Spahotel.net

International Spa Association's definitions

Spa - an entity devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.


Types of Spa:

Club Spa - A facility whose primary purpose is fitness and which offers a variety of professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis.

Cruise ship Spa - A spa aboard a cruise ship providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.

Day Spa - A spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis.

Destination Spa - A destination spa is a facility with the primary purpose of guiding individual spa-goers to develop healthy habits. Historically a seven-day stay, this lifestyle transformation can be accomplished by providing a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthful cuisine and special interest programming.

Medical Spa - A facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complimentary and/or alternative therapies and treatments. The facility operates within the scope of practice of its staff, which can include both aesthetic/cosmetic and prevention/wellness procedures and services.

Mineral springs Spa - A spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.

Resort/hotel Spa - A spa owned by and located within a resort or hotel providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.