Ask Susie
» How can I find a spa that can cater to my gluten-free diet?
» What does the term destination spa mean?
» I'm out of shape and feel self-concious around fit people. What spa will be best for me?
» Where can I find a sound nutrition and exercise program to help me lose weight?
» I'm going on my first spa vacation. Any pointers?
» I want to send my wife to a great spa. Can you help?
» What's spa-ing like in Budapest?
» What does the term destination spa mean?
» I'm out of shape and feel self-concious around fit people. What spa will be best for me?
» Where can I find a sound nutrition and exercise program to help me lose weight?
» I'm going on my first spa vacation. Any pointers?
» I want to send my wife to a great spa. Can you help?
» What's spa-ing like in Budapest?
Questions & Answers
I have celiac disease and must eat a diet that's completely gluten-free (no wheat, barley, rye, oats, or any derivatives of those such as spelt, couscous, semolina, and so on). I have to avoid obvious sources of gluten, such as breads, pastas, cakes, and cookies, and also gluten that might be hidden in soy sauce, salad dressings, and other processed foods. Is there a spa that can accommodate my dietary requirements?
I think a destination spa can help you out. Unlike resort spas, most destination spas serve spa cuisine exclusively, and their chefs are usually very well prepared to accommodate special diets -- not just gluten-free but also vegetarian, vegan, kosher, high protein, and liquid diets -- and one-of-a-kind requests. What's more, many destination spas serve breakfast and lunch buffet-style, and among the many options there will likely be some that meet your needs. Your best bet is to call a spa and ask to speak with the nutritionist or chef. I'll bet the conversation will reassure you that your request can be honored.
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I keep seeing the term destination spa, and I'm not sure I know what it means. Aren't all spas (except day spas) destination spas?
This question comes up often. Most people use destination spa broadly to mean a place to which one travels, which covers just about any spa. But in the industry, we attribute a more specific meaning to the term: a place where all participants come solely for health and renewal. As a class of spas, destination spas typically offer exercise, nutrition, stress management, education, and community for a total-immersion spa experience, and costs are usually all-inclusive. In contrast, a resort spa offers a variety of other activities and welcomes non-spa guests, while a day spa has no overnight accommodations. Examples? The Canyon Ranches are destination spas; The Broadmoor is a resort spa.
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I'm 61 years old, 60 pounds overweight, and out of shape. I'd be very self- conscious going to a spa with only skinny people. Is there a moderately priced spa for someone like me? I want to get in shape, lose weight, and become healthy so I can live to see my grandchild grow up. I feel I need to be in a controlled environment for a period of time to help me get started. Do you have any suggestions?
You see overweight people at most spas (nowadays, 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese), but it seems that some spas have more of those annoying thin people than others. (Okay, maybe what annoys me is that they are thin and talk about being fat.) I'd first suggest you look into spas that are focused on weight loss, possibly with a medical doctor on staff to help you get started toward your long-term goal. Hilton Head Health Institute in South Carolina, Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Florida, and Structure House in North Carolina come to mind. Alternatively, consider a women-only spa like Green Mountain at Fox Run in Vermont, where you might feel more comfortable. Or consider a spa such as The Hills Health Ranch in Canada, which attracts long-term visitors who are often there for weight loss. (It's also moderately priced.) You can learn more about these spas and others at Spafinder.com, and for more information about weight loss at spas, see "Feel Good Again" on page 78. Best of luck to you.
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I need a spa to jump-start my plan to lose 20 pounds with a sound nutrition and exercise program that might help me lose 8 to 10 pounds in 14 days. I'm healthy and active, so I can take an aggressive program.
Although many spas will help you lose weight, some are especially dedicated to this goal; these are listed on Spafinder.com in the Spa Guide section. While I think an eight- to ten-pound weight loss in two weeks may be a bit optimistic, here are some spas that might fit your needs and help you lose weight at a reasonable pace:
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I am thinking of going on my first spa vacation, but I'm really uncomfortable about taking off my clothes and being touched by a stranger. Are there any spa treatments that don't require undressing?
Absolutely. Shiatsu massage, Thai massage, foot reflexology, and cranio-sacral therapy are a few spa treatments you may want to consider. Shiatsu--a Japanese word that means "finger pressure"--is a type of bodywork that uses thumb, finger, and palm pressure (without oil) and is normally done fully clothed. Thai massage, also done without oil, combines gentle rocking, rhythmic pressure, and deep assisted stretches. Wear loose-fitting, comfy clothes for these types of massage. I usually wear a lightweight warm-up suit, but shorts and a T-shirt are fine. Reflexology is based on the premise that zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands correspond to other parts of the body. For reflexology, you usually need only take off your shoes and socks. And since cranio-sacral therapy focuses on the head, shoulders, and upper back, there is no need to undress.
