Thought that a spa was a spa and that was it? Think again - as well as different kinds of spa treatments, there's a world of spa destinations out there, starting with six types of spa.
There's a common belief that there's a set number of spa types - lots of people seem to think that number is six, others might argue more.
In reality, you could probably make the case for hundreds of spa types if you take all the sub categories, different kinds of spa treatments, beauty salons and so forth into account. Each one offers something special and unique when it comes to wellbeing, whether it's medical spa treatments and aesthetics, thermal suites, mobile spas and more.
For us, categorisation is a helpful way to make the spa world more accessible, so you know what you're getting and can narrow down your choices. On Spabreaks.com alone you have the option of more than 500 destinations and thousands of spa packages, which is why we don't just offer insights into spa types in our listings, but geographical location, day or overnight breaks, and themed experiences such as romantic spa breaks, afternoon teas, group getaways, and mum-to-be spa days, for example.
To give a bit of an introduction however, here's a guide to anyone exploring the spa world, and for whenever we're asked what the 6 types of spa are.
A day spa is probably one of the types of spa that needs little or no explanation - it’s a spa that simply does not offer overnight accommodation, so enjoy it for the hours in which it is open and if you want to go back for another day, you will need to find separate accommodation.
For example, the PURE Spa collection has destinations across the UK offering reliably gorgeous spa days. They are led by founder Becky Woodhouse, who spotted a gap in the market for urban professionals wanting to take care of their health, well-being and beauty essentials.
A leisure venue tends to have a lot of facilities and will offer spa treatments, but it does not generally offer the full health retreat experience. Depending on whether it's a health club or hotel, there may be other people there who are not on spa days and breaks - perhaps gym members, families, or hotel guests.
That’s not to say that these can’t be excellent spa experiences, and often they are more cost effective than more specialised facilities. They are professional, therapists are well trained, pools tend to be a proper size to really swim in, they are often very good at providing exercise classes to join, and they are great for first time spa experiences - not too expensive and they provide a relaxed approach.
However, it is probable that pools may be busier than those at a more specialist venue, and more often than not children will have access to the pool. Children’s swimming lessons may take place, so it’s worthwhile being savvy with the timings of your day. Check any swimming times before you go, book your treatment for those periods, and if you want to avoid them entirely, then it’s best to visit them on weekdays, and outside school holidays.
The Bannatyne group is a great example of really popular and high standard destinations offering the best of all worlds.
Hotel spas are usually focused on pampering and luxury, and of course they are very good places for an overnight spa break. They tend to be a little bit of a mix between a dedicated spa and a leisure destination, depending on the emphasis of the hotel itself. Some will offer classes in the pools and have children's swimming times, but most tend to restrict them.
Hotel spas tend to be luxurious destinations with a focus on indulgence. However, once again, not everyone at the hotel is there for the spa, so it is not a dedicated spa in the purist sense of the word, although more and more hotels are offering specialist experiences.
Hotel spas are perfect for romantic breaks, time out with friends, and some allow for the flexibility to have the children with you if they have creche facilities or family friendly facilities.
A perfect example of an exquisite hotel spa would be Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa - a luxurious destination with a dedicated spa within the grounds, including luxury facilities and blissful TEMPLESPA treatments.
A destination spa is somewhere that is entirely dedicated to the spa experience. Your main reason for being there is the spa. Sometimes the emphasis is more about luxury and indulgence, sometimes it's more like a health farm or a detox retreat, and sometimes it's a mix of both. Either way, everyone at a destination spa is there to enjoy the spa experience.
Invariably, these are adult-only spas. Sometimes some facilities will be separated for men and women, and the expertise of therapists and health experts is always at an extremely high level. The objective at these is always health and wellbeing at its core, and other parts of your experience, such as nutrition are tied into the experience. They can also either be day spas or overnight experiences.
Ragdale Hall Spa is a great example of a destination health spa. An all-inclusive retreat with more than 30 years' experience, it has a wealth of facilities, more than 100 treatments, and gorgeous dining experiences.
Medical spas, also known as medi-spas, have been on the rise over the past decade, and are generally defined as properties that blend medicine and aesthetics to provide quality cosmetic treatments in a relaxed ambience.
Many provide anti-wrinkle injections, acne therapy, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, fillers, and so forth while some also provide doctor-led wellness retreats. As aesthetics treatments become more popular, they are often available as clinics within a more holistic spa environment.
For example, Transformations Hair Beauty Aesthetics & Day Spa has a qualified phlebotomist providing dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, LED light therapy, micro skin needling, high frequency, radio frequency, chemical peel, ultrasonic cavitation, dermal fillers, fibro blasting, anti-wrinkle injections and skin boosters.
Mineral spas are based where there's a naturally occurring mineral spring, and they have grown up around it. Some of the most famous spa towns around the world have developed around natural springs. The water is said to have healing properties, and is often naturally heated, helping to soothe skin, improve circulation and generally help you relax without any chemicals.
Perhaps the most famous in the UK is Bath, where you will still find Thermae Bath Spa. Another popular spa town is Buxton in Derbyshire, where The Buxton Crescent Hotel sits today, complete with an exquisite spa using the area's mineral waters. A favourite facility is the chemical-free pool filled with mineral rich waters.
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