ABSTRACT
The global spa industry is a melting pot for a range of products and services that enhance health and well-being. As such, it combines features from regions around the globe, including American commercialism with its emphasis on beauty, pampering and destination experiences; Asian service ethics, holistic therapies and spiritual practices; European medical traditions and clinical acumen; and the indigenous knowledge and environmental consciousness of various tribal cultures. The convergence of these influences has seen spas being taken up by the international hospitality industry, fuelled by the merging of the travel dollar with the health dollar. Thus, spas are now springing up all over the world and have become a standard feature of luxury hotels and resorts.
