Pampering" is a delicious part of the indulgent world of spas. But today's top term in spa-talk is "wellness."

The function of a spa has evolved from simply pleasure to purpose, says Mary Blackmon, founder and CEO of spa-addicts.com, a website that lists 400 urban and destination spas in North America.

"Spas play a central role in achieving overall wellness. They are a place to rejuvenate and increase well-being," says Blackmon. "We need to be sane and balanced to stay healthy in our fast-paced world. Spas force us to take a moment to reconnect with ourselves."

Michael Kono, spa director at the Kingfisher Spa and Resort in Courtenay, which operates at a healthy 80-per-cent capacity year-round, notes that "people are more educated about health and their expectations of treatments are higher." They may arrive needing rest and relaxation "but they want to understand they can get results from treatments, too."

In Europe, spas traditionally have a wellness component to them. In Asia, body work is considered a major part of healing. Allison Hegedus, president of Vida Wellness spas in Vancouver and Whistler, sees both approaches in today's spas.

Spas are adding more Asian treatments, such as ayurvedic, Thai and Japanese massages, to their "menus," she says.

In Whistler, a destination for already fit people keen on golfing, hiking mountain-biking and skiing, "visitors choose the Thai massage to stretch and ease sore or tight muscles or the hot-stone massage based on Swedish massage principles," says Hegedus.

In Vancouver, where stress complaints are common, ayurvedic applications of oil with an ultimate goal of reaching a deep state of relaxation are popular. Even skin-care requests, says Hegedus, vary depending on location: "Whistler clients ask for European lines and those in the city for organic products."

Staying well extends to caring about what is put on your skin to avoid allergic reactions and further stress to the body.

"Organic spa is a fairly new term in the industry," says Mary Bemis, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Organic Spa magazine.

To be designated an "organic spa" by the year-old magazine, a spa must be eco-conscious in at least one of three ways," she says. "It uses organic skincare lines; was built in a green or sustainable manner; uses green cleaning products, organic cotton robes and serves organic cuisine."

People are concerned with what goes on their faces and bodies, but that caring extends to packaging, too, says Blackmon. "People want a healthy conscience, too, and spas have to play their part."

Tip: Keep an eye open for "downsized" treatments when comparing prices. Note the time allotted. "Treatments that used to be 60 minutes may be 50 but at the same price," says Hegedus

Source: The Province