My first spa group trip was more than 10 years ago. Billed as a "girlfriend's getaway" weekend, we went to a high-end hotel that offered a luxurious spa services.

Within a week of advertising, my group quickly grew to more than 20 anxious women, ready to get away in the dead of winter with their confidants for a weekend of massage, manis/pedis, conversation and cocktails over a gourmet dinner. The final day was dedicated to local outlet shopping. Success!

Recently, I returned from my 11th annual spa getaway weekend, and it is more popular than I ever imagined. I now offer three locations to meet different clients' travel and budgetary needs, and my group has more than doubled in size.

No longer billed as a girlfriend's getaway, the group has expanded to include moms and daughters, husbands and wives as well — the spa lifestyle is appealing to virtually everyone. And, with more than 20,000 spas in the U.S. alone, there is one for every personality and budget.

Spas traditionally had a reputation as indulgences for the wealthy who could afford pampering, but that misconception could not be further from the reality. Defined by the International Spa Association (ISPA) as "places devoted to overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit," research indicates that there were 111 million spa visits made in the U.S. in 2006.

While women continue to represent the majority of spa-goers, men now account for approximately 30 percent of visitors, and teenagers are quickly incorporating spa visits into their lives as well.

With thousands of spas offering countless ways to relax and revitalize you in so many different settings, how do you find the spa that's right for you?

Think about what type of experience are you seeking. Stress release, relaxation, weight loss, exercise boot camp, cosmetic enhancement or spiritual healing? The choices (and price points) are extensive, so you need to identify your goals, budget, length of stay and travel distance. In other words, do your research.

With that in mind, let's look at the types of spas and what each offers.

  • Day spa: The most popular spas are day spas where a client can make an appointment and receive professional spa services in their local area for a day or even over a lunch break. Most offer a full range of services from waxing to body wraps and offer convenience and a quick pick-me-up. Day spas are just that places to be pampered for a short period of time or an entire day.
  • Destination spa: Perhaps the greatest growth, however, has been in the area of destination spas. Different from a day spa, these facilities are often centered on guiding individual spa-goers to develop healthy habits by providing a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthful cuisine and special interest programming. Often luxurious and destinations unto themselves, these spas are the ultimate indulgence.
  • Resort and hotel spa: Travelling and looking for some time to yourself? Resort and hotel spas, are generally located on-site and provide professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components as well as spa cuisine menu choices.
  • Cruise spa: Taking a cruise? Cruise spas offer a full range of treatments as well and are often owned and operated by luxury spa companies that have extensive and exotic facilities onboard the ships.
  • Mobile spa: Even if you can’t get away for a day or a few, you can still enjoy a spa experience right in your own home with a mobile spa. They will come to you for one hour or a full day of pampering.

With an increased emphasis on wellness, people are recognizing the health benefits of regular spa visits for treatment of health concerns and as a preventative measure as well. Travelers are often looking to combine vacation with a kick-start to improve their health and certain types of spas cater to those looking for holistic, alternative or medical services.

These include:

  • Ayurvedic spa: a spa in which all treatments and products are natural
  • Medical spa: a facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed healthcare professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complementary and/or alternative therapies and treatments. The facility operates within the scope of practice of its staff, which can include both aesthetic/cosmetic and prevention/wellness procedures and services.
  • Dental spa: a facility under the supervision of a licensed dentist that combines traditional dental treatment with the services of a spa
  • Mineral springs spa: a spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.

Remember, the spa experience is designed to be an enjoyable, worry-free time away from the realities of day-to-day life. Whether it is for an afternoon, a weekend or even an hour, picking the right kind of spa for your goals and budget will only enhance your experience, whether you are a novice or seasoned spa guest.