Ontario Spa Getaways: Stress relief during tough times!!

The first of its kind Global Consumer Study on spa behaviour (released in February) indicates that stress is the number one reason for visiting a spa. The study was conducted by Research International in conjunction with the International Spa Association.

Photo: St. Anne's Spa Northeast of Toronto

The study compared consumer trends in 15 countries including Canada. The study claims to be the most thorough and up-to-date information on why people spa. “And hands down, in every single country, the number one reason people go to a spa is to relax and relieve or reduce stress.”

Visitors travelling north of Toronto can be assured that the level of stress reductions starts the moment you drive into the many rural and lakeside settings in the resort destinations in the many towns, villages, and communities in Ontario’s rural heartland.

Ontario Travel North of Toronto identifies a number of Ontario Spas, as well as more than 30 spa packages for day visits or a mini holiday combined with overnight accommodation. Girls spa weekends have become popular for girlfriends getaways where spa treatments create a level of bonding and friendship renewal in a relaxed atmosphere of more pristine environment away from city life and day-to-day tasks. Many of the spa locations operate on a year round basis offering spa treatments by spa professionals in a soothing lake side setting
"We've known stress relief was the primary reason why Americans (Canadians)visited spas. Now, with the ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study we know stress is the number one reason people visit spas worldwide," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "Stress affects more than just our lives at work and at home, it affects our health. So take time to de-stress, by getting a massage; it could end up saving your health down the road."

Other key findings from the ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study include:

• Worldwide, massage is the most popular treatment.
• In North American & Europe, roughly 50% of spa-goers used a gift card.
• The top motivators for visiting a spa are recommendations from family, friends or health care practitioners, and price incentives.

The ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study is available at www.experienceispa.com.

About ISPA
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

About Ontario Travel North of Toronto
The Ontario Travel North of Toronto website specifically identifies rural resorts and resort destinations, inns, hotels, lodges, and accommodation properties providing access to Ontario’s outdoor environment for leisure time activities including adventure travel, family travel, romantic getaways, and spa getaways, winter outdoor sports, eco friendly travel, summer beach destinations and year round vacation opportunities