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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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