The term Spa includes Day Spas, Resort Spas and Destination Health Spas. Spas are one of the fastest-growing phenomenon in our culture today. The spa industry has shown robust growth in sales volume and in the number of facilities that are reviving the old Roman and Egyptian customs of public bathing. The spa trend changed from a simple vacation activity to a way of life.
Definition of Spas
Over the last century the term “spa” has broadened out in new directions being used often interchangeably with wellness.
The original meaning referred to a public bathing place where the water is believed to have special health-giving properties. The term Spa itself derives from the Latin expression "sanitas per aqua" that stands for " health through water". It was usually a facility situated near to a mineral water source or hot spring.
Today the meaning of the word encompasses virtually any place, facility, product, treatment or solution that is connected with physical, mental or spiritual health. The list of variations is almost endless with some of the spas including several pools, others only a jacuzzi whirlpool or a hot tub and there are some day spas with only sauna and massage facilities.
Other definitions of Spas
.....................................................................................................................................................................The International SPA association definition:
"Spas are devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit."
The Oxford Dictionary definition:
"a place where there is a curative mineral spring"
The British Spas Federation definition:
1.Historical definition:
A spa, holy well or spring was a special place where natural spring waters were reputed to bring relief and cure from a range of ailments. These waters engendered strong spiritual associations and mystical understanding.
2.Traditional definition:
Spas are traditionally centers for healing and rehabilitation, being based on hydrotherapy administered under medical supervision. Recreation and relaxation are also encouraged alongside social interaction and entertainment.
3.Contemporary definition:
Presently spa facilities are dedicated to physical and emotional well-being. Spas use water as the primary medium for the delivery of therapies and treatments. Based on the use of natural mineral springs wherever possible, the contemporary spa provides for relief, rehabilitation and sports injuries through the spectrum of care to integrated medicine and complementary treatments, de-stressing and relaxation to the beauty and pampering end of the market. Spas create unique environments which must respect the natural assets of their site and location.
Origins of the term: Spa
Spa is a widely used adjective and noun nowadays. There are two main approaches to the origin of the word:
Latin Phrase :
Followers of the first approach argue that the word spa is an acronym based on the Latin phrase "sanitas per aquas" (meaning "health through water")
Belgian Town:
The second approach originates the word from the Belgian town named Spa located in the province of Liège. The town was well known for its hot mineral springs and frequented as a bathing town as early as the 14th century and became the eponym for spa.
