The word "Spa" originated from a town in Belgium where it was discovered that the mineral springs there had healing, therapeutic effects on the body. Today, we have adapted the word not just for a place that has mineral waters, but also where one can receive hands-on therapies.

As the pace of modern-day living seems to get faster with each day, we increasingly feel the need to relax, unwind and replenish our weary bodies and stressed minds. What better way to do so than to release ourselves into the caring hands of a trained therapist in a calm, tranquil environment. Hence, the popularity and demand for spas and the services they offer continue to grow.

For many people their first visit to a spa is often seen as a special treat - a birthday gift from a friend perhaps? However, after their first experience they mostly leave with the realisation that this place of tranquility and revitalisation is a necessary part of their future.

Looking at a "spa menu" can often be overwhelming as there are often many options from which to choose. Most spas will be more than willing to explain the benefits of each therapy. At Fern Tree we offer a unique consultation service to assist guests in finding the therapies best suited for their personal needs; and will even customise a treatment programme for a client's particular case.
Today, I would like to explain a few of the treatments that spas offer to help you determine what you may enjoy the most from your spa experience, especially if it is your first.

Massage
The word massage comes from the Greek root "Masso" which means to touch. A massage is the number one most popular treatment that a spa has to offer. We all know how good it feels when someone rubs your tired feet or aching back at the end of day. There are many types of massages to choose from. For those of us who are first-time spa-goers or who have never received a massage before my recommendation would be a Swedish massage. After 50-60 minutes you will find that you have had an amazingly relaxing experience that has eased stress and tension, increased your flexibility and relieved aching muscles.

Facials
The second most popular spa service is a facial. Facials promote clean, healthy skin through deep cleansing and the use of specific products to address your individual skin needs. Regular facials will help keep your skin in good shape. Your aesthetician is trained to give you advice on how best to maintain a healthy glow at home.

Reflexology
Many of us may have heard of reflexology but are unaware of what it is and its healing benefits. Reflexology is a pressure point massage that is performed on the feet, hands or ears. Reflexologists believe that our entire body can be stimulated by pressure to reflex points that have an energy connection to all areas of our body. The therapeutic benefits of this natural health therapy are both numerous and varied as it enables the practitioner to stimulate a healing reaction in the body. Each part of the body is mirrored, so the therapist knows where best to concentrate your reflexology session should you happen to be suffering with sinusitis, hormonal problems or a pain in your knee. A visit to a reflexologist can often leave you more relaxed than a body massage.

Body Treatments
In this category we will talk about body exfoliations and body wraps. It is just as important to deep cleanse, hydrate and stimulate the skin on your/the body as it is to receive a facial. Having a professional spa therapist exfoliate dead skin cells will leave you feeling fresh and clean. There are many ingredients that the spa uses to exfoliate; the most popular ones locally are sea salt, sugar and cornmeal. Your spa receptionist or therapist can best advise you which preparation scrub is best suited for your skin.

Body wraps are stand-alone treatments but are an excellent way to follow an exfoliation, as it provides several benefits. The most popular are those that contain detoxification properties and those that are rich in hydration. Many spas offer a combination of both an exfoliation of a scrub and wrap. This is an excellent way to begin your first visit to a spa.

Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is another word you may encounter on a spa menu. Hydrotherapy is performed in a large tub which has jets on the bottom and sides that stimulate lymphatic drainage. There is also a wand through which water flows that your therapist will use to perform an underwater massage. At Fern Tree, one of our most popular services is our "Jamaican Bush Bath". We assemble the ingredients, freshly picked, and steep them in boiling water. Both the infused water and the freshly picked ingredients are then added to the tub for a cleansing, healing experience.

Each spa has its own unique treatments, so please explore what your spa of choice has to offer. Hopefully the experience will bring you a little closer to deciding what you might enjoy most when you decide to go. I guarantee, You will leave feeling like a new person!

Stella Gray is the Spa Elder at Fern Tree, the Spa at Half Moon, with over 35 years in the spa industry. She can be reached at ferntree@halfmoon.com

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