Health spas

After some time of working hard, playing hard, and generally running yourself into the ground getting away from it all with a relaxing weekend break can be a good idea. And for many of us girls, we like nothing better than being pampered.

So we will show you what can be expected of a weekend away with your girlfriends at some of the top health spas in the country.

What is a health spa?
The term 'spa' originates in the 16th century when crowds of people were drawn to the small Belgium town of Spa by the belief that the waters there held within them the power to heal.

Consequently many of the treatments on offer at today's modern spas promote the well-being, rejuvenation and relaxation of our inner self with the use of water.

The healing power of water
A number of different environments can be used for water therapy. For example, the arm circulating water being pumped out into the pool in a Jacuzzi promotes the feeling of relaxation and well-being. Muscle soreness and stiffness can be alleviated by the strong bubbles caused in a Jacuzzi, as if you are being given a head to foot massage by the water itself.

The use of steam and heat in a steam room or sauna promotes body perspiration, which is said to promote a natural detox effect for the skin and body, eliminating waste products through heavy sweating.

Exercise to promote calmness
Many health spas include a time table of gentle exercise classes including Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi in addition to the swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and whirl pools used in water therapy. Relaxation through the harmonious unison of mind and body is promoted using these ancient forms of exercise that have caught on rapidly within the world of health and fitness.

Beauty treatments
At the hands of trained professionals, is there anything better than a course of beauty treatments? These are some of the beauty treatments that can be expected of a health spa.

Facials - Massage and mask therapy
Body wraps - The application of clay or oils then wrapped in cloth etc
Body scrubs - The ultimate skin exfoliation and relaxation treatment
Aromatherapy - Using scented oils with body and scalp massages