Health Spa- How to Relax

In these modern days when you have enormous list of choices for your Spa location wise, service wise a proper planning and organized approach is very much necessary to make your Spa Visit a grand success.

Indulge in Spa visits as often as possible to learn what heals and nurtures your body and soul, and to determine what works for you. With each trip you will be able to find and learn what you like and don’t like so that with the passage of time you will be able to chart your own Spa Program that really worth the effort, time and money you spent on your spa visit.

As anything worthwhile needs a planned action so is your Spa visit. So don’t forget to call ahead and book your slot well ahead to avoid disappointment or a not so good spa experience.

On your first visit , don’t hesitate to talk to the Spa people of anything that bothers you or of concern to you about your spa visit and treatment and try to find out what are all the things you are going to get and what are all the other options open to you.

A Spa visit requires more effort, time and money and it is your duty to get the most out of it , to get the best value for all that you have spent. So speak with the Spa people, collect all info form them about the various options open to you, and make a well informed decision about your treatment, ask questions and get all clarifications before you commit anything.

It is always a good idea to drink good amount of water before, during and after your Spa visit as water is a best hydrating Agent. It makes the body cleanse itself from the lowest level and offers a good medium of fluidity and prepares your body to receive the treatment with best effect. The well watered muscles respond better to the stimulations and relaxations received during your Spa treatment and allow the treatment to penetrate deep into your body.

As the Spa treatment aims at detoxify your body it is a good idea to cut back your consumption of stuffs like Sugar , caffeine, alcohol and hard to digest food stuff like meat especially the red meat etc.

No matter with whom you go to spa, the experience, and the treatment are yours alone to feel and enjoy, so plan your visit in such a way that you have ample time before and after the appointed time of your spa visit. A good spa session, becomes even better when you communicate with the therapist and let them know what you like or don’t like. Don’t forget that you are in charge of the session, and you need not accept anything that is not your liking.

If you feel that you will be comfortable with a particular Gender, it is always wise to make it known to the Spa at the earliest

Tag : spa,home spa,day spa,health spa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

Bathroom Design Trends: The Home Spa

Defining the Home Spa
Those who talk about spa today know little or nothing about the word's origin. We do not include in this category scientists, spa resort owners, hot tubs manufacturers, geography and history passionate learners or Belgian citizens. Why not Belgians? Well, just because the famous mineral springs in Spa, Belgium, are the reason why the common noun spa is so often used nowadays, denoting not only places with medicinal and mineral springs, but also a "tub for relaxation or invigoration, usually including a device for raising whirlpools in the water."

It is the very tub for relaxation we have to consider when we think about the home spa, and a few other elements necessary to create a comfortable atmosphere. The ones who visit spa resorts seek tranquility in a healthy environment. And they pay for it. Every time. If you are a busy businessman, or woman, with just about no free time, visiting a spa to release stress might sound like a nice option, as long as you can make it there before the closing hours.

Many people have too much to do and close to no chances to find the time to combat the effects of the stress. Besides, there are also people who cannot afford to spend each week a small fortune to experience the benefits of a day at the spa. So let's bring the spa resort home...

What is a home spa? To put is simple is a spa resort in the comfort of your own house. No schedule, no entrance or club fees. You can go in and out whenever you want. There is just one catch to it: if you want to socialize there's no one around but your cat (that's if you have one).

Tips for Creating Your Own Spa Bath
Whether you plan to build a new bathroom, or just to remodel an existing one, plan a step ahead and create a modern, comforting environment. "Modern" doesn't refer to a futuristic design. In fact, building a bathroom that reminds of the Roman thermae is as modern as building one that takes you on a trip to Mars. A modern design combines technology and fantasy to create the bathroom of your dreams: a unique space where you can relax after a hectic day at work. Many of the contemporary bathrooms are more practical than relaxing. Some are small and uncomfortable, some are large and cold. No matter the space you have to work with or your budget, a bathroom can become a pleasant, luxurious spot. All it takes is careful planning and the will to succeed.

Don't get this wrong: luxurious doesn't necessary mean expensive. In this particular case we refer to "something inessential but conductive to pleasure and comfort" as the "American Heritage" dictionary defines luxury. With so many offers and manufacturers out there, you'll find options to accommodate any plan.

