1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Spas

What Is A Day Spa?

By , About.com Guide

A day spa is someplace you go for the day to get massage, facials, and body treatments, like sea salt scrubs and mud wraps. They’re called day spas because, unlike destination spas or resort spas , you don’t spend the night.

Day spas come in a huge range of styles and personalities, from small village spas to 35,000 square foot extravaganzas with the latest equipment. In addition, some resort spas are open to locals on a day basis.

What Day Spas Should Offer:

* a quiet, peaceful atmosphere

* robes and slippers

* a full menu of massage, facials, and body treatments

* professional massage therapists and estheticians

* private treatment rooms with fresh linens

* professional spa products

* a relaxation room with tea

* a scrupulously clean facility

* in large spas, secure lockers, steam room and sauna

What You Should Know About Day Spas

* Some hair salons call themselves a day spa when all they have is one massage room off a noisy salon. If you have any doubts, drop in for a tour first.

* Not all day spas give manicures and pedicures.

* Medical spas perform treatments like laser resurfacing, photo facials and Botox alongside traditional spa services.

* Very small day spas won't have steam, sauna and Jacuzzis. Think about whether that's important for your spa experience.

Explore Spas
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Spas
  4. Day Spas
  5. Day Spas - What Is A Day Spa?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.