If, in the future, you'd like to try a therapy that is best received while unclothed, I think it's worth mentioning that therapists are well trained in "draping"-keeping you appropriately covered with a sheet at all times.
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My wife, Jo Ann, would like to take a vacation at a women-only spa where she can nurture herself. She would also like it to be in a warm climate. When I try to find such a place on the Web, I don't get much of a selection. Do you know where we could get a good list with prices and details?
You're a gem of a husband for caring enough to help your wife find the perfect spa experience. You could call your local travel agent and ask about spas that meet your criteria of all-women, a nurturing environment, and a warm climate. But because there are hundreds of spas to choose from these days, even travel agents are using Spafinder.com to get more specific information. A feature of the site called the Spa Guide allows you to click on areas of special interest, such as Women Only, Luxury, Going Solo, Medical, and so on. Also, try the handy map feature to select spas in such warm-weather states as California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. You can also link directly to most spas' websites and get the latest price information and specials.
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My wife and I are going to Budapest for our first spa vacation. We'll be staying for three weeks at the Grand Hotel Margitsziget. What should we expect? Are European spas different?
Expect to have a marvelous European spa experience! Budapest is known as the "spa capital of the world," so you've chosen a great place for your first spa vacation. You've also chosen a great hotel. It's located on Margaret Island in the Danube River, which divides the city into its two parts, Buda and Pest. You'll be right in the middle of the city, within walking distance of plenty of interesting sights, but since you're on an island and surrounded by a beautiful park, you won't have traffic outside your hotel room.
European spas traditionally focused on medical wellness and emphasized thermal springs, relaxation, socialization, and possibly some light exercise. Fitness and healthful cuisine were less of a priority. But that's changing, and the Grand Hotel Margitsziget is a good example of a modern European spa hotel. It has a fitness center where you can participate in aerobics, water exercise, yoga, tai chi, and even Spinning classes. You'll also find massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures, along with thermal baths, saunas, and steam rooms. But expect everything to have a distinctive European flavor. The massages will be more medically oriented (and probably shorter) and not so "experience oriented." In other words, don't expect candles and soft music.
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--Jill E., San Diego
I think a destination spa can help you out. Unlike resort spas, most destination spas serve spa cuisine exclusively, and their chefs are usually very well prepared to accommodate special diets -- not just gluten-free but also vegetarian, vegan, kosher, high protein, and liquid diets -- and one-of-a-kind requests. What's more, many destination spas serve breakfast and lunch buffet-style, and among the many options there will likely be some that meet your needs. Your best bet is to call a spa and ask to speak with the nutritionist or chef. I'll bet the conversation will reassure you that your request can be honored.
Back to Top
I keep seeing the term destination spa, and I'm not sure I know what it means. Aren't all spas (except day spas) destination spas?
--Tom G., Phoenix
This question comes up often. Most people use destination spa broadly to mean a place to which one travels, which covers just about any spa. But in the industry, we attribute a more specific meaning to the term: a place where all participants come solely for health and renewal. As a class of spas, destination spas typically offer exercise, nutrition, stress management, education, and community for a total-immersion spa experience, and costs are usually all-inclusive. In contrast, a resort spa offers a variety of other activities and welcomes non-spa guests, while a day spa has no overnight accommodations. Examples? The Canyon Ranches are destination spas; The Broadmoor is a resort spa.
Back to Top
I'm 61 years old, 60 pounds overweight, and out of shape. I'd be very self- conscious going to a spa with only skinny people. Is there a moderately priced spa for someone like me? I want to get in shape, lose weight, and become healthy so I can live to see my grandchild grow up. I feel I need to be in a controlled environment for a period of time to help me get started. Do you have any suggestions?
--Name withheld
You see overweight people at most spas (nowadays, 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese), but it seems that some spas have more of those annoying thin people than others. (Okay, maybe what annoys me is that they are thin and talk about being fat.) I'd first suggest you look into spas that are focused on weight loss, possibly with a medical doctor on staff to help you get started toward your long-term goal. Hilton Head Health Institute in South Carolina, Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Florida, and Structure House in North Carolina come to mind. Alternatively, consider a women-only spa like Green Mountain at Fox Run in Vermont, where you might feel more comfortable. Or consider a spa such as The Hills Health Ranch in Canada, which attracts long-term visitors who are often there for weight loss. (It's also moderately priced.) You can learn more about these spas and others at Spafinder.com, and for more information about weight loss at spas, see "Feel Good Again" on page 78. Best of luck to you.
