1. A person goes to improve their wellness in body, mind and spirit.
2. A variety of professional services are offered, including at least one form of bodywork, such as massage.
3. The spa operator and all their staff make a connection with the guest in body, mind and spirit.
4. The spa experience is delivered to guests through the vehicles of their five senses.
5. The guests’ expectations of wellness are met.
6. The business is driven with integrity and a commitment to quality.

Day Spas refer to facilities that service clients on a day-use basis. A day spa is a stand-alone operation and without attached accommodation. Its spa menu is tailored to the needs of its particular target market, which is often local clientele. Services range from express treatments through to full day or multiple visit packages, and may cover any of a diverse range of therapies, from pampering beauty through to holistic and therapeutic options.

Petite Day Spa refer to day spa facilities as described above, with six or less treatment beds.. It must be a stand-alone operation and without the option for accommodation.

Hotel Spas refer to urban spas located within city hotels, and may be operated by the hotel, or a third party manager. The spa is created with the hotel guest in mind, but often also serves external guests, including local clientele. Services range from relaxation for business travelers through to those required for ongoing health and beauty maintenance. Facilities and price points may range from budget to luxury, depending upon the hotel’s positioning.

Boutique Hotel Spas refer to spas located in a boutique hotel; a small luxury hotel (with less than forty rooms) that offers a unique concept and personalized comfort. Location varies from hip city centres, a manor in the country, a safari in Africa or a secluded island. The spa should be consistent with the hotel concept, reflecting the character of the hotel and enhancing the guest experience.

Resort Spas refer to spa facilities located within a resort. The spa menu is designed to enhance the guest experience, and as such often utilizes local ingredients and/or indigenous therapies to create a ‘sense of place’. It may offer a more extensive menu that includes packages or programmes that cater for a few days or more. The resort spa is a supporting amenity to the hotel and residences.

Destination Spas refer to all-encompassing facilities that are 100% dedicated to spa and wellness. Accommodation is a supporting facility to the spa activities. The menu offers all-inclusive programmes for health, longevity, wellness and beauty – such as weight loss, stress management, yoga and meditation – integrating fitness, spa treatments, holistic and medical services, healthy cuisine and education. All guests should receive a lifestyle consultation to assess their needs. Average stays range from a few days to a week or longer.

Wellness Retreats refer to destinations that go beyond the usual spa resort offerings. They are cultivated as a retreat, be it for health, emotional or spiritual aspect or motivation. The programmes are designed as a unique and permanent guide towards a lifestyle change – focusing on the overall health and longevity of the body, mind and soul. At best, it is in keeping with the latest in luxury, style and comfort. This category also incorporates destinations that have the natural potential to allow one to journey inwards for self-discovery and inner soul search. All guests should receive a lifestyle consultation to assess their needs. Average stays range from a few days to a week or longer.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Wellness Centre
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a broad domain of healing resources that encompasses all health systems, modalities, and practices claimed to prevent or treat illness and promote health, other than those intrinsic to the dominant health system of society at a given time. Examples include:

1. Whole Medical Systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Naturopathy.
2. Mind-Body Medicine, eg: meditation, mental healing and creative therapies like art, music and dance.
3. Biologically Based Practices, eg: herbal remedies, nutritional approaches, aromatherapy.
4. Manipulative and Body-Based Practices such as in chiropractic therapy, osteopathy and massage.
5. Energy Therapies, incorporating Biofield therapies, which bring positive changes in the energy field of the person (Qi Qong, Spiritual Healing and Reiki), as well as bioelectromagnetic-based therapies that involve the use of electromagnetic fields, e.g. magnet therapy.

Signature Experience
A ‘signature experience’ may be a spa treatment, package, facility or ritual that is created specifically and exclusively for the spa brand. It should embody the spa’s concept and help to set it apart in the market. It should be promoted as the spa’s ‘Signature’ and something not to be missed. However, the experience must also be authentic and/or therapeutic in nature, and have a real benefit for guests – not created as a fashion or gimmick. Ideally, the signature will be created by the spa team.