If you’re like the majority of people, a sandy getaway is your ideal retreat. What’s not to love about the beach? It’s warm, there’s plenty to do, and it doesn’t cost anything to go to. A beach vacation offers fun in the sun for the whole family. With the stresses of work and your daily life left at home, all you have to worry about is the sand, surf, and getting in a few good meals. The beach is fun even in the most modest accommodations, but when you factor in a luxury hotel, it only gets better. Make it a beach Spa hotel for the best vacation under the sun.
Vacations become unforgettable at a beach resort. These establishments combine luxury accommodations, serene spas, and natural wonder to become a foolproof destination for your next trip. The beach component of the trip will be the same no matter where you stay, but the amenities offered at a beach resort can’t be beaten. Best of a all, the classic combination of outdoor fun and after-sun spa treatments is most convenient at a spa hotel—where else can you get everything under one roof?
You can find a beach resort at almost all touristy beach destinations and at some lesser-known locales too. Built-up beaches are usually lined with qualifying properties, some of which are mega resorts with multiple buildings. The average beach gateway, however, isn’t a colossal undertaking. Usually, the property will be located at a prime beachfront area; sometimes, a section of the beach will be reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Most beach hotels only take up one building; the spa is typically inside, usually on the ground floor. A restaurant is often included on site as well, and some hotels offer an outdoor tiki bar for beach-going guests to enjoy too.
Not all beach hotels provide the same level of service. One hotel may offer world-class care to guests, but another could only provide basic service. The amount of personal attention you receive at a hotel really corresponds to how much you’re willing to pay. At the priciest—and most exclusive—hotels, you may be provided with a private beach cabana, and a wait staff may be available to serve you outdoors. Less expensive establishments will still provide all the basics with a touch of elegance, but little extras, like beach bar service, might not be provided.
The spa at a beach hotel should provide a full range of treatments, and it will likely include many after-sun services designed for beach vacationers. Treatments will vary depending on the size of the hotel’s spa, but there should be at least a massage, facial, and body treatment service offered. Specialized after-sun treatments may include conditioning services for hair and anti-aging facials. It’s also common for beach hotels to incorporate the beach theme throughout their spa offerings. For example, you might find a bath soaking treatment that uses natural salt water, or it could be that the spa’s body scrubs use purified sand instead of salt.
If the spa component of your trip is important to you, call ahead at your hotel and check to make sure the spa facilities are really what you would expect. The best spas include a fitness area, multiple private treatment rooms, saunas and steam rooms, and space for group classes, like yoga. Many beach hotels offer all of these spa components, but some will be limited in their services. And, unfortunately, some businesses will pose as a spa hotel without having much of a spa at all; they may only provide a pool and a hot tub in their “spa area.” Look online or call each potential resort to find out exactly what its spa entails. If the description provided doesn’t meet your satisfaction, look elsewhere.
Once you find a hotel with a spa that meets your requirements, go ahead and book. You should reserve spa treatments at the same time as your accommodations. Spas can sell out during high seasons at popular destinations, especially if the hotel has a small treatment room to guest room ratio. If you book well in advance, you’ll be sure to get the treatments you want at times that work with your schedule. Go ahead and book as many services as you think you could use. You can always cancel if you change your mind.
The total cost of your trip to a beach spa resort will vary, but it probably be high no matter what you do. A spa trip is inevitably expensive. Spa treatments cost a lot to begin with, and when they’re had a posh vacation-area hotels, the price only gets higher. Expect to pay about $100 per spa treatment at an average spa in a hotel. Accommodation cost is variable, but you will likely pay more than $150 each night of your trip, especially if you stay on the water. Add to that food and travel expenses, and you’ve got yourself a costly getaway. But although the cost is high, the end result is so worth it. Sand, sun, and spa equals fun!
