Think of the spas at the Golden Door, Canyon Ranch, Auberge Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Starwood Hotels, Fairmont Hotels or the Mandarin Oriental.

In bliss-susceptible individuals (such as myself), the mere mention of grand spas (such as these) inspires a swoon of longing for the better-than-heaven delights for which these resorts are rightly famed. 

The legendary spas of Europe --Vichy, Baden-Baden, Epsom, Evian –- are shrines to the curative powers of water. The special properties of the spas' natural springs were believed to cure everything from dropsy to infertility and heal the soul as well.

Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa In his book Taking the Waters Alev Lytle Croutier writes, "Taking the waters was a means of unleashing creative urges for painters, writers and composers. The potent fountains became projections of health, beauty, and prosperity, but more than anything, sex."

The very word "spa" is the acronym from the Roman "Sanitas Per Aquas," meaning health through water. That's why, even today, many say you really can't have a spa without water.

However, "taking the waters," in most modern American spas cannot depend on the near mystical quality of the water itself, as it does in Vichy or Baden-Baden. Most modern spa wet rooms use water straight from the tap. The challenge for the spa developer then becomes how to honor the unspoken promise of healing spa waters some other way.

Once, when asked to explain how taking the waters at a spa worked as a cure, the prominent French physician Deslois-Paoli replied, "There are two principle reasons. One is the effect of the waters themselves; the other is admittedly the psychosomatic effect"

At first glance, his answer seems to fall a bit short in the scientific proof department, but, if you think about it for a minute, the points he makes are important ones that are sometimes overlooked in today's competitive, high tech spa world.

Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa 

As he said, it only takes two ingredients: water and imagination. It's true that the first part, delivering the client into the waters, can be a complicated and costly undertaking for spa developers. You can expect to spend between $20,000 and $30,000 total per room. 

However, no matter how elaborate and costly the plumbing, unless Deslois-Paoli's psychosomatic benefits are taken into account, it will all be time and money down the drain. There are generally two types of tub experiences used in spas today.

The hydrotherapeutic tub that usually includes water jets and a hose for underwater massage, and the couples tub, whose benefits come from setting a sensual, romantic mood.

Stone Forest Stone Tub Hydrotherapeutic tubs are built with high volume use in mind and tend to be utilitarian; the pampering comes from products—such as fango mud or aromatherapy products-- put in the water to compliment the jet massage.Couples tubs need to be romantic fantasies come to life such as the Stone Forest Granite Stone Tub weighing in at 2,500 pounds empty.

There are several variations for showers, but really only two distinct types: Vichy showers that are suspended horizontally over a treatment table and Swiss showers, which include multi-directional showerheads strategically placed in the stall.

Technology has turned these plumbing fixtures into "smart machines." The newest and most popular tub comes with its water jet "treatments" pre-programmed or the jet program can be customized for a spa's "signature" treatments. 

An underwater lighting system is also an option, changing the color of the water to suit the mood. new spin on the treatment is the Vichy Shower with the steam enclosure for a cocoon-like effect.

However, while these machines clearly have impressive I.Q.s, high tech bells and whistles alone can't fulfill the promise of the curative powers of a spa's waters. What I've learned working with our most successful Hydro Spa Consulting clients, is that the best way to approximate the mystical powers of a water cure is to wrap the client in a healing experience involving all of the senses.

Here's how three of those clients use hydrotherapy tubs in combination with products and services to effect "the cure" that keeps clients coming back for more.

 Mandarin Oriental Miami Miami BlissDrawing on "the ancient traditions of Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai cultures," The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami, offers multi-jet, aromatherapy baths in "private suites …overlooking the tranquil water of Biscayne Bay." 

The bath, is a "Bliss" option offered as part of the Mandarin Oriental's signature "Time Ritual," follows product treatments such as "spearmint body polish," "marine mud or fresh algae body envelopments," or "oshadi body wrap."

Hands on at Canyon Ranch

At Canyon Ranch, Tucson, hydrotherapist Kevin Barry doesn't just push a button on the hydrotherapy tub and walk away. He has created a two-hour ritual based on Southwest Native American ritual that includes an underwater massage using the hand hose as well as his hands.

The client is offered a choice of music, and throughout the treatment Barry offers cold compresses and cool beverages to the client. The hydro-massage is followed by a rest in a steam room wrapped in hot towels while Barry offers Native American prayer chants.

 Auberge Resorts, Spa du Soleil Vineyard Views.

Auberge du Soleil takes advantage of one of the five-star hotel's most dramatic asset, its location on a terraced hillside above California's Napa Valley.

The Auberge Spa's signature relaxation treatment features hydrotherapy bathing suites that open up to the outdoors where individuals for couples can indulge in either a mineral or fango mud bath while taking in glorious views of the Valley below.

Their Aqua Massage allows the client to lie back in a warm spring while a massage practitioner works magic to relieve stress and promote well being.

"Taking the waters" will remain a necessary part of the spa experience, but just getting wet is not sufficient unto itself. The mystical healing properties of the famed natural springs spas need to be translated into modern magic, which can be done, as the good doctor suggested, by using a little imagination."

Polly Johnson joined the spa industry in 1994.  Polly is Vice President of the Corporate Accounts Division and has contributed to SpaEquip's success managing many high profile accounts.  Previously, Polly owned an award winning film & media production company in Los Angeles. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Media and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Pepperdine University, California.