Both are terms that sound like relaxation, wellness and disconnection, perhaps that is why they tend to be related. But no, we cannot use the words health resort and spa indistinctly, because they do not mean the same thing.
Although both suggest experiences based on hydrotherapy and promise to provide us with multiple benefits thanks to the action of water, there is an important difference between health resort and spa which, moreover, can be decisive if you are hesitating between choosing one or the other.
Do you want to know which one it is? We explain it to you in detail in this post!
What is a health resort?
When asked what a health resort is, we can answer the question with the help of the Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences (RAE). According to the Royal Academy, it is a ‘building with medicinal baths and in which accommodation is usually provided’.
Medicinal baths? Yes, you read that right. A health resort is an establishment that has a specific type of water considered to be mineral-medicinal, that is to say, water that has been declared by experts to be of Public Utility for the application of hydrotherapy treatments.
Basically, they are underground waters that contain a specific mineral composition (calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron…) in concentrations that can be beneficial for our health. To be classified as such, they must pass controls and studies that guarantee their specific therapeutic properties.
And where do these waters come from? From our springs! Moreover, the origin of this type of spring is very, very ancient. In fact, the Greeks and Romans were the first to recognise the excellent properties of their waters, which we can now enjoy in health resorts.
The Roman thermal baths, the Arab baths… there are many examples we can go back to that explain perfectly what a health resort is today.
What is a spa?
But what is a spa? Let’s take another look at the dictionary par excellence to explain it better. A spa is an ‘establishment that offers treatments, therapies or relaxation systems, using running, non-medicinal water as the main base’.
Etymologically speaking, the word ‘spa’ is an acronym of the Latin phrase ‘Salus Per Aquam’, which means health through water. However, the waters of what we know today as a spa are not curative per se, unlike the thermal waters of spas.
Although, like a spa, a spa uses hydrotherapy as a means of beauty and relaxation treatments, in this case the water in its facilities is simply drinking water, with no medicinal properties whatsoever.
Spas are usually located in cities, in order to give us the opportunity to put aside our daily problems and escape for a few hours in an experience that is generally more ephemeral than that of a spa.
Main differences between a health resort and a spa
If you’ve got this far, you’ve probably already figured out what the main difference between a health resort and a spa is. It has to do with water, but it’s not the only one!
Basically, we can talk about three main differences:
- The type of water. As we said, the properties of the water in a health resort are worthy of note. While in a health resorts the water lacks qualities, in health resorts it comes from its own spring and its composition is a guarantee of benefits for our health. In fact, there is official recognition that endorses it.
- The location. As it depends on a spring, the health resort must be located close to its flow, which is normally an environment far from the hustle and bustle, in the middle of nature. spas, on the other hand, tend to be found more in city centres.
- The staff of the establishment. By obligation, a health resort must have a medical area and, therefore, qualified health personnel specialised in mineral-medicinal waters. Thus, unlike what happens in a spa, all treatments in a health resort are carried out under medical supervision.
How do I know what is best for me?
As you can see, the differences between a spa and a spa are notable. On the one hand, spas have a place in both medical and wellness tourism; but spas are more in the latter line, leaving out any medical approach.
So, spa or wellness? Which experience is better to choose? It depends, although it is clear that the spa is a much more complete option, and especially convenient if you suffer from a health problem or if you want to prevent it. And, above all, if you want to improve your quality of life.
If you have any doubts about which spa to choose, don’t think twice: choose the Balneario de Fitero, one of the oldest spas in Spain and one of the most highly valued for the therapeutic qualities of its waters.
These hyperthermal waters are full of beneficial minerals: chloride, sulphate, sodium, calcium, chlorine, radon… And the best thing is that they are located in a wonderful rural setting. That of the town of Fitero, in the region of Navarre. Added to this is the extensive experience of our medical staff, specialists in Medical Hydrology.
From circuits to hydrothermal treatments, complementary techniques and stays to disconnect 100%… you can complete your experience as you wish, and as you need! Take a look at our website and discover all our packages and offers.
Are you looking to get back into the flow? In that case, don’t think twice. Make your reservation at Balneario de Fitero, we are waiting for you!