The building consultants from EEKHOF Objektberatung have gathered a few tips you might want to consider when planning your relaxing bathroom. Let's take a look at what they could come up with:

Water, combined with other elements such as light, aroma and sound, is a perfect relaxer. For large rooms bathtubs are a must. The long, rectangular bathtub is out. Nowadays there are hundreds of different styles, shapes, and features including massage tubs and soft bathtubs available for everyone to choose from. The most durable bathtubs are also the heaviest ones since they are made from enameled cast iron. So, if you go for the best, that's your choice. Acrylic reinforced with fiberglass tubs are lighter and come in more complex styles than cast iron. Fiberglass bathtubs tend to scratch too easy - so we wouldn't recommend them as a long-term investment. When it comes to color and revolutionary materials, for more design options we would recommend Quarrycast bathtubs. Quarrycast is a mineral crystal composite developed by Victoria & Albert, a UK manufacturer. There are also bathtubs designed to fit in small spaces. All you need is to browse the web and you will find the right one.

Built-in showers are a good choice for small rooms. Yet, don't think that showers cannot bring you that spa feeling you long for. Showers have evolved and now they are able to bring you as much pleasure as a sophisticated bathtub. Such products are also known as "shower towers". Designer showers provide new relaxing means: therapeutic massages, rain-like feelings, or experiences similar to a steam room at a health club or spa.

To perfect the luxury feeling, more and more people prefer to warm up the cold floor tiles in their bathrooms with electric heating systems that fill the room with floor-to-ceiling warmth. Try the Uponor products if you are looking for a market-leading manufacturer, or look for other products such as the ones offered by Radiantec, Warmup, Heatlink. No more chills after a hot bath on a cold winter day.

Another modern accessory is the towel warmer. There are plenty of styles and types to choose from including portable, wall mounted or floor mounted, spiral, circular and more. You can see a large selection at Stacks and Stacks.

Bathroom is not just about toilet, sink and a bathtub. Bathroom furniture, also known as bath vanity units, is the "magic touch" needed to create the perfect ambient. Most of these units are protected against warping in normal moist conditions.

Mirrors are a stylish way of giving small rooms a sense of openness, but they are perfect accessories for large rooms as well.

For larger budgets we recommend a product that conquers the market more and more today: the bathroom TV. The LCD bathroom TV has heated screen for condensation free viewing, inbuilt water resistant speakers and a 90 degrees wide angle-viewing screen.

The shower CD players are already there for those who plan their wellness spa on a budget.

With LEDs dominating the lighting industry there is a large selection of shapes and light and color controllable fixtures you can choose from. LEDs have many advantages if you look for dimmable illumination or for hidden lights. If you look for a unique light source or for light effects to complete the spa feeling, there are also many controllable fixtures "out-of-the-box" you might consider purchasing.

To make a long story short, the modern bathroom should be a perfect environment in which to relax and rest, and should provide a refuge from the tensions of daily routine. This is why spa resort trends such as chromatherapy, aromatherapy and music therapy are successfully applied in the design of the contemporary domestic bathroom. Obtaining that spa feeling in the comfort of your own home is not an impossible task. And when you don't have the courage, experience, ideas and time to start such a task on your own, a building consultant has the answers.

Tag : spa,product spa,home spa,bath spa,hot tub spa,bathroom design

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mihaela_Lica

Choosing the Best Day Spa for a Holiday Gift Certificate

Day spa gift certificates are among the most popular gifts for every occasion. Providing relaxation, pampering and stress-relief is one of the best gifts anyone could receive. However, it can be difficult to know how to choose the best spa and the best treatment for a loved one. The following are some questions to ask to ensure that your spa gift certificate is a success:

Does the spa offer weekend and evening hours?

Having a variety of hours available to enjoy a treatment is important.

Does the therapist ever leave the room during a treatment?

Believe it or not, there are some spas that leave a client alone during a portion of a facial and will actually perform a second treatment while the client waits alone. This is unacceptable. A therapist should be in the room at all times providing pamepering and results.

Do the therapists have quotas?

A relaxing spa visit can soon turn stressful when a therapist begins aggressively pushing products. Professional skin care products are wonderful and can make a tremendous difference in the skin, but when products are being pushed by someone who has a quota to meet, often, the client’s best interest might not be the reason for a recommendation.

Does the spa have a website?

A website can be a wonderful way to learn about a spa. Upscale spas will have a virtual tour which will allow you to experience the environment of the spa. The spas philosophy and background will also help you decide if a spa is ideal for you. Gift certificate packages are typically described on a website. This will help you decide on the perfect package for you or a loved one.

Is there a physician affiliation?

Although, a traditional day spa does not require a physician to supervise treatments, it can be an indication of a high level of care. Medical spas are the fastest growing type of spa. Medical grade treatments like laser hair removal, laser skin tightening, and medical grade peels do require physician supervision.