Back to Top
I need a spa to jump-start my plan to lose 20 pounds with a sound nutrition and exercise program that might help me lose 8 to 10 pounds in 14 days. I'm healthy and active, so I can take an aggressive program.
--F. Barry, Honolulu, Hawaii
Although many spas will help you lose weight, some are especially dedicated to this goal; these are listed on Spafinder.com in the Spa Guide section. While I think an eight- to ten-pound weight loss in two weeks may be a bit optimistic, here are some spas that might fit your needs and help you lose weight at a reasonable pace:
- Amansala Spa Resort in Mexico holds a Bikini Boot Camp.
- The Body Shop Spa in Utah is new, aggressive, active, and affordable.
- Green Mountain at Fox Run in Vermont offers a supportive, women- only environment.
- Hilton Head Health Institute in South Carolina runs a well-established program.
- Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Florida focuses on medical and educational aspects of weight loss.
- Regency House in Florida serves vegetarian cuisine and stresses active fitness.
- Structure House in North Carolina emphasizes behavioral changes.
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I am thinking of going on my first spa vacation, but I'm really uncomfortable about taking off my clothes and being touched by a stranger. Are there any spa treatments that don't require undressing?
--Name withheld
Absolutely. Shiatsu massage, Thai massage, foot reflexology, and cranio-sacral therapy are a few spa treatments you may want to consider. Shiatsu--a Japanese word that means "finger pressure"--is a type of bodywork that uses thumb, finger, and palm pressure (without oil) and is normally done fully clothed. Thai massage, also done without oil, combines gentle rocking, rhythmic pressure, and deep assisted stretches. Wear loose-fitting, comfy clothes for these types of massage. I usually wear a lightweight warm-up suit, but shorts and a T-shirt are fine. Reflexology is based on the premise that zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands correspond to other parts of the body. For reflexology, you usually need only take off your shoes and socks. And since cranio-sacral therapy focuses on the head, shoulders, and upper back, there is no need to undress.
If, in the future, you'd like to try a therapy that is best received while unclothed, I think it's worth mentioning that therapists are well trained in "draping"-keeping you appropriately covered with a sheet at all times.
Back to Top
My wife, Jo Ann, would like to take a vacation at a women-only spa where she can nurture herself. She would also like it to be in a warm climate. When I try to find such a place on the Web, I don't get much of a selection. Do you know where we could get a good list with prices and details?
--Bill L., Chicago area
You're a gem of a husband for caring enough to help your wife find the perfect spa experience. You could call your local travel agent and ask about spas that meet your criteria of all-women, a nurturing environment, and a warm climate. But because there are hundreds of spas to choose from these days, even travel agents are using Spafinder.com to get more specific information. A feature of the site called the Spa Guide allows you to click on areas of special interest, such as Women Only, Luxury, Going Solo, Medical, and so on. Also, try the handy map feature to select spas in such warm-weather states as California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. You can also link directly to most spas' websites and get the latest price information and specials.
Back to Top
My wife and I are going to Budapest for our first spa vacation. We'll be staying for three weeks at the Grand Hotel Margitsziget. What should we expect? Are European spas different?
--Name withheld
Expect to have a marvelous European spa experience! Budapest is known as the "spa capital of the world," so you've chosen a great place for your first spa vacation. You've also chosen a great hotel. It's located on Margaret Island in the Danube River, which divides the city into its two parts, Buda and Pest. You'll be right in the middle of the city, within walking distance of plenty of interesting sights, but since you're on an island and surrounded by a beautiful park, you won't have traffic outside your hotel room.
European spas traditionally focused on medical wellness and emphasized thermal springs, relaxation, socialization, and possibly some light exercise. Fitness and healthful cuisine were less of a priority. But that's changing, and the Grand Hotel Margitsziget is a good example of a modern European spa hotel. It has a fitness center where you can participate in aerobics, water exercise, yoga, tai chi, and even Spinning classes. You'll also find massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures, along with thermal baths, saunas, and steam rooms. But expect everything to have a distinctive European flavor. The massages will be more medically oriented (and probably shorter) and not so "experience oriented." In other words, don't expect candles and soft music.
Back to Top
