Seven Factors To Consider Before Booking A Spa Break

Booking a Spa Break A refreshing spa break to soothe away tension, recover after a period of poor health or simply to beautify and replenish; whatever your reason for choosing to enjoy a spa break, it is worth taking the time to choose wisely. Not all spas will offer the same variety of facilities, spa treatments and therapists or the same standards of accommodation. When choosing your next spa break, taking the time to consider the following seven points will go some way, to ensuring you choose the spa break, which is just right for you.

1 - What types of spa break are available? Spa breaks were originally conceived around healing through water treatments such as mineral waters and hot springs; in fact the word 'spa' comes from the Latin "salus per aquae" which translates as "health through water." Today's health spas though offer a whole lot more than water therapies and there is a broad range of spa options and spa treatments to choose from. Here in England, you can choose relaxation breaks, pampering breaks, healing breaks, wellbeing breaks and energising breaks. As well as there being many spa resorts and spa centres that focus solely on spa breaks, a lot of hotels and resorts now have spa treatment rooms and areas also.

2 - How do I choose which spa break is best for me? In addition to considering where you would like to enjoy your spa break, you will want to focus on what you are looking to get out of your spa treatments and therapies ie: do you want to come away from your spa break feeling rejuvenated, beautified, calmed or rested? A spa break can include any or all, of the following: beauty treatments, relaxation therapies, alternative therapies, Ayurvedic healing, water treatments and more. Simply decide which best suits your needs and choose your North West spa break and spa destination accordingly.

3 - What sort of spa treatments will be available? As lightly touched on above, the types of treatments available on a spa break are typically designed to meet a specific desire; for healing, for beauty, for relaxation, for recovery etc. Each spa will offer different therapies that may include mud treatment, mineral water spa treatments, other hydrotherapies, beauty treatments, gym work, time with a personal trainer, recovery therapies and more. If you select a 'destination spa' you will be able to select a range of treatments and therapies that are based on one primary purpose ie: making improvements to your lifestyle, losing weight, recovering after an illness etc. A destination spa break in the North West is ideal when you have a clear goal in mind.

4 - Is there a dress code at spa resorts? Because a spa break is all about looking after yourself, pampering, soothing and feeling good - you will find the dress code aims for comfort above all else. Casual wear, gym wear and robes are the most commonly seen attire on a spa break. Don't forget, it is likely that you will need to make yourself available for a variety of treatments, so a robe is ideal and perfectly acceptable even at meal times in spa resorts. If though, you are staying at a hotel or resort that has a spa as part of the facilities, then you will have to consider the hotel dress policy in other areas of the hotel or resort.

5 - What sort of accommodation will be offered on a spa break? The type of accommodation available on a spa break will depend on whether you are booking a break at a destination spa or at a hotel or resort with a spa. With a destination spa, you will generally find the accommodation of a good standard that reflects the cost of your booking and the spa's quality of service. If you are booking a break at a hotel or resort that offers spa facilities, then you are best guided by the hotel rating system to be sure you get the standard of hotel accommodation and spa treatments that suit you and your budget.

6 - What type of food options are there on a spa break? Thankfully it's not all alfalfa and prunes at spa hotels these days! Meal times on a spa break will typically offer a broad choice of sumptuous, appetising, fresh and healthy food. Do be sure to let the spa you are booking into, know if you have special dietary needs or intolerances. If you have chosen a spa break at a destination spa for health reasons, to lose weight or as part of your medical treatment, then the food you eat during your visit to the spa will be based on the diet that is right for your particular needs. On arrival at the spa, you will usually be met by a member of the therapy team who will undertake a nutritional analysis of your diet. The nutrition specialist at the spa will be able to advise you on the best dietary choices.

7 - Are spa breaks really beneficial? Oh yes. In so many ways, spa breaks in the North West are benefitting guests; from the improved health, disposition and wellbeing that comes from being pampered to the easing of symptoms through the application of health-specific therapies. A spa break offers all the benefits of a holiday but with closer attention to your emotional, physical and psychological needs.


------

Anna writes for the Holidayl and Leisure industry and is also a very keen road cyclist and drinker of Green teas. Based in Lancashire in England she is looking forward to the opening of the new Ribby Hall Spa Hotel in Lancashire in August 2011