A stay in a spa should incorporate luxury and healing. Socializing, dining and cultural exposure might be part of a spa experience, as might extra sleep, a new exercise regime, or a skin treatment. With spas multiplying worldwide, an age old concept is being reinvented daily. From ancient ayurvedic methods, to "taking the waters," to today's Elemis Aroma La Stone Massage, humans have sought out the benefits of spa treatments throughout history. Homer and the ancients described spa-like social baths dating back as far as 500 BC, and the "thermae" spas introduced by Agrippa in 25 BC eventually spread across the Roman Empire, evolving into sports complexes with dining and bath facilities. Centuries later, in Japan, the first "onsen," or hot springs appeared. They would be followed by "ryoken" inns, which incorporated restaurants and became gathering places. In 1000 AD, Finnish saunas, with the attendant (and still practiced) traditions of cold water plunges and copious vodka consumption were established. Spas fostered socializing in the Ottoman Empire, too. Turkish baths incorporated steam rooms, massage and lavish mosaic baths that were temples of pleasure and healing. In Western Europe, spas sprung up around natural hot springs, and some -- Spas in Belgium, Germany's Baden Baden and Bath, in England -- became healthful playgrounds for the privileged classes. Americans followed suit, and in the 1850's Saratoga Springs started to attract celebrities, including FDR and Edgar Allan Poe. In the twentieth century, day spas and destination spas gained in sophistication and variety. More recently medispas have applied rigorous science to the dual quests for beauty and wellness which, now, are inextricably linked. Today, it is estimated that the global spa industry generates $40 billion, a figure projected to grow to $60 billion over the next ten years. To see the latest innovations in a classic setting explore the Leading Spas of Germany.
The Evolution of Spa
