You have designed your own spa and prepared and used your own products, so now you have a clearer picture of what you would like in a spa. Basically the way to pick your spa is to decide how long you want to be involved with the experience, what exactly you want to receive, and whether or not you want to travel.

Day Spas

Perhaps the closest and most accessible to begin with is the day spa. Day spas usually offer therapies similar to those offered by “stay” spas. You can get anything ranging from water therapy to aromatic massage—but you will not be staying overnight. These are great places to receive a fantastic massage, get your face and hair done, get a manicure or pedicure, and more. Some day spas even provide classes and holistic health care. Some provide chiropractors, childcare, bridal services, maternity massage, and other holistic offerings. Day spas are providing one-stop shopping for preventive health care.

With so many spa choices how do I decide?

The spa experience you choose will depend on what you are looking for. Decide if you want to lose weight, meditate and eat macrobiotic foods, actually bathe in a mineral spring, or just be pampered. Then, call around to see who offers the specific things that will help you relax.

Stay Spas

Some stay spas are part of a larger resort, while others exist as their own separate retreat. Either way these are places where you might stay one night or as long as a week or more. Some stay spas offer other experiences, such as sports activities, as part of the package. These spas are called “experience spas” and are becoming more popular all over the world as more choices are being offered. The stay spas that deal with only spa treatments may offer a day of cleansing hydrotherapy and massage, followed by an herbal wrap and a reflexology session. Every day would build on the detoxification and release of the previous day.

Whether you choose to enjoy yourself in the comfort of your own spa or treat yourself to a dedicated spa experience, you will feel cleansed in body, mind, and soul. Take a moment to contemplate and breathe, spritz the air with an infusion of orange blossom, take a long hot bath with a few drops of lavender, live for a time in the spa. Close your eyes and feel the warmth permeate every cell in your body, savor the quiet, and become one with the energy of the experience.