Spas have become an essential amenity at most resorts but clients in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle are looking to destination spas where there are a plethora of additional high-end wellness facilities.
Few travellers request a spa as a necessity at a hotel these days - it's a given that at least all top-end properties will have one.
It's a facility utilised by both men and women whether they are travelling for work or pleasure.
But, one of the most dynamic sectors of the wellness market takes the spa concept to extremes, offering not just an occasional jet lag massage or facial treatment but a wealth of massage and wrap options, spa cuisine, exercise regimes and related facilities in what is deemed a ‘holistic' package.
And, in these health-conscious days, the destination spa is increasingly seen as an essential part of a lifestyle choice offering an annual MOT for the mind and body - albeit in an environment that is luxurious and totally devoted to good living.
For the travel trade, there's a bonus - most destination spas specify a programme of between four and seven days in order that guests benefit fully from the health and wellness regime and they tend to promote fully-inclusive packages that are more often than not commissionable.
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It's not a choice that's right for everyone; it's less a flop-and-drop holiday and more suited for those in serious pursuit of wellness and health.
But increasingly the 21st century urbanite is seeking time out from the rat race in a place where structured exercise programmes, a healthy eating regime and the opportunity to enhance their lifestyle are all offered on a plate.
It could be a girls' week away, an executive retreat or a romantic break with healthy undertones and with names synonymous with such experiences such as Chiva Som and Champneys frequently hitting celebrity headlines, the sell is luxury plus plus.
And, for those customers who are not committed to the seriously structured design of a destination spa break, one other potential is the growing number of ‘spa specials' bandied about by resorts that are becoming renowned for the quality of their spa product.
Anantara for instance is offering five-day well-being retreats from Thai Baht 43,600 (US $1310) per couple this summer at its Hua Hin resort inclusive of accommodation, spa cuisine, a choice of treatments and yoga sessions, while the new Nam Hai resort in Vietnam has two week-long yoga workshops in September priced at $2500 per person, again with special cuisine, spa treatments and rejuvenating classes.
In addition, Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives frequently offers themed wellness retreats.
Nearer to home, Al Nahda Resort & Spa in Oman is quietly making a name for reasonably-priced spa breaks with a huge range of treatments on offer, a quiet location in a palm and mango plantation at Barka on the Batinah coast, a 22-treatment room spa, 250 bicycles, spa baths, steam tunnel, meditation centre and even a ‘laughing area'.
Chiva Som
Opened some 14 years ago, Chiva Som to a degree pioneered the concept that is now known globally as a destination spa, marrying traditional Asian therapies with Western health and wellness concepts.
Located amid the beachfront high rises of Hua Hin in Thailand, the resort has garnered a sizeable market in the Middle East, which generates an impressive 20% of its business, with both Arab and ex-pat customers enjoying the health lifestyle amid a tropical ambience.
According to director of sales and marketing Claire Leslie, Chiva Som remains unique in its dedication to total wellness and among its USPs are its diversity of treatments, customised personal programmes and combination of Eastern philosophies and Western diagnostic skill.
The resort has 57 rooms and suites, including some Thai-style pavilions clustered round a central lake and features 70 treatment rooms with a total of 85 therapists.
Fitness, detox, de-stress, weight management, holistic health and spa pampering are among the popular programmes and all include three spa cuisine meals per day, daily massage, health and wellness consultation on arrival and fitness and leisure activities such as meditation, yoga, Thai boxing, Tai Chi, metabolic breathing and aqua aerobics.
Prices range from $1665 per person per night, plus 17% for a basic room in low season until September 30, with a minimum three-night stay required - rising to $1845 in high season.
Ananda in the Himalayas
Home of Ayurvedic traditions, Ananda marries a stunning location in the Himalayan foothills with the best of the best Indian spa therapies to create a stress-free haven that well deserves its accolade as Virtuoso agents' nomination as one of the best five spas worldwide.
The first and only destination spa on the Indian Subcontinent, Ananda attracts both repeat guests and many long-term customers according to PR manager Pushpa Nair who says cost is not an issue for its clientele.
"One USP is that we are sited between the mountains and the Ganges overlooking Rishikesh, which is acknowledged as the home of Ayurveda and yoga," she explains.
"Our health and fitness programmes have also become very well regarded."
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