Before getting into a spa, you should know what it is all about.

The word "spa" is derived from town named "Spa" in Belgium. This small area in the French community prides of its spring water that is rich in iron, making it a refuge for people with iron deficiency during the medieval times. It is often suggested, although unproven, that the word is an acronym of various Latin phrases such as "Salus Per Aquam" or "Sanitas Per Aquam," bothmeaning "health through water."

It is now associated with water treatment known as "balneotherapy." Several spa towns and resorts offer such treatment, or the medication or equipment for such treatment, making the term having various meanings. Modern spas have their roots in ancient towns famous for its healing powers of their mineral waters and hot springs.

Nowadays, spas range from a day spa, where people can drop in for massage, facial, or body treatment on a day-use basis, to destination spas where people immerse themselves in a total spa experience for several days.

Day spas are similar to beauty salons since you only get to visit the place during the duration of the treatment. It ranges from homespun spas in converted houses to lavish multi-million dollar facilities.

In contrast, destination spas offer an all-inclusive program, including facilitated fitness classes, healthy cuisine, educational classes, and seminars aside from services similar to a beauty salon or a day spa. Guests get to reside there and participate in the program for several days. These are often found in exotic locations or in spa towns.

A spa should at least offer a relaxing environment for the guests, including robes and slippers, soothing musics, and high-quality spa treatments.

However, no one regulates the use of the word "spa." Some hair salons, for instance, would claim that they are a spa when all they have is a massage table.

To check the quality of the spa establishment, feel free to drop by and ask for a quick tour before you book for an appointment.