Spa Basics

By Anitra Brown, About.com Guide to Spas

Spas began when people started soaking themselves in hot springs thousands of years ago. But the spa world has become more complicated. This is a place to find out about the different kinds of spas, what treatments they offer, and how to choose the right one for you. You can also get answers to all your questions about spa etiquette and how much a spa costs.
What Is A Spa?
What Are Spa Treatments?
Choosing A Spa
Spa Etiquette
What a Spa Costs
What Is A Spa?
A little storefront in a strip mall and world-famous Canyon Ranch both call themselves spas. What is a spa, anyway? Where did they come from? You need to understand the different kinds of spas so you get exactly the spa experience you're looking for.
What Is A Spa?
Different Kinds Of Spas
Destination Spas
Resort and Hotel Spas
Day Spas
Medical Spas
Mineral Springs Spas
A Little Spa History
What Are Spa Treatments?
There's a huge range of spas, from tiny three-room day spas to sprawling 40-room resort spas with fabulous facilities. The one thing they all have in common is basic services like massage, body treatments and facials. Find out more about the kinds of treatments you can get at a spa.
What Is A Spa Treatment?
What Is Massage?
What Is A Facial?
What Is A Body Treatment?
What Is A Salt Glow?
What Is A Body Wrap?
What Is An Indigenous Treatment?
What Is Swedish Massage?
What Is Deep Tissue Massage?
What Is Couples Massage?
What Is Hot Stone Massage?
What Is Aromatherapy?