Garden spa
Encyclopedia
A garden spa is a type of spa
that is located outdoors.
Outdoor bathing has a longer history than indoor bathing, and private outdoor open space is known to have been used for bathing since ancient times. Stepwell
s were used for this purpose in Ancient India. Gymnasiums
in Ancient Greece contained bathing pools. The Romans introduced the practice of bathing in hot water. Where possible, they used mineral springs with naturally hot water. Where this was not available, they used artificial heating systems, as at the Baths of Caracalla
. This idea spread throughout the Roman Empire. It influenced the making of hot baths in the Islamic world and in northern Europe — including the baths in the Belgian town of Spa
which has given its name to this type of facility. The garden spa in hotels, when including hydrotherapy
, can be seen as the modern equivalent of the ancient outdoor bathing facility.
Perhaps the most influential countries for contemporary study of the garden spa are Japan and Thailand. In Japan Onsen
, the practice of using hot volcanic springs for therapeutic purposes, has existed for many centuries. Even to this day rural Ryokan (Japanese inn) often include a contemplative natural setting or Zen garden. In Thailand the rapid growth of the spa industry is seeing the development of new spa models, including the garden spa, as practices from Thai Traditional Medicine evolve beyond the monasteries into wellness resorts and day spas for people to relax and recuperate from daily stresses.
Spa
The term spa is associated with water treatment which is also known as balneotherapy. Spa towns or spa resorts typically offer various health treatments. The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. Such practices have been popular worldwide, but are...
that is located outdoors.
Outdoor bathing has a longer history than indoor bathing, and private outdoor open space is known to have been used for bathing since ancient times. Stepwell
Stepwell
Stepwells, also called bawdi or baoli , or vaav are wells or ponds in which the water can be reached by descending a set of steps. They may be covered and protected, and are often of architectural significance...
s were used for this purpose in Ancient India. Gymnasiums
Gymnasium (ancient Greece)
The gymnasium in ancient Greece functioned as a training facility for competitors in public games. It was also a place for socializing and engaging in intellectual pursuits. The name comes from the Ancient Greek term gymnós meaning "naked". Athletes competed in the nude, a practice said to...
in Ancient Greece contained bathing pools. The Romans introduced the practice of bathing in hot water. Where possible, they used mineral springs with naturally hot water. Where this was not available, they used artificial heating systems, as at the Baths of Caracalla
Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla in Rome, Italy were Roman public baths, or thermae, built in Rome between AD 212 and 216, during the reign of the Emperor Caracalla.- History :...
. This idea spread throughout the Roman Empire. It influenced the making of hot baths in the Islamic world and in northern Europe — including the baths in the Belgian town of Spa
Spa, Belgium
Spa is a municipality of Belgium. It lies in the country's Walloon Region and Province of Liège. It is situated in a valley in the Ardennes mountain chain, some southeast of Liège, and southwest of Aachen. As of 1 January 2006, Spa had a total population of 10,543...
which has given its name to this type of facility. The garden spa in hotels, when including hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy, involves the use of water for pain-relief and treating illness. The term hydrotherapy itself is synonymous with the term water cure as it was originally marketed by practitioners and promoters in the 19th century...
, can be seen as the modern equivalent of the ancient outdoor bathing facility.
Perhaps the most influential countries for contemporary study of the garden spa are Japan and Thailand. In Japan Onsen
Onsen
An is a term for hot springs in the Japanese language, though the term is often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsen scattered along its length and breadth...
, the practice of using hot volcanic springs for therapeutic purposes, has existed for many centuries. Even to this day rural Ryokan (Japanese inn) often include a contemplative natural setting or Zen garden. In Thailand the rapid growth of the spa industry is seeing the development of new spa models, including the garden spa, as practices from Thai Traditional Medicine evolve beyond the monasteries into wellness resorts and day spas for people to relax and recuperate from daily stresses.
