The traditional definition of a spa is:

'A place of natural occurring thermal or mineral waters' 

For centuries people have travelled to certain towns or places that were renowned for the curative effects of the local water. They would either drink the water or immerse themselves in it believing that it had special healing powers.  The Latin words 'Sanus Per Aquam' mean health through water. There are also those who associate the term "Spa" with the name of a town in Belgium that drew people from many areas to its healing waters during the 16th century.

Water therapy has in fact been in existence for thousands of years and there is documented evidence that the Indians, Egyptians, Assyrians and Mohammedans used mineral waters for curative purposes. Many people including the Japanese, Chinese, Greeks and in particular the Romans used warm baths for therapeutic purpose, relaxation, reducing fatigue, promoting wound healing and increasing a sense of well being. 

Today however, many people look upon a Spa as a concept combining, leisure, health, beauty and relaxation. Because of this the word spa is often used inappropriately to describe many establishments in the health, leisure and relaxation industry, these may include the hotel with a swimming pool or a small salon with a jacuzzi. Whilst they may provide excellent treatment and service they are not a true spa which uses natural resources and provides longer lasting health benefits.

Our clients are becoming far more health conscious and aware of the many therapeutic treatments available to counteract the stress of modern day living. The industry is responding to their needs by introducing more spa destinations and treatments. Water is the basis of spa treatment and in addition to the water therapies available salons and spas are introducing beneficial treatments using derivatives from the sea and other sources of thermal or mineral waters in addition to the popular heat treatments using sauna and steam baths.