The Boutixury Spa Holidays Collection
Imagine taking some time out from your busy life, to relax, recuperate and recharge the batteries. We all feel better for some “me time” but most of us suffer from not enough “me time”. Massage improves body circulation by flushing out toxins, and the benefit of peace and tranquillity leaving you feeling relaxed.
What better way to really look after yourself than to book a holiday that focuses on you, your body and your health.
The leading hotels of the World have developed spa programmes with some of the leading spa companies to offer the perfect holiday combination of sun, sand sea, spa and serenity.
The Mediterranean is also developing spa products and destinations such as Ibiza are offering hotels for relaxation and recuperation – or for ageing ravers to benefit from the ying and yang of healthy hedonism by mixing some clubbing with some spa time. Mallorca also some beautiful luxury hotels which are perfect for a weekend break or longer trip. Greece is also a wonderful choice with Crete, Mykonos and Santorini offering world class spa hotels.
Morocco, with its rich history and culture is also developing a reputation as an emerging spa destination. The Moroccan hammam is your way to get sparkling clean by sweating out the toxins in various steam rooms. Originally part of the Islamic ritual, it’s is as much of a social gathering for the locals. Generally the men and women bathe separately. Visitors can expect a full scrub down, to ensure dead skin is removed, a mud paste is applied followed by an oil treatment, then off to a steam room and with some treatments you will get a massage.
We have to admit we love Thailand for the fact that it’s so easy and cheap to get a massage or some reflexology from almost every street corner which offers a low-cost alternative to a spa holiday
If you haven’t been to Spa Hotel before then some of the terminology can be a bit technical but hopefully our brief explanations below will help you to decide what works for you:
Spa treatments can vary and different hotels will focus on different styles of treatments.
A to Z of Spa’s and Spa Treatments:
Acupressure – using traditional Chinese methods to apply pressure to stimulate the energy flow in the body..
Acupuncture – using needles this traditional Chinese technique uses either a low voltage current known as electro acupuncture, or pinpoint massage known as acupressure.
Affusion Shower – a shower with multiple jets using either sea water or mineral water.
Aromatherapy – Using fragrant oils this treatment is used mainly for relaxation and help combat stress.
Aromatherapy – usually using essential oils this is a great stress buster and improves circulation, eases muscle tension and generally improves your health
Ayurveda Spa – Ayurveda means: the ancient Hindu art of medicine and of prolonging life. It’s an ancient wisdom and science of longevity and preventative medicine. It’s about longer lasting benefits of feeling good and looking great. It’s about finding a longer term solution to dealing with stress. The Ayurveda therapy are used primarily for detoxing and managing weight loss and the treatments can include massage and yoga
Caldarium – steam room with “flavoured” steam such as Jasmine
Chakra – This is an Ayurvedic term for energy ‘centre.’ It is understood that there are seven chakras, which need to be in harmony for the body to be balanced
Destination Spa – Quite simply a spa where you can relax, focus on you and your treatment needs. A good example of a destination spa is the Six Senses Sanctuary in Phuket, Thailand. Their aim is to create the best destination spa of this century. It’s all about healthy living. You will be hosted on Full Board basis, with your own individual consultation at the start of your stay. You will receive an 80 minute spa treatment per day and you will be able to join daily activities including lectures, classes and fitness programmes to keep you busy all day if you choose. You will have your own private villa and pool, together with a butler. The idea is simply to change your life – complete relaxation and focus on you and your wellbeing
Dry Flotation – float in warm water, enwrapped in a waterproof sheet
Effleurage – A massage technique that uses quick, long strokes to begin and end your treatments.
Endermologie – A French massage therapy which, it is believed reduces visible cellulite.
Flotation Tank – normally a dark chamber with Epsom salts that will ensure you float, relax and ease aches and pains.
Foot Accupuncture – Accupuncture has been proven over thousands of years to benefit a wide range of chronic and acute illnesses
Gommage - A cleaning and rehydration treatment using creams.
Hamman / Turkish Bath – hot steam room followed by a cold plunge pool and a massage scrub to remove dead skin.
Hawaiian Massage – a more spiritual massage that is very relaxing and is aimed at creating a deep inner connection to align the heart, mind, body and soul – considered by many therapists to be the best type of massage
Hollistic Massage – the ancient healing method that releases toxins from the body – this allows the body to naturally heal itself and create the necessary balance for a healthy body
Holistic Therapies – Treatments that focussing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements of the individual.
Hot Stone Treatment - Heated lava stones together with frozen marble stones that are gently massaged onto the body.
Hydrotherapy – the use of water, and bubbles to relax and soothe aching limbs.
Hydro Bath / Pool – improves blood and lymphatic circulation using under water jets.
Indian Head Massage – Head massages can relieve stress and tension and help the mind, body and spirit. Relieving muscle tension, boosting the immune system and helping circulation.
Inhalation Therapy – used to relax and aid breathing, this therapy focuses on the inhalation of steam.
Laconium Sauna – slightly cooler than a traditional sauna which allows you to spend longer, this sauna uses light and sound to stimulate the senses
Lomi Lomi Massage - A traditional Hawaiian therapy which improves circulation and relaxes muscles
Lymph Drainage or Lymphatic Drainage – removes and “drains” toxins using massage.
Naturopathy – using nature for medicinal benefit.
Oxygen Facial - The Oxygen Facial is a type of treatment that involves oxygen and other nutrients being applied or sprayed onto the face. Said to reduce the signs of aging.
Phytotherapy - Healing treatment with plants, such as herbs and seaweed, and in the form of aromatic essential oils and herbal and floral extracts, applied in conjunction with massage, packs and wraps, water and steam therapies, inhalation treatments, and homeopathy.
Pilates – Originated by Joseph Pilates to develop flexibility and strength.
Reflexology – The Chinese believe that happy feet means happy body – helping to restore energy flow.
Reiki - A Japanese, non contact healing technique which uses energy tp relax and promote wellbeing.
Seaweed Wrap – Seaweed contains minerals, vitamins, and proteins which help to detox and improve circulation.
Shiatsu - Japanese acupressure to specific points on the body to rebalance and heal.
Shiatsu Massage - is a Japanese massage focussing on acupressure which help to heal and rebalance the body
Shower Hydro – High pressure jets to target specific areas of the body.
Swedish Massage –a gentle massage – perfect if you don’t like your massage too painful
Tepidarium Room – a relaxation room with mood lighting and calming music.
Thalasso Pool – with a minimum of 3% salt levels, the seawater and hydro jets will help easy muscle strain.
Thalassotherapy Spa - Thalassotherapy is a treatment that uses sea water and its effect on the skin by opening up the pores and correcting imbalances. Seaweed is also used
Thermal Spa - Thermal Spa’s have a natural source of thermal or natural water on site which are used to relax and help with general muscle aches.
In our opinion the ultimate is a Spa holiday is offered by Six Senses Resorts & Spas who offer a variety of Spa options, including the ultimate in self renewal – the Evason Hua Hin Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand where the aim is to change what you do and how you do it – forever.
Closer to home in Barcelona there is a Six Senses Spa at the Hotel Arts Hotel Arts. Located on the 42nd and 43rd floor, with stunning views of the city
In Mallorca, St Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort is not only one of the top hotels in Europe but the Spa was voted one of the best in Europe by the readers of Conde Naste Traveller Magazine.
