A spa is an establishment that provides services related to relaxation and restoration of well-being.
Spa is the name of a Belgian city that, in Roman times, was very popular for its thermal water baths . It is believed that the current meaning of the term is linked to the history of this European town.
Today we understand that a spa is a space for rest and restoration of health that uses water to perform different treatments. Beyond the city of Belgium , there is another version that explains the meaning of the concept: there are those who maintain that spa is actually SPA , an acronym that would come from the Latin expression salus per aquam (which can be translated as "health through water" ). This acronym would have become the acronym spa .
Although the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) does not include the word spa, other dictionaries accept it as an Anglicism. The Castilianization of the term as espá is also mentioned.
What is a spa
Nowadays, in short, it is understood that a spa is an establishment that allows therapies to be carried out with the use of water . These are usually health, rest and recreation centers that have various types of swimming pools , saunas , whirlpools and jacuzzis .
Depending on the characteristics of the spa, it is possible to spend a recreational day in its facilities or even stay there for several days, paying the extra cost for a room. In this way, the spa functions as a hotel that, among its services, includes the aforementioned therapeutic water services, which are usually complemented by massages , aromatherapy and other services that aim to achieve a feeling of well-being and relaxation in the guest.
It is common for a spa to have saunas, jacuzzis and swimming pools.
The most luxurious establishments in the world
Although the success of the spa has brought it closer to the general public, with establishments and proposals within reach of the most modest pockets, the most striking tend to be those that are generally associated with the rich and famous. Let's see below two of the most luxurious in the world.
Windows to Paradise, Mexico
Among the reasons why this spa is at the top are its high-level services , such as healing rituals, restorative treatments and holistic therapies , all accompanied by organic products of unparalleled quality. Needless to say, many of the personalities from the entertainment world come to these facilities, something that fuels their importance and attracts more visitors every year.
In addition to the aforementioned treatments and the views that live up to its name, this spa adds all the comforts imaginable, in addition to offering its guests the degree of privacy they seek. One of the most popular treatments is called Desert Flower , and it involves exfoliating the skin using a combination of desert lavender, sea salt, cranberries, and dill.
La Prairie Clinic, Switzerland
Another of the most famous and prestigious spas in the world. It is located next to Lake Geneva, so stunning views and contact with nature can be taken for granted. In addition to typical spa treatments, La Prairie offers a complete medical check-up, with laboratory analysis, electrocardiogram and even x-rays, to ensure that its visitors enjoy comprehensive health. It is worth mentioning that this trend is very common today, and is distinguished by adding the term " wellness " to its promotions.
This spa seeks to satisfy the needs of various audiences, which is why it also offers weight loss plans, yoga and Pilates lessons, gym sessions and personal trainers, in addition to the typical dream massages that we can only find in a place like this. For those looking to correct certain skin imperfections or fight aging, there are also services available, such as state-of-the-art laser treatments.