Sparring with spas

Sparring is normally distinct from fights in competition, the goal of sparring normally being the education of the participants. This article will attempt to carry that educational mantle in describing the role of a Spa without prejudice to any argumentative debate. The definition of a spa, according to the Oxford dictionary is that ‘it is a place or resort with a curative mineral spring ’. True – but it doesn’t say much does it? However, it does go on to add that a Spa is also ‘a  commercial establishment offering health and beauty  treatment through such means as steam baths, exercise equipment, and masage’ – thus  presenting  a clearer picture. To me, the definition given by the Association Québécoise des Spas is more explicit. It describes a Spa as an ‘establishment contributing to people’s wellness in an environment conducive to relaxation, offering as the main activity one or more forms of water therapy and one or several types of professional treatments, at least including massage therapy, offered in two or more treatment rooms and comprising a relaxation area reserved for this purpose’.

There is a general belief that SPA is an ancient roman acronym signifying “Sana Per Aquam” or "Sanitas Per Aquam” or even “Sanare Per Aquam” - which can be translated as “Health Through Water”.

In a Spa, the treatments concentrate around treating ailments of the body, relieving stress, rejuvenating the senses, thus providing a total package of the ultimate approach to wellness, suitable to one’s hectic lifestyle. The wealth of beauty and wellness lies within one, and, as the demand of relaxation becomes priority, the extra added touch of a wide array of western and Asian origins of treatments are offered in a well recognized Spa or Wellness centre. It is of paramount importance to understand that a spa is not a whirlpool, a jetted-bath, or a Jacuzzi but an establishment.

In general, people  want to be pampered at some point of time, and the most popular of Spa treatment continues to be a ‘massage’, be it a head massage, a facial, a scrub... the list goes on. Invariably it cascades down to one thought, should I go to a recreational centre or perhaps even to a Spa, where I can retreat and relax with their various treatments?  Which wellness destination would I select? Would it be one that offers Aromatherapy or one which practices Ayurvedic treatments? Aromatherapy Is a holistic or pure treatment  by caring for the body , using botanical, aromatic plant, flower, leaf, seed, bark and fruit essential oils, extracted and  consisting of the purest form of natural oils, to aid healing, and promoting health and wellbeing. It can be described as the proficient and controlled use of essential oils for emotional and physical health and wellbeing. Ayurvedic treatments, which are one of the oldest holistic restorative approaches, on the other hand, uses natural remedies and time tested practices. The principle focus is to promote good health, and, it is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit. Whatever the choice, the unexpressed reason to spa is a getaway, a pursuit of wellness and a stress release.

The positive approach towards an upward trend in embracing the holistic wellness movement is not an out of the blue moment, but a growing number of people are looking for places, to heal their minds, spirits and their bodies, recognize the holistic nature of health… and to achieve this, they head straight to a ‘spa’ destination or getaway.

Before the advent of Spas into Hotels, most hotels had already begun to offer salon and beauty services exclusively to female clientale. The services offered would include hairdressing, facials, manicure and pedicure and the salons would not only attract hotel guests but also women from the local community. And, the operation of such beauty salons was an easy and uncomplicated venture to hoteliers and for the clientale. Soon after, and, towards accommodating guests' growing requests to stay healthy while on the road, the hotel industry began operating gyms – mostly in the basement. A further development was the emergence of Destination Spas. These spas, often found in remote areas such as mountain resorts or vacation cities, offered an all-inclusive relaxation experience, with fitness programs, organized activities, and various classes that customers can attend, along with typical spa treatments. This inspired many resort hotels, especially those in breathtaking locations such as in coasts, mountains and even deserts to develope the Spa Hotels and Resorts concept, now found all over the world. In big cities and urban areas,, to cater to the fast-growing segment of the spa population, hotels combined fitness equipment with spa facilities, thus introducing the Club Spa – where one can work out and then relax afterwards with massages and spa treatments.

As spa and wellness are becoming more prevalent in today’s society, hotels are ensuring they adopt these lasting trends and offer consumers an experience aligned with society’s increasing desire for a healthier lifestyle. As such, hotels are incorporating spa and wellness not only in spa department, but into other aspects of the hotel, such as rooms, meetings, and food and beverage. For example, some hotels are offering aromatherapy and sleep-aiding amenities in rooms, trendy juices and spa menus at their restaurants, and outfitting meeting rooms with healthy snacks and beverages and premium air quality control. In addition, hotels are creating new ways for guests to be active and social, such as initiating a bike-share program or leading group hikes/runs. Thus, spa and wellness is growing outside the spa, and in facilitating healthier lifestyles for their guests, hotels are seeing a positive impact of the integration of spa and wellness into their entire operation. At its root, spa is about health and wellbeing, and there are indications that health and wellness trends are here to stay.

Mehroon Wahab

The writer is a former media representative for ‘Spa Asia’ and it was during her tenure that the Singapore based magazine published a 14- page feature on Sri Lankan Spas’.

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