how to prepare and dress for any planned activities. For most body services, you will undress completely. Your therapist will allow you to disrobe in private. You will keep your body draped in sheets or towels, only exposing areas as needed for the treatment.
However, you will not be draped during wet services such as body scrubs, body wraps and hydrotherapies. In order that you reap maximum benefits – but swimsuits are usually optional. Depending on the character of the spa, many aspects of treatment can be modified to your taste and budget. Most Spa Vacations venue have overarching dietary philosophies. Thus, your diet during your stay will be of importance. Some serve alcohol and caffeine, but many do not. Most importantly, make sure to match your personal preferences closely to the character of the spa. This will ensure that you have the experience you expect during your travel for leisure.
Spa Vacations etiquette
Always shower before entering a shared pool. Furthermore, you should sit on your towel and wear the sandals provided by the spa. This is necessary when enjoying the dry sauna or steam room. Customs vary in terms of whether to wear a swimsuit in wet facilities. You can always ask about a specific spa’s policies in advance. Most people enjoy wet rooms in the nude with a wrapped towel. You should wear a swimsuit if modesty is an issue. Wearing a swimsuit is generally acceptable as well.
Maximizing your wellness retreat
Share public space respectfully with other spa goers during your Spa Vacations. Smoking is prohibited at most spas. Turn off your cell phone when you enter a spa. Better yet, leave it in the room with the rest of your valuables. As a matter of fact, leave it at home, so you can truly relax. Tipping is common practice. Some spas will include tips in their package prices. Ask the spa staff or your tour operator if you are unsure. The rule of thumb in spas is 10%-15% of the cost of service. That is about $10.00 to $15.00 for a one-hour treatment.
Preparations
In general, check the weather before you go on travel for leisure trip. Remember to pack with your comfort in mind. The following are some packing tips. You may need to bring additional clothing depending on your spa’s activities. Therefore, the following may be necessary, swimsuit, workout wear, a jacket, running or walking shoes, hiking boots, and casual shoes. At some spas, clothing and equipment are available for purchase. A robe and sandals are usually provided at no additional charge. Also, you might pack fewer toiletries since the dressing rooms of many spas have razors, soap, shampoo, skin lotion and deodorant.
Moment to relax during spa vacations
If you are going on an international trip, a valid passport and sometimes a visa is required. Make sure to obtain these items well in advance of your travel dates. Purchase travel insurance to protect against baggage loss, trip cancellation or interruption. In addition to unexpected health emergencies. Your travel advisor can assist you with these details.
It is often difficult to leave work and responsibilities behind. But, the sooner you start, the more benefits you will receive from your wellness retreat. Give yourself a day or two before your travel for leisure begins to mentally unwind. Though this might sound counter intuitive. Since unwinding is often the whole point of a spa vacations. As a result, your mind will become more open and receptive to the experience. Pamper yourself. If you do not do it, who will?
Contact Tropical Destination Vacations to get information on your travel for leisure at a wellness retreat and spa vacations.