The popularity of spas in Sweden is increasing day by day, as many find that they need some extra pampering to balance their hectic lifestyles. Today a Swedish spa experience can offer more than just the treatments enjoyed: you can go to a spa in the far north under the midnight sun, unwind at a spa nestled in the magical landscape of Gotland or visit a spa in the heart of a bustling Swedish city.

The beautiful natural scenery along with the various treatments available at the spas provide the conditions for recreation in all senses of the word. Swedish massage is the classic Western massage style, using massage oil and long flowing strokes. It is also the basis for many speciality styles of massage, such as deep tissue, sports, pregnancy and medical.

Thai spas are the traditional Thai way of preserving health, curing ailments, refreshing the body, promoting the balance of a healthy body and soul by utilising plants and herbs with the use of water. Just a decade ago, only a handful of people knew exactly what a "spa" was, and even fewer had enjoyed first-hand experience. Over time a hybrid cross-cult spa formula with a distinctive Thai touch emerged.

Many Thai spas are developing their own lines of products that capture the exotic qualities of Thai herbs. Thailand has been on the cutting edge of this trend. With its tradition of natural healing arts such as ancient Thai massage, natural springs, an abundance of medicinal flora, Thailand is ready to accommodate the demand and literally hundreds of spas have sprung up over the past few years.

Healthful steam baths (hamam) have been popular in Turkey for thousands of years, many of them surviving from Hellenic and Roman times. A Turkish steam bath is pure bliss. The delightful warmth of the steam opens up the skin pores, purifies the skin and stimulates blood circulation. Steam is relieving for the lungs. A steam bath generally takes about 20 minutes. A shower is taken afterwards for the all-important cooling-down.

When you travel to Turkey, you should experience a Turkish bath. Every Turkish town still has at least one hamam, and cities have many. Most are simple and functional, but the historic hamams especially those built by the sultans to serve their imperial mosques-are beautiful works of Ottoman architecture made of fine marble with rich decoration.