Before you pack anything, make sure you leave your baggage behind. In other words, don’t bring your work with you. If you have a Smartphone or PDA, turn your email off. The best gift you can give yourself is a break. As you choose what to pack, keep in mind that this is your time to get away from the stressors in your life. The goal is to take a deep, cleansing breath before diving back in when you return.
Fashion can wait. You may have a whole closet full of designer clothes, but as tempting as it may be to take them with you, they aren’t necessary. Comfort is the key. You want your focus to be on relaxation, inner peace and health, not your wardrobe. Bring loose comfortable pants in fabrics, like organic cotton, that can breathe. You’ll need clothes for lounging around and for any activities you plan on engaging in. Some health spas offer classes in yoga, tai-chi and kick-boxing, or they may offer solitary ventures such as hiking. You’ll also need to accommodate for the climate of your getaway. If you plan on outdoor activity, keep in mind that synthetic materials do a better job of wicking sweat away from your body, so leave the cotton for relaxing.
Most spas will decorate your room with lush candles and like fare, but if you are going to a smaller, less posh getaway, bring your own. Scents such as lavender, chamomile, vanilla and verbena are conducive to relaxation and meditation. Stay away from fruit or heavily spice-scented candles as they may be more likely to give you a headache.
Where you go on your weekend health spa getaway is up to you and the distance you are willing to travel. There are myriad options that come with many unique offerings. Do your research before you book your trip. It is easy to handle all of your affairs online, but if you call to reserve your room, you’ll get a better feel for how they treat their customers. Ask questions and request any accommodations, such as hypoallergenic sheets, so they’ll be taken care of before you arrive.
Pick your destination based on your needs. If you want this weekend to be wholly about nutritional rejuvenation, go somewhere that caters all of its facility to doing just that. Some health spas are set within conference centers and regular resorts, which may mean the room service, restaurants and gift shops won’t have the same considerations as the spa itself. On the other hand, if you have no interest in nutrition and just need a little peace and pampering, choose somewhere that focuses more on spa services and overall environment.