When thinking of a day spa package, consider a treatment that will provide relaxation and results for the one you love.

To search for a spa in your area, you may go to websites such as www.spaindex.com or type in key words "best day spa" followed by your city. To find a day spa that offers the results of a medical spa, type in medical spa and the name of your city.

Tag : spa,day spa,spa treatment,spa package,spa hotel

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kile_Law

5 Tips For Buying A Spa Hot Tub

Buying a spa or hot tub for your home is a big decision, although the introduction of the portable soft spas can lessen the risk associated with spending a lot of money on a larger, roto-molded spa. But whatever spa you are considering, here are some things to keep in mind during the decision-making and buying process.

1. Portable or in-ground? Portable spas and hot tubs tend to be cheaper than in-ground ones, and this may be the biggest determining factor. In-ground spas do add to the value of your house, however, and they can be nicely integrated into a deck or outdoor entertaining area. Of course, if you move frequently, or are planning to relocate soon, you may want to get a portable spa hot tub to take to your new residence as well as being able to enjoy it at your current one. Of course, if you are renting, this decision is already made!

2. Make a list of the extra features available and then decide if you really need or want them. You could also list them in order of priority, in case they make your ideal hot tub spa more expensive than you're comfortable with.

Some of the features available include drink holders, removable jets, radio and CD players, contouring, spa pillows

3. A hot tub cover is not an accessory! Some salesmen will try and make it look like they're doing you a favor by giving you a hot tub spa cover . But what they are hoping you don't know is that a cover is not an accessory, but an important part of the whole basic package. If you don't have an insulated spa cover, you may also void your warranty.

It's worth looking at the quality of the spa cover provided with the model. Spa covers play an important role in maintaining the temperature of your spa hit tub. They can saver you a lot of money on your power bill as well.

4. Keeping your spa and hot tub clean - You are going to need a system to keep your spa hot tub clean. Some people use ozonators, which can help with cleaning a little bit, but they are not a replacement for chemicals. Just like a swimming pool, you'll need water balancers and cleaners. Fortunately, you don't have to worry about having your spa smell like a chlorinated swimming pool, as there are cleaners available today that keep you spa water healthy and clear - and odorless!

5. What sort of jets do you want? This is one of the most important decisions in the hot tub and spa buying process. The jets can determine what type of therapeutic experience you'll have in a hot tub (if you want one). For example, you can get jets that are geared towards a shoulder and neck massage, and jets in various strengths and types of pressure on your muscles. If you just want a spa to relax, this won't matter so much, but if you have aching muscles or joints, this will become important.

It's important to note that just having a lot of jets may in fact be overkill - it certainly will be on your electricity bill! Rather than getting swept away by the sales specs, think about the ongoing running costs of the spas you are looking at buying. You may find a model with less jets, but of different types, and designed therapeutically, that is more suitable.

And look at whether that high number of jets in a model is actually made up of lots of cheap jets, yet few high quality, and more expensive ones. Look at the jets in the model, and the types of jets (based on the type of spa experience you want) match up. And look at how those jets are positioned in the design. All these things differentiate a high quality spa from a low quality one.

Tag : spa,hot tub spa,day spa,spa home

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Prescott

Spas - 7 Ways to Enhance Your Spa Experience

Have you ever imagined being pampered in one of the world's top spas? Or have you been thinking about having that rejuvenating facial or relaxing massage at your local day spa? Whether you are going for a single treatment, a spa resort vacation or a complete body overhaul, you need to know how to get the best from your visit.

1. What do you want?

Don't choose a spa before first thinking about exactly what it is you want to take away from your experience. If your idea of heaven is a facial, manicure and pedicure, followed by some relaxation by the swimming pool, then you don't want to go for a spa that focuses on health and fitness regimes. Alternatively, if you are after that leaner, fitter physique, then be realistic about what you might have to do to achieve it. Work out what balance of relaxation, rejuvenation and complete overhaul would really suit you. For that truly unique and exotic experience, the location and the theme of its treatments may be more important to you than the health aspects.

2. Booking your treatments

If you are going for a spa mini-break, always book your treatments well in advance to make sure that the therapists will be available during your stay. For a half day or day spa ask if they have extended treatment times or a package of treatments to get more out of your visit. If you want the flexibility to choose what you want based on how you feel when you arrive, enquire whether you can reserve a block of time instead of a treatment. But be aware that the treatment you want may not be available at short notice.

