Different Types of Spas | Which spa is the best choice

Feeling frazzled from the hustle and bustle of working in the city, concerned about the appearance of large under-eye bags and dark circles, or in need of a boot up the proverbial backside to get back into that abandoned exercise regime? A visit to a spa might be just what the doctor ordered. All spas are not created equal, however. With so many different types of spas out there – including medical spas, luxury spas, day spas, wellness spas and health spas – which spa should you choose to use? Read on to find out more…

What is a Health Spa?

Health Spas focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle; in fact, many health spas are particularly concerned with providing weight loss solutions to their patrons. Often, health spas require spa visitors to spend a few nights in order to fulfil a particular health course, such as a detox programme. In addition to health spa treatments – like head, shoulder and neck massages and spa facials – health spas offer dietary advice and fitness classes, as well as health and fitness assessments by appropriate professionals.

Benefits of Health Spas: Health spas are great for kick starting a fitness, health or weight loss routine.

Health Spa Treatment to Try: Detox Mud Wrap – a detoxifying body mask made from algae, seaweed, mud or clay is applied to your body, before you’re wrapped in hot towels or plastic wrap to keep warm. After 20 minutes, the mask is rinsed off and a moisturising body lotion rubbed into your skin. Don’t let your diet go to pot when you check out of the health spa! Keep the healthy lifestyle habits; learn how to compile a healthy eating plan.

What is a Wellness Spa?

There is a difference between health and wellness – health is generally regarded as the absence of disease, while wellness refers to a person’s overall physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and environmental well-being. Wellness Spas, then, offer holistic therapies focused on the mind, body, spirit and emotions. Often, they have a leaning towards Eastern philosophies, which traditionally embrace a holistic notion of wellness. So, visitors to wellness spas will find wellness spa treatments like yoga, Chinese acupuncture and Indian Ayurvedic treatments, alongside regular spa treatments.

Benefits of Wellness Spas: A stay at a Wellness Spa can re-introduce balance to those stressed-out and over-whelmed by the hectic pace of modern life.

Wellness Spa Treatment to Try: Ayurvedic Massage Therapy – In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the tired human body is compared to a dry stick – without care, it will snap. Oil massage re-introduces suppleness to the body, while the oils’ aromas instil a sense of quiet in the mind and soul, thus promoting harmony and balance in the mind-body constitution. Balance your body, mind and spirit with yoga – read Yoga: Everything You Need to Know

What is a Medical Spa?

Medical Spas integrate medical treatments with traditional spa-oriented treatments, and operate under the supervision of registered health care professionals. Medical Spas usually focus on non-surgical cosmetic procedures – microdermabrasion; photo-rejuvenation; chemical peels; Botox and the like – although some medical spas are geared up for cosmetic surgery, as well.

Benefits of Medical Spas: Medical Spas provide more aggressive anti-ageing and cosmetic treatments than those offered at traditional spas.

Medical Spa Treatment to Try: Laser resurfacing – Not for the faint-hearted, a cosmetic surgeon uses a CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) laser, to treat specific facial areas, re-contouring wrinkles, scars and sun-damaged skin. While it can have fantastic results, there can be risks; laser resurfacing should only ever be carried out by a credible and qualified cosmetic surgeon. To find a cosmetic surgeon, contact the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Southern Africa.

What is a Luxury Spa?

If it’s out-and-out pampering and self-indulgence you’re after, visit a luxury spa. As the name suggests, luxury spas are all about providing the very best spa treatments and accommodation. Luxury spas do come at a price, and are often part of luxury hotels or lodges. For this reason, they can be considered destination spas, as well. Luxury spa treatments focus on rest and relaxation; visitors are spoiled with a variety of treatments aimed at de-stressing and rejuvenating.

Benefits of a Luxury Spa: Often luxury spas, or destination spas, have spectacular locations – a bushveld or beach setting or mountain backdrop – which encourage longer stays, adding to the sense of relaxation and well-being.

Luxury Spa Treatment to Try: Body Polish – a wonderfully indulgent treat; a therapist uses a body scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells, before rinsing the body and massaging a body oil into the skin, leaving an all-over body glow. Treat yourself to a magical African Bushveld ‘safari and spa’ experience – see Limpopo spas.

What is a Day Spa?

Also called city spas or urban spas, day spas are spas in urban areas, where city dwellers can experience spa pampering without trekking to a destination spa or resort spa.

Benefits of a Day Spa: Being right on your doorstep, you can visit an urban spa whenever you have a free afternoon – no schlepping off to the countryside for a week just to have a spa facial.

Day Spa Treatment to Try: For a quick urban pick-me-up, nothing beats a professional spa manicure or pedicure. Escape The Big Smoke for an hour or two – visit one of these spas in Joburg.