From Anitra Brown,
Your Guide to Spas.
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When you're taking a spa vacation, the most important choice is between a destination spa and a resort spa.

Destination spas are a select group of spas where the whole emphasis is on wellness and personal growth. Spa purists love destination spas.

Resort spas are far more common. The resort spa is an amenity alongside traditional vacation pleasures like rich food and wine, golfing, even gambling. It's good for the casual spa-goer, family vacations, weddings or business meetings.

Go to a destination spa if you want:

• An all-encompassing spa environment where the whole emphasis is on getting healthy, finding new energy and getting inspired.
• An adult environment.
• A sense of camaraderie and an atmosphere where it’s easy to get to know people.
• A supportive environment for recovering from major life events.
• Lots of programming, including exercise classes, hikes, meditation, and lectures on health and personal growth.
• Healthy food. Most don't serve alcohol and some don't serve caffeine.


• Pricing that includes room, meals, classes, lectures and usually some spa treatments.

Examples of great destination spas include Golden Door in California, Red Mountain Spa in Utah, Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas and The Lodge at Woodloch in Pennsylvania.

Some resort spas like The Spa at Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona and Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in California are becoming more like destination spas by offering hiking and exercise classes without charging extra. But typically resort spas charge for classes, and don't have nearly as much programming. Spa treatments are an "a la carte" amenity to your larger vacation.

Go to a resort spa if you want:

• Spa treatments as part of your overall vacation experience.
• To spend time with your family.
• A particular vacation spot, like Hawaii or Scottsdale.
• To spend just one-two nights. Most destination spas have two-three night minimums.
• Particular amenities such as golfing, tennis, or lots of swimming pools.
• To drink, eat rich food or gamble.
• To go to the spa while your partner, mate or kids do something different.
• To relax instead of taking lots of classes.

Examples of great resort spas include The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, The Spa at Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvana, and The Watermark Hotel & Spa in San Antonio, Texas.