3. Know what to expect

Before booking a treatment, make sure you get it properly explained to you - as descriptions may not always lead what you expect. Always ask for an experienced therapist and tell him/her exactly what you want from your treatment. If anything makes you uncomfortable, such as having a particular area of your body massaged, say so before the start of the treatment. You may also want to make enquiries about hygiene. Ask what measures the spa takes to avoid infection, for example for pedicures.

4. Anti-ageing and rejuvenation

Although high-quality pampering is a big factor in spas, get the most out of your experience by looking for rejuvenating health and anti-ageing treatments that really deliver results. Some spas offer a one-stop shop for your body maintenance. You'll find specialist advice from dermatologists offering skincare and cellulite treatments to nutritionists advising on weight loss programmes. Spas are also increasingly including medical and dental checks. If you lead a busy life, this is an ideal way to get a complete wellness check for men and women all under one roof.

5. Your own personal spa

You can also get the spa to come to your hotel or resort room. Resorts and hotels now offer spa suites with massage facilities adjoining your bedroom. After treatment from your personal therapist, you can relax in your own personal spa- bathroom.

6. Go in a group

If you're uncomfortable with going on you own, spa suites are a popular way to accommodate several people at the same time for treatments. Go with a group of girlfriends or book some treatments for your business associates. Something special to celebrate perhaps? You can purchase a spa gift certificate for someone and go in a group. Where family groups are welcomed, you can get your kids to learn healthy- eating habits, grooming skills and the importance of living a balanced life, while you are someplace else being pampered.

7. Take it home with you

To really benefit from your spa experience, look for ways in which you can take it home with you. From lessons on lifestyle, healthy eating and stress management to products that extend the experience long after your treatments have ended. Spa decor for the home is also very popular now. Recreate the spa experience in your own bathroom, shower or hot tub, with spa products such as bathrobes, towels and candles.

Tag : spa,spa experience,home spa,day spa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Beech

How to Select a Day Spa

There is nothing more relaxing than going to a spa to soak away the stress and soothe those aching muscles. Selecting a day spa is the key to making the most of this experience. The choice you make should benefit you not only for a short while but in the long run as well. Know what the spa's primary purpose is so that you will find out if it can help you out with your needs.

It is imperative for any spa patron to choose the day spa that is compatible with his or her taste. It is not enough that the service they wanted is available.

Seek out a day spa if you want to pamper, refresh, rejuvenate, nurture, and recharge your mind, body, and spirit. It may seem to be easy to choose the spa that is best for you. Everything out there offers the same pampering experience so why not just pick one and get on with it, right? Wrong. The variety of spas offering more services are available anywhere, anytime, yes. But that is just one good reason to be more cautious about selecting a spa.

The service they offer may sound way too enticing: from scalp treatment to hydrotherapy baths, the choices are endless. Selecting a spa can be more confusing than you think.

It is not only women who are looking forward to a day of pampering in the spa but men as well. Men are now experiencing the relaxing atmosphere of spas and returning. Athletes, or people with active lifestyles, most likely use the massage services that the spa provides. However, those who spend a lot of time outdoors also get facial treatments and products that can protect their skin from damage.

1) Licensed Professionals
It is important to check the basics upon selecting a spa. There are more important things to look for in addition to the services that you wanted to use. According to the Day Spa Association, the spa should be licensed and should employ licensed therapists and aestheticians. They should feature spa products that are professional. The therapist and aestheticians should have received training in administering these products and/or services.

2) Atmosphere Wise
The spa should maintain a safe, clean, nurturing, and calming environment. Observe if the spa has private treatment rooms for clients that want a personal service such as changing facilities for men and women, shower room, shoes and spa robes for all sizes. It is important that the staff are also licensed aestheticians and therapists.

To reiterate, utilization of professional spa products and techniques should be done by the aestheticians and therapist who are professionally trained to do it. Almost all of the treatments need to be handled by professionals. To mention some, Stone Therapy Facials, medical treatments such as chemical and micro peels, microdermabrasion, and acne treatments.

Massage therapists must be able to do and offer these following techniques professionally: Therapeutic Massages, La Stone Therapies, Swedish Massages, Aromatherapy, Reflexology Massage, Couple's Massage, and Lymph Drainage Therapies.

3) Spa Neophytes

First time guests and visitors of a spa are asked to fill out a registration form. You should arrive on time for your appointment so as to maximize the time in the facility. Any medical conditions should be considered upon availing spa services.

