Destination Spa Group and You


Come on in - the healing waters are fine.

So, you're looking for something new, uplifting and unforgettable in a vacation. And, like countless others, you're considering one of the most rewarding vacation options - a spa vacation. The spa vacation is an ancient concept whose time has truly come.

More and more people are choosing destination spa vacations because of the lasting benefits of creating a healthier lifestyle - and because of the sheer fun of going to a spa.

When you try your first spa vacation, you'll see what all the excitement is about - destination spas take care of people like no other places on earth. You'll return home renewed, revitalized and with great memories.

WHAT IS A SPA?
Mineral waters and hot springs - the original spas - have been an important part of stress-relief and healing in many cultures for thousands of years. Towns with therapeutic hot springs grew into popular destinations for holiday retreats. Today this idea is intact but greatly expanded into modern health resorts offering total, integrated environments devoted to relaxation and re-energizing - and curing what ails you.

Modern spas offer all the elements you need for health, recreation and peace of mind, including: nutritious food - indoor and outdoor fitness activities - body treatments - medical evaluations -behavioral management counseling - nutrition education - stress management - holistic health services - spiritual growth - movement therapy - exercise physiology, and more. And destination spas are located in some of the loveliest places on earth. The exalting and transformative beauty of nature is still an integral part of the destination spa experience.

Destination spas come in all shapes and sizes, in every climate. Some are glamorous and opulent, others intimate and understated. Some focus on hiking, some on pampering, some on sports, some on spirituality. And they're located in the mountains, in deserts, by lakes and oceans, in the deep woods. There's truly something for everyone.

At a destination spa, life is simple, there are no distractions, and every detail is focused on the comfort and well-being of each guest. Every destination spa - whether large or small, coed or women-only, high-tech or rustic - offers a world apart, a sheltered wrap-around environment devoted to the health, pleasure and ease of the whole person.

And most offer all-inclusive packages with accommodations, meals and services such as massages and wellness consultations and gratuities. The details are all taken care of, and you know up front exactly what your vacation will cost.

WHY A SPA VACATION?
A spa vacation is also an excellent value in that it's the epitome of the old adage about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. Most of us people spend more time and money on preventive maintenance for our cars than on ourselves. There's just something wrong with that picture. As the founder of Canyon Ranch, Mel Zuckerman, says, " Take care of your body. If it wears out, you won't have anywhere to live."

In the nurturing environment of a destination spa, you'll have the time and all the resources you need to truly take care of you. People go to spas to rest, relax and become spiritually and physically replenished. It's a chance to get away from work, obligations, phones, e-mail, doorbells and everyday stress. It's a chance to slow down, unwind and find balance in your life in a safe, fine-tuned environment.

All things to all people

Destination spa vacations are
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Ideal for people who are intent on making lifestyle changes, and for those who simply want to go play. Some guests change the way they live forever; some just come for the peace and quiet; some spend their time sampling the latest in treatments and fitness, or hiking all over the map. Guests suit themselves, every moment of every day.

· Great for someone traveling alone - the environment is safe, welcoming, casual and completely free of contrived social interactions and forced group activities.

· Deliciously surprising for those who think "healthy eating" means deprivation and boredom. Wholesome, nutritious adaptations of favorites like burgers, pizza, lobster and, of course, dessert, make eating well a guilt-free revelation in how good good-for-you can taste. No one goes hungry: The days of the boot-camp/fat-farm are long gone.

· Perfect for adults of any age, at any fitness level and state of health. Some of best-known destination spas offer sophisticated medical resources in addition to services like nutrition counseling, movement therapy, personal assessment and training, behavioral health consultations and spiritual workshops. Destination spas are some of the most complete "wellness libraries" in existence.

· Fantastic for couples. There's plenty for both to do, together and individually. Golf, bodywork, hiking, dance class, kickboxing - it's always up to the guest.

· Extraordinary for anyone who wants to step out of the rush of every day life and into a world of tranquility and health.

Frequently asked questions

AREN'T SPAS JUST FOR THE RICH AND FAMOUS?
You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a spa vacation. There's something for every taste and budget. In fact, most spa packages are all-inclusive (rooms, meals, services, exercise classes, lectures, etc.) and offered at a single price which makes the vacation even more of a value. You get much, much more than just a room for what you might pay per night at any upscale resort or hotel.

Once thought of as the playground of the affluent, spas now offer well-rounded health experiences that attract people from all walks of life. Professional men and women of all ages, couples and singles, people with health challenges and devoted athletes all take spa vacations - many of them year after year. There are so many options at a destination spa that the experience is always new.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A SPA?
Spas range from luxurious to rustic, from large resorts with lost to choose from to intimate personal retreats, and in a variety of locales from the beach to woods to the city to the desert. But no matter what the setting, spas offer a wonderful blend of invigorating activities and rejuvenating relaxation. You choose what you want to do, every minute of the day.

Your spa day may begin with a refreshing morning walk followed by a selection of fitness classes before lunch. In the afternoon you might enjoy a pool class, play tennis, do yoga or take a nutrition workshop. Or take a peaceful nap in your quiet room. You can finish your day with a delectable, guilt-free dinner followed by a soothing massage or relaxing aroma bath.

Expect to meet other interesting guests who have decided to take charge of their well-being. Like you, they have a spirit of adventure and an intention to health - or they wouldn't have tried a spa vacation. Many people develop lasting friendships through their spa experiences.

WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD?
Generally, destination spas offer low-calorie, nutritious food. Many specialize in healthy gourmet cuisine - coffee and tea are available at most spas but alcohol is rarely served. Amenity spas may serve low-cal food as an option on the regular menu and alcohol and caffeine are available.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SPA IS RIGHT FOR ME?
With hundreds of choices of spas offering thousands of services in so many different settings, how do you find the spa that's right for you? There are several ways to learn more about spas including:
· ask your friends
· check out spa guides and other travel books
· call the spas themselves
· talk with a travel professional
· consult Destination Spa Group (DSG)

DSG is an association of America's finest destination spas that provides information and referrals to travel professionals and the public. Call toll-free 888-772-4363, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST), or visit the Web site anytime - www.destinationspas.com - for expert help in finding your perfect spa vacation. DSG also publishes Destination Spa Vacations, a four-color annual guide to 25 destination spas in North America. This 76-page publication offers comprehensive descriptions and color photographs of each spa, and includes summaries of facilities, amenities, accommodations, and an explanation of the services and activities offered, as well as current rates, group information and commission policies. It's available at newsstands throughout the United States.

The Mission of Destination Spa Group
To encourage healthier lifestyles by educating the public about the unique wellness and self-improvement opportunities of destination spas; to help each guest make an informed choice leading to an optimal spa vacation experience with lasting benefits.

Our Vision
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To enrich the ancient tradition of the healing retreat by offering guests a nurturing environment in which they can discover and connect with their greater potential for wellness.
· To motivate and inspire guests to healthier, more joyous living.
· To offer a wholesome, restful, refreshing and potentially transforming alternative to ordinary vacations.
· To spread the healthy-living message as widely and vigorously as possible to consumers and travel professionals.
· To extend the highest level of service, comfort and personal attention to every guest.

Fact Sheet   Spa Terminology
Travel Professional Education Seminar Series