Travel Notes: Spa treatments, vacations increasing in popularity

Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.

Spa and massage therapies have entered the mainstream. Whether you are caught in the pressure of trying to do more in a shorter time, or you want to maximize the quality of life that you experience each day, a spa experience can help.

According to a joint report from the Institute for the Study of Aging and the International Longevity Center-USA, the best way to mind your health is to keep your mind healthy.

Suggested practices include: stimulate your brain with new experiences; exercise; eat properly; reduce stress; socialize with others; get enough sleep; manage depression; and identify and treat medical illnesses.

The spa lifestyle promotes all of these suggestions.

Individuals, corporate managers and families are discovering tremendous benefits as requests for spa vacations and spa treatments increase.

In the workplace, massages reduce absenteeism and boost performance. On-site chair massages are becoming increasingly common, not only to reduce stress, but to decrease the risk of overuse injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Massages and spa stays are being used as a performance incentive for individuals and teams who reach pre-set goals, or complete a project on time.

Thanks to spa services being offered on cruise ships and at resorts that attract business groups, many men are learning to enjoy the indulgence of a spa. A refreshing spa treatment can be used as a motivator before an important sales call.

Individuals and families requesting spa vacations are often people who like active vacations.

Today, spas offer fitness trainers, dietitians, massage therapists, acupuncturists and healthy cuisine. Guests may hike, swim, bike, practice yoga or tai chi, golf, kayak, play tennis, cross-country ski or scale rock formations. Many spas now offer excellent children's programs with flexible hours.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa in Pennsylvania is one of the world's finest resort spas.

They customize treatments for their guests and have an excellent program for children. Their Kidz Club for children ages 4 to 12 takes up an entire wing. There is a video arcade, a ropes obstacle course, indoor pool and the world's largest cylindrical saltwater aquarium.

Weekends feature a kids' night out that includes a movie, swimming and miniature golf. It is also a great place for kids to learn to ski or kayak, depending on the season.

For more affordable spas closer to home, you might try the Hilton Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort in Destin, Fla.. Its Serenity by the Sea Spa, Salon & Fitness Center offers men's and women's spa areas, each featuring a cascading whirlpool, sauna, steam room and lounge.

In addition to a full range of spa treatments, the resort offers four outstanding golf courses, 14 tennis courts, three swimming pools, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, freshwater and deep-sea fishing and sailing.

If a weekend is all you have for relaxing, visit the New Moon Spa in the historic Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs. In addition to a full fitness center, the Crescent offers many spa treatments to promote overall wellness, and it has cost-saving packages that often include some meals.