Available for retail in spas and as an interesting read in spa receptions, waiting rooms and libraries is Getting Great Spa: On the Road to Wellness.

Written by Kathryn Stolle, owner of consultancy Total Spa Concepts, the 268-page book begins with a definition of spa and its different categories such as 'day' and 'stay' spas. From there on it's into the nitty gritty of what's involved in a visit to a spa, starting with how to choose the right destination and getting the most out of your time there.

This is followed by in-depth chapters on topics such as massage, skincare, facials, sunscreens, wellness, hydrotherapy, nails, hair and nutrition, plus a section defining and explaining medical spas. Finally, there are chapters on how the spa industry as we know it today really began, with biogs on industry icons Deborah Szekely and Sheila Cluff.