Some sources speculate that the word spa may be an acronym derived from the Latin phrase Sanitas Per Aquas, or 'health by or through water'.

Perhaps the fastest growing travel segment in the United States has been the growth of destination spas. The popularity can be attributed to increased interest in how we manage our health, our appearance and stress. We believe that spa retreats will soon become a lifestyle change for many Americans as they peruse the healthy living phenomenon. “Spa” will indicate more than a retreat, but a trend as “spa-wear, spa-cuisine and spa-luggage become a part of daily life choices in the United States.

According to Spa Finder the top 10 spa trends this year are:

Home Spas
People who have discovered spa retreats are recreating some of the amenities in there homes, including hydro-therapeutic showers and tubs. Expect to see spa furnishings and accessories to enhance the spa ambiance in the home.

Spa Communities
Communities built around healthy life choices are likely to spring up around the country. These closed communities will offer residents things like hiking/biking trails, fitness centers, healthy cuisine at the clubhouse, treatment facilities and health and wellness education classes.

Ultra-luxury
In order to differentiate them the luxury end of the market is likely to offer more/better services to their clientele. In some cases better means more exclusive for others in means more indulgent.

Mobile Spas
Can’t get away … now the spa can come to you. Mobile spas, complete with therapists, massage tables, pedicure carts and other equipment can be found in a wide range of venues including airports and shopping malls some enterprising spa providers are even bringing their services to offices. Home spa parties will become an increasingly popular alternative for baby and wedding showers, bachelorette parties, and birthdays.

Personal Goal focus
Travelers will retreat to a spa as a means of changing their environment to help achieve a personal goal. That could mean quitting smoking, grief recovery, achieving mindfulness or spiritual awareness, improving sexual health, or detoxing. Spas are likely to expand education programs and workshops and recruit experts to lead focused seminars and/or retreats.

Spa facilities required
33% of leisure travelers look for access to spa facilities as a primary consideration when making travel plans. Expect on-line booking of spa services available along with rooms, car rentals and side excursions.

Medical Spas
Blending traditional medical expertise with spa luxury and innovation, medical spas are becoming trusted venues for executive physicals, health and wellness programs, cosmetic treatments, dentistry and dermatology.

Day Spas vs. Stay Spas
Day spas will re-focus on massage, facials, and other maintenance/therapeutic mainstays. Some will embrace express, no frills and discount concepts.

Resort spas, meanwhile, will continue to diversify their treatment offerings with indigenous experiences, with Thai massage, Ashtianga and Indian head massage joining Ayurveda, Shiatsu, acupuncture and hot stone massage as popular treatments. On the spa product front, the trends will continue to be high-tech cosmeceuticals and "no-tech" organics.

Spa Cuisine
With Nestle's new Spa Cuisine line leading the way, convenient spa-inspired food will became everyday fare in American homes, work places and perhaps even schools. A growing number of Americans, meanwhile, will look to spa cookbooks, spa cooking classes, and spa chefs (a new celebrity genre) for healthy recipe ideas.

Eco Spas
Visitors will enjoy a serene, 'green' spa experience. These environmentally-friendly destinations believe that personal health begins with global health — a belief that extends to the way they create spa products (all organic ingredients), wash dishes (vinegar instead of soap), light their rooms (solar panels and fluorescent bulbs).

Foodie Spa Treatments
Foodie spa treatments include: chocolate wraps in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to maple sugar scrubs in Manchester, Vermont. The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is actually feeding you as part of two new treatments. The Cherry Jubilee Manicure and Pedicure feature an almond exfoliation, a hydrating massage lightly scented with a cherry and nutmeg fragrance, and finally, a trio of chocolate dipped cherries and a light cherry spritzer, or if you prefer sit back and enjoy a caviar canapé and a glass of bubbly

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