Do you select your vacation destination based upon the spa services offered? Have you considered spa activities when planning your vacations? If you enjoy visiting the spa and being pampered, maybe you should! The world is filled with wonderful spas, and you will find that as new and unique treatments are developed, they may prove to be a great reason to venture somewhere new, because of the spa.

My recent vacation to the Dominican Republic was primarily selected simply because Spa Metamorphosis (top notch in the Caribbean) is located on the property of a large resort. More importantly, I was intrigued by the unique treatment offered there: The Chocolate Wrap. Being a chocolate lover from the time I was born, the thought of being covered in it was appealing. It was mysterious - Would it be cacao powder, or a liquid paste painted onto my body with a brush? Is the aroma entoxicating? Will it be warm or cold? The countdown to vacation was really a countdown to the Chocolate Wrap!

At Spa Metamorphosis, I experienced a few of their treatments throughout the week of vacation. Part of my package included a Babor body product, so I took a little of the spa back home with me. FYI, they have the best after-sun care massage. If you suffer from over-exposure, you need to go directly to the spa and get this treatment!

We celebrated my sister's wedding engagement at Club Mudd (a Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona, CA). We baked on lounge chairs in the sun, covered in mudd. We lounged in the Grotto, pasted with sea kelp and aloe vera. The vicchey showers reminded us of the Batcave. The many different pools provided a day of comfort and enjoyment. Spa services were nice, but were not anything special compared to the mudd pit. Again, a unique spa experience has proved to make us happy.

Years ago, in Aruba, our vacation was "saved" by the spa. When I say "our", I need to admit that my back injury was preventing the entire group from having fun. The hotel visit from the local doctor provided only short term remedy to my ailing body. We had appointments at this day spa along the ocean, where your treatments were "open air". Very relaxing, soothing, and calming while your enjoy the papmering of a massage. I was going to cancel, as I could hardly walk. All for one and one for all though, so I kept with the pack and ventured to the day spa. Perhaps a jaccuzi would provide me some relief. To my surprise, they told me that they had the ideal treatment - Ricci. After an hour of Ricci, nobody would have ever guessed that I almost couldn't walk through their door! Amazing! The remainder of vacation was pleasant, and I owe it all to a wonderful day spa on the island of Aruba.

Personally, my choice of spas is largely based upon the fact that they use natural products. Organic is best, however not everyone yet is 100% organic, so natural must suffice. In Plano, Texas (Dallas area) there is a delightful little day spa (Spa*Habitat), that is one of the best Organics Spas that I have seen yet! They have a unique organic foot ritual that is highly recommended.

If you are traveling and spend the night at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in the DFW airport, their spa offers a wine wrap, among many other wonderful pampering options. Starting your adventure at the Grand Hyatt is a smart way to get into the spirit of vacation, and allow you to relax instead of rush to the airport.

I have found that my expectations need to be adjusted when it comes to international spa visits. While the USA offers posh and luxurious settings for the services offered, it is slightly different abroad. The facilities are simple, in most cases. The treatments, however, are of superior quality. There may be less staffing in spas abroad, depending on the season. Many local residents are not "regulars" at the resort spas. If you are planning of a group getting their nails done together, you may want to call ahead and ask if it is possible. My mani-pedi at Spa Metamorphosis was done well, however I missed the comfortable massaging heated spa chair that I relax in at the spa back home, in the USA.

Back to this chocolate wrap. Since informing you about it will not ruin the pleasure, and may even help you plan for it better, I will "spill the beans". First you shower. Then they scrub you over with a fabulous salt scrub. This is not possible if you have a sunburn, so plan accordingly (exfoliation is not compatible with damaged skin). After the salt scrub, you are basted with an aromatic liquid chocolate paste, and wrapped up for a relaxing nap. The next step is another shower - a very messy shower. Once the chocolate is gone, you will enjoy a wonderful massage. I was very pleased with the services, and could now put my mind at peace knowing what the chololate wrap was, and knowing that I had experienced it!