Let your therapist know your comfort level as well as any problem areas you wish to put more focus on or the other way around. If you are undergoing massage treatments, let him or her know if the pressure is sufficient or too much. It is important to let your massage therapist be aware of this because people have different preferences on massage pressures. Some may prefer deep tissue massages while others enjoy soft stroking therapies. Don't be afraid to let your therapist know what you want.

Tag : spa,day spa,home spa,spa hotels,spa massage

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alicia_McWilliams

The Truth About Spa Skin Care Products

The concept of the spa visit has expanded and exploded over the last decade or so. The amount of treatments available at spas for the body, hair, and the skin is staggering. With the rise in spa popularity, there has also been a proliferation of spa skin care products.

Spa skin care products are now available both on and off spa premises, and have become an integral part of the spa experience. There are more choices available then ever before. Spa products can become a wonderful component and memory of your spa visit, but it is important to keep a few essentials in mind when planning any skin care product purchases.

The most traditional way skin care products are offered is usually at the end of the spa visit. If you are receiving a facial, usually the Esthetician will recommend several products during your treatment. The Esthetician may emphasize several key areas of skin improvement, and when you are ready to leave the spa, will have products available for you to purchase. You should not be made to feel pressured to purchase a number of expensive skin care products. Ask about less expensive products, or purchase the 1-2 products that have the highest priority for you.

As with all skin care products, spa skin care product development takes advantage of the current innovations in treating problems such as aging, wrinkles, and acne. Spa products often emphasize clinical study results, and the research and technology behind the product. Demand is high for products that manage or prevent sun-damage to skin. You may want to spend some time reading the material and doing some initial research into the clinical studies before purchasing.

Many spa products are available for purchase before, during, and after your spa visit. Spas may offer exclusive lines on their website, and many spa skin care products are now being offered at a variety of retail outlets. If products are available to purchase during your visit, see about any type of discounts that are available. Many spas will offer you a discount if you purchase at the spa directly, instead of telephoning or going to their website.

Private label products are prevalent at spas. Private label means the spa has purchased the product directly from a manufacturer and have added their own logo and label. It's a similar concept to the food products you see in the supermarket, the grocery store will have a product with their own logo on it, although they did not manufacture the item itself. While, private label products are often just as effective as spa developed products, keep in mind that you are not receiving anything that is particularly unique to the spa, other than the packaging. You should ask whether the spa creates the skin care products themselves, and let that be a deciding factor for purchase.

Buying and using spa skin care products can be a rewarding experience if done properly. By doing some research and asking questions, you will come away from the spa with effective products, and without breaking your budget. That way, you can put more funds toward your next spa relaxation holiday!

Tag : spa,skin care,home spa,spa massage,hot tub spa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Wells

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.

Tag : spa,spa break,day spa,foot spa,spa hotel

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Celia_Namart

Destination Spas Total Spa Vacation Package

Destination Spas are a total spa vacation package, with physical fitness facilities and programs, accommodation and spa cusine. You can choose your destination spa vacation by location, type of program, interest or from one of their current promotions. The study also showed that spa travellers like to include elements of destination culture, history, cuisine and shopping in their vacations. On a destination health spa vacation, guests can feel better than they ever imagined.

Tabacchi But for destination spa visitors, it's a different story, according to a recent survey of vacationers by Mary H. Tabacchi's study is believed to be the first to quantitatively measure the effects of a destination spa vacation. If you visit a destination spa your vacation is aimed at total wellness and the spa is full-service. Paradise Village is the ultimate destination among Puerto Vallarta resorts for family vacations, beach vacations, spa vacations and golf vacations. For the ultimate in vacation relaxation, nothing beats a destination spa!

Discover how rejuvenating and relaxing a Spa vacation package can be. You may also choose a honeymoon vacation package or spa vacation customized especially for you. Continental Airlines Vacations makes it easy to create your own customized spa vacation package in just a few clicks. If you're looking for the ideal spa vacation package, you've just found it! Choose a honeymoon vacation package or spa vacation customized especially for you. A spa vacation package with Spatacular-spas.com will do it every time.

Its ventures include the Luxury SpaFinder Magazine and spafinder.com, which helps vacationers find the spa most suited to their needs. Comfort zone: Luxury spas are hot, and for vacationers, money appears to be no object. What else could be better than enjoying a relaxing Caribbean spa vacation aboard one of the finest luxury cruise liners. We look forward to planning a relaxing luxury health spa vacation in South Africa for you and making your dreams a reality! Enjoy a luxury spa vacation with wonderful spa therapies.

