The modern spa goes mainstream

Changing direction
Years ago when Ellis worked at the Golden Door Spa, people would ask what you can accomplish in just one week at a spa. Her answer? You can change directions.

"Spas are such a great place for people to make lifestyle changes. They are also excellent places for education, and at times, places of instant change. I have seen so many people quit cigarettes, reduce alcohol, get committed to a better diet, begin an exercise program, drop some emotional baggage which was affecting their health, etc., that I am a true believer in spas being able to change your life."

Medical spas, which have doubled in numbers in the last year, can also bring about profound change. The United States has 471 of them.

"The medical field and the spa field are becoming intertwined — and this is very exciting," Ellis said. "Our Spa Finder studies show several reasons for this trend. Consumers want the expertise of the medical community but they love the spa environment."

Now the medical spa customer can receive Botox treatments, liposuction, acupuncture, biofeedback for chronic pain such as migraines, hormone therapy, bone density scans and treatment for diabetes.

Karen Phillips, spa director at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Fla., agreed that spas can bring enormous medical benefits.

"People with chronic joint pain, arthritis or fibromyalgia may find relief," Phillips said.

Folks who fear the dentist's drill may be pleased to know that dentistry is also becoming intertwined with the spa industry. The Discovery Springs Life Enhancement Center in Madison, Wis., will include The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. Dental patients can settle back in a "dental Zen chair" with special DVD goggles to watch waves breaking on a virtual beach. They will be offered a variety of massage prior to all injections.

At your service
When it comes to state-of-the-art, the spa industry continues to outdo itself. How about mind therapy, for example? In this treatment, guided imagery and mind machines create light and sound therapy with subliminal promptings and alpha and beta waves.

"Many think it retrains the brain and profoundly relaxes — the new version of meditation mixed with hypnotherapy," said The Spa Association's Minton. She is also founder of Spa Secure, an international licensing program that sets the standard for business practices, operations, quality of service, and health and safety for salons, spas, medical spas and wellness centers.

Don't need mind therapy today? The modern spa is still a great place for a good old-fashioned massage. After all, it's usually the first thing a beginning spa customer requests.

Ah, but what kind of massage? North of Los Angeles, the Oaks at Ojai offers powder massage using cornstarch instead of massage oil, Thai massage, Watsu (massage in water), hot river rock massage and acupuncture massage. The Grand Wailea Resort on Maui offers Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage. Pure Kauai, an adventure spa on the island of Kauai, offers Watsu massage in the ocean. The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Penn., boasts a cocoa massage with chocolate-scented oil. Finally, some cutting-edge spas offer massage with two therapists at once. Ten Thousand Waves Japanese health spa in Santa Fe, N.M., calls this treatment, "Four Hands, One Heart."

Go ahead, indulge. The reality of the Modern Spa is better than the dream.

This article was first published on Wine@MSN.com.

Robin Dalmas is a freelance writer, former MSNBC.com travel editor and producer, and a spa connoisseur since 1990.

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