A day spa is just that — a spa that you visit purely for the day; the spa doesn't offer any residential options. (We make an exception for the Aqua Sana Spas at Center Parcs, where you will have your own accommodation within the resort — just not in the spa.) At a day spa, you get more than just a spa treatment; day spas often have thermal facilities and often even a swimming pool or two so you can make a day of your pampering.
The facilities at a day spa will vary from a simple sauna, steam room and hydro pool to a full range of exciting and engaging spa facilities, especially when the spa is linked to a health club. The day spa may have a particular focus, too, such as holistic treatments, the fabulous hot springs of Thermae Bath Spa in Bath, or a women-only environment.
Most spa-goers will visit a day spa as part of a day-spa package which often includes lunch, set treatments (manicures and pedicures are popular) and use of the facilities. These spa packages often represent very good value for money, but you can usually choose to create your own package to suit your specifications, too.
We recommend that you make the very most of your spa day by arriving as early as you're allowed and leaving as late as you can -- you're only there for the day, so make it a real treat.
When it comes to spa treatments, see if you can book yours towards the end of the day. Whether you're planning on having a body treatment, an aromatherapy full body massage or facial, you want to leave those lovely essential oils and balms to soak into your skin for as long as possible, not shower them off soon after so you can take a dip in the pool.
We've added some of our favourite day spas below.
Image courtesy of Aqua Sana Longleat Forest.
Summer Spy
9th April 2013
Spy Likes:
Warmth and sunshine; spas which take me away to another country; fruit infused waters; beach-worth pedicures; deep tissue massages.
Spy Dislikes:
High footfalls; treatments that over promise and under deliver; heavy lunches; loungers drapped in used towels.