We hope that your health spa, weight loss vacation experience is a pleasant one. Find the delight of health spa vacations and treatment products. Beauty, relaxation and health come together for an ideal spa resort vacation in Orlando. Cruises, too There's no reason a health spa vacation has to take place on land.

Plan a spa getaway or some time at a vacation resort. Get practical advice on how to select and plan your spa vacation. Get practical advice on how to select, plan and get the most out of your spa vacation. Either way, you'll return home feeling completely relaxed, refreshed, and probably wanting to plan your next spa vacation.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/destination-spas-total-spa-vacation-package-29453.html

Spa Guide for Men

The new metro sexual male phenomenon has taken over all the spheres of our existence. With men increasingly lending themselves to household chores, it is almost taken that they are not to lag behind in taking care of themselves. The rise in the number of spa-going men is ample proof this very fact. And though an increasing number of men are swearing by their personal experience at a spa, this is only the tip of the iceberg. While men constitute an incredible 35% of the spa industry’s clients, this figure is projected to grow exponentially in the coming years. This not only goes on to show that men have started buying the concept of healing through therapy, but preferring spending time at a spa over playing a round of golf.

Having said this, it remains equally true that men typically hate mush. Sensing this, the spa industry, which desperately wanted to include men into its female dominated bastion, started projecting the spa experience as a necessity instead of luxury, and naming massage as a therapy instead of mere pampering, and successfully so. Today the industry is more than reaping the benefits of the seeds sown, and is witnessing a booming number of males thronging to spas to get a taste of life.

Men’s spas – a paradigm shift from the women’s version

Men’s spas no longer mean mushy places with an over abundance of pinks florals. These spas are tailor made for men’s needs right from special bathrobes for men to longer tables that are spacious enough for the average male to get treated upon. They offer unscented products to appeal to their clientele. For tougher men, the spas offer sports massages, sports buff manicure, yoga and the like.

Some of the most popular male treatments that men take to in the spas are listed below.

Seaweed body wrap

Love handles wrap

Body scrub

Facial

Manicure & pedicure

Massage (Includes Swedish, Reflexology -- foot massage; Acupressure,Deep tissue, and Aromatherapy.)

Hot and cold stone therapy

Herbal or mud bath

Steam and shower

Hot springs

Cold plunge (involves 55°F water)

Research before enrolling for treatment

Though all the abovementioned seems good enough to entice you into a visit to a spa, it is important to research on a select few spas, lest you come out unsatisfied. To make most of the visit, take your own time zeroing in upon the desired spas by researching widely over the net or through friends who have already visited one. Once the decision is made, read about the spa on the web, and go through various comments that clients and patrons have posted. Also talk to the front desk staff to clear any queries and doubts that you might have. Do not forget to check the credentials of the spa and see if it is registered with the International Spa Association.

Get into the mood

Though this does seem a little weird, it makes sense because you won’t be able to enjoy the experience if you are not prepared for it. A fortnight before the visit, start using skincare products before hand to check if they suit you well. If you find them satisfactory, you can continue their use between your visits. Enjoy a soak in warm water to which necessary oils have been added. In short, pamper yourself, before the spa takes over the reins. This is necessary so that you feel comfortable being handled by somebody else, however professional he might be.

Avoid spas that also ‘welcome men’

Understand that spas that proclaim ‘men are welcome’ signs at the bottom of their advertisements are basically spas for women who do not want to let go off that male client. They might really not be experts in treating men or could lack the equipment needed for men’s treatment.

Crossover spas are well

Visiting a spa alone for the fist time can give shivers to most of the men. Having a female companion to escort you is a better option. In such cases, crossover spas are the answer. A unisex area with a special lounging area for men is what they essentially offer, where first timers feel comfortable in the company of female companions. But, they are not couple spas by any means.

Hybrid spas

For a first timer, a heavy duty spa environment can be uncomfortable. Hybrid spas, a hybrid of a salon and a spa are places where men can enjoy regular salon services along with special spa services. They are the ‘only men’ versions of women’s beauty salons that have gained immense popularity in the recent past.

Men only spas

Some men enjoy being either with themselves or with fellow men. Such men can get pampered at men only spas that prohibit female clients. Enjoy the healing properties of a massage in a no-holds-barred environment where men can truly be men.

Conclusion

Getting used to a lifestyle where ‘you’ are the nucleus is definitely wonderful, and a visit to a spa will get you started on this. So go ahead and benefit form the knowledge of the therapists and the professional care of experts.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/spa-guide-for-men-125232.html