The Sanctuary Experience - Spas
THE WORDS “SPA” AND “SANCTUARY” ARE OFTEN USED TOGETHER WHEN TALKING ABOUT A RELAXING AND REJUVENATING EXPERIENCE. INSIDE THIS ARTICLE, WE’LL EXPLAIN THE REAL MEANING AND ORIGIN OF THE WORD SPA (THINK MINERAL SPRING), AND HIGHLIGHT SOME GLAMPTUARYS AROUND THE WORLD WHERE YOU CAN TAKE A SOAK…IN A SPA.
Location - Ushitaki Onsen Shiki Matsuri - Osaka, Japan
One thing I love about writing this blog is that I learn so many things every time I write. The learnings come in the form of new locations I’d like to visit, innovations in sustainability within the tourism category, and something I find especially cool - the origins of words and how they have evolved into how we use them today. ‘Glamping’ evolved from two words - Glamorous and Camping. ‘Sanctuary’ evolved from the latin word Sanctuariam, a container where cherished people were kept. ‘Glamptuary’ came into existence based on a concept I dreamt up as a retirement plan (where I still work all the time, but it doesn’t feel like work).
So far, we’ve been covering the glamping side of Glamptuary by highlighting various glamping structures and the properties that offer them. The experiential side is really the driver though behind the Glamptuary concept, so we felt it was time we dive into what a Glamptuary version of a sanctuary experience is.
So lets take a dip into the spa.
Location - Peninsula Hot Springs - Victoria, Australia
SPA…is actually an acronym. It is derived from the Latin phrase 'Salus per Aquam', meaning 'health from water.’
One of the first written accounts of bathing being used as a curative process was by ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, who was alive over 2000 years ago. Hippocrates proposed that the cause of all ailments was an imbalance of bodily fluids, and advocated that “the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day.”
I can get in line with this type of thinking. The “Hip” just gained some cool points in my book.
Over the years, the word ‘spa’ has evolved to include health and wellness treatments such as massage, yoga, facials, and any activity that results you feeling better. Let your imagination run wild.
For purposes of this blog and for Glamptuary - we’re going to go back to the O.G. and focus on the thermal mineral waters attached to the most beautiful and interesting glamping destinations around the world. Our bucket list continues to grow…
NAYARA TENTED CAMP - Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
DUNTON HOT SPRINGS - Dolores, CO
OJO SANTA FE RESORT - Santa Fe, New Mexico
MYSTIC HOT SPRINGS - Monroe, Utah
MARUIA HOT SPRINGS - Maruia Springs, New Zealand
CHENA HOT SPRINGS - Fairbanks, Alaska
Connecting with nature is synonymous with the Glamptuary experience.
Immersing yourself in a spa is definitely a way to connect, relax, reflect, and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit with natures most bountiful resource - water.
Float on fellow glampers and safe travels everyone!
I truly appreciate your time and if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read - please share with your network.
