The number of spa visitors has increased 16 percent over last year with an average of 33,000 annual visits per spa. And the message is spreading. Thirty-nine percent of spa visitors are first-time guests. Many guests are "testing the waters" for the first time, while savvy spa goers are branching out to sample greater numbers and various types of spas.

Types of spas? Don't all spas offer the same things? Far from it! The International SPA Association has categorized spas into seven types to assist spa goers in choosing the best spa experience for them.

Club Spa - a facility whose primary purpose is fitness and which offers a variety of professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis.

Cruise Ship Spa
A spa aboard a cruise ship providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.

Day Spa
A spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis.

Destination Spa
A spa whose sole purpose is to provide guests with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally administered spa services, physical fitness, educational programming and on-site accommodations. Spa cuisine is served exclusively.

Medical Spa
Individuals, solo practices, groups and institutions comprised of medical and spa professionals whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment which integrates spa services, as well as conventional and complimentary therapies and treatments.

Mineral Springs Spa
A spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.

Resort/Hotel Spa
A spa owned by and located within a resort or hotel providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.

For additional assistance in choosing your perfect spa experience, check out www.experienceispa.com. ISPA is recognized worldwide as the professional organization and voice of the spa industry, representing more than 1,200 health and wellness facilities and providers. Members encompass the entire arena of the spa experience, from resort/hotel, destination, mineral springs, medical, cruise ship, club and day spas to service providers such as physicians, wellness instructors, nutritionists, massage therapists and product suppliers.