Sulfur baths in the ancient district of Tbilisi Abanotubani
Most women—and a surprising number of men—would agree that few things in life are as pleasurable as a restorative hour or two spent at a spa. But the concept of a spa has changed radically since the time of the great public baths of Greece and Rome.
It was the ancient cultures of the Mediterrean that popularized the concept of bathing for good health and mental uplift, creating elaborate bathhouses where politicians, citizens, and soldiers could get clean, have a massage, take steam, and gossip. The earliest true spas were created at locations with hot or cold springs, where people traveled to “take the waters,” either by bathing in pools filled with mineral water to ease body aches or drinking the water as a tonic for the heart, lungs, gut, bowels, liver, reproductive organs, and kidneys. During the sixteenth century, the concept of bathing for improved health was revived in the English city of Bath, home to a famous hot spring and the remains of a Roman public bath. Around the same time a new location for drinking mineral water was created at a well in Yorkshire, a destination that became known as Harrogate.
Sulfur baths in the ancient district of Tbilisi Abanotubani
Spas throughout Europe continued to cater to the wealthy and focus on the acts of bathing in and drinking the healing waters—although suitably ornate buildings were constructed to house these activities, and many amusing distractions such as gambling, horse races, and dances were offered. In the beginning of the twentieth century, strict diets and regimented exercise programs were added to the agenda at many spas. The emphasis shifted slightly from relaxing and taking the therapeutic waters to restoring the health—and waistlines—of overindulgent clients.
In America, the settlers learned the benefits of hot or mineral springs from Native Americans. The first commercial spa in the United States was at Saratoga Springs, New York, a city that hosted presidents, politicians, and the cream of society. Beauty or health spas became destinations for celebrities in the 1940s, when Hollywood stars and members of high society began flocking to these oases, where they could rest and refresh while enjoying first-class amenities and exploring many health treatments. These included mud baths, indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, saunas, several types of massage, electrolysis, juice or health bars, and weight rooms. Some celebrities visited spas to recuperate after plastic surgery; others rested up after detox programs. But most simply went to enjoy the feeling of being pampered in style while improving their health and their looks.
Today’s modern spas are no longer based at mineral springs, but are more likely to be found in a mini-mall. They have, however, kept many of the principles of those early versions—treat patrons well and offer them a respite from the stresses of daily life. But they have also added more wellness treatments, though there are probably just as many beauty options. Modern menus may include manicures, pedicures, body waxing, bikini waxing, eyebrow waxing or stringing, massage, mud baths, whirlpools, seaweed wraps, facials, and weight-loss regimens. Some spas offer more new age choices, such as yoga, meditation, reflexology, acupuncture, hot stone massage, crystal therapy, and even sensory deprivation tanks, where you can float in meditative bliss for an hour or so.
A bathhouse, c. 1475–1485
Yet even at the most exclusive spas, many of the creams, lotions, and other skin-care treatments are commercial products that contain additives such as formaldehyde, coal tar, boric acid, phthalates, mercury, and sulfates, and preservatives such as parabens. You can replicate the spa experience right in your own home, but be sure to opt for nature-based treatments you prepare yourself from pantry items and essential oils.
HEALING WATERS:
Some historians believe the term “spa” comes from the Belgian town of Spa, which was lauded since Roman times for its healing mineral springs and at that time became known as Aquae Spadane. Others believe the name derives from the Latin phrase salus per aquae, or “health from water.”