WHAT IS A SPA?

Most patrons would describe the spa as a place where one ventures when in need of stress-relief pampering. For others, spas are places where you can slip away to and forget about life's troubles. Spa professionals and advocates offer a simple and practical rule of thumb on what constitutes a genuine spa.


The real test of a spa is the quality of the overall experience and the end results delivered. Was the delicate balance of mind, body and spirit restored? Did the particular spa experience create a sense of well-being? Did the individual feel as though they got a new lease on life? Did they leave the spa premises revitalised and bouncing with energy?


The International SPA Association (ISPA), an internationally-recognised professional association representing over 1,000 health and wellness facilities and providers and the voice of the spa industry worldwide defines the "Spa Experience" as being "Your time to Relax, Reflect, Revitalize and Rejoice." One of the stated ISPA objectives is to "revitalize humanity through the promotion of spa wellness."


There is a clear consensus that while spas also offer "look good" beauty treatments along with feel good" treatments, spas go beyond superficial pampering. Holistic healing is central to the spa concept.
In Thailand, the vast majority of existing spa facilities are Hotel/Resort Spas. The Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Hua Hin is the country's only destination spa. In the 2002 Condé Nast Traveller readership survey, the facility was rated the world's number one Destination Spa by an overwhelming 92.58% and labelled "the number one sensation in overseas destination spas."


St Carlos in Bangkok, promoted as Asia's first integrated Thai herbal medical spa, was Thailand's first international medical spa offering holistic and preventative treatments. The Bangkok Dermatology Center and Bamrungrad Hospital are recent additions to the list. Day spas largely cater to the domestic clientele. The budding sector has contributed to much of the recent growth in spa facilities and services.


Natural process appears to have neatly segmented the spa market with Hotel/Resorts, and Destination Spas attracting overseas patrons and the Day Spas catering to the locals.