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 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."
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.
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