Originally, a spa was a place with curative waters, such as mineral and thermal waters. Taking these baths was part of caring for one's health and one's body in various cultures over the course of centuries. We find many examples in history: from the Egyptian purification rituals to the Roman baths to the pre-Columbian steam baths, or temazcalli. Today we can say that the concept of the spa has been not just retained, but extended and expanded with the addition of other therapies that also contribute to our well-being and a healthy lifestyle. The spa is more popular now than ever, and the trend continues as it becomes more affordable.

Originally, a spa was a place with curative waters, such as mineral and thermal waters. Taking these baths was part of caring for one's health and one's body in various cultures over the course of centuries. We find many examples in history: from the Egyptian purification rituals to the Roman baths to the pre-Columbian steam baths, or temazcalli. Today we can say that the concept of the spa has been not just retained, but extended and expanded with the addition of other therapies that also contribute to our well-being and a healthy lifestyle. The spa is more popular now than ever, and the trend continues as it becomes more affordable. The opportunity to enjoy spa therapies on a regular basis is within the reach of many more people, and the ability to have a spa in one's own home is now a reality. Increasing numbers of people are considering the possibility of a home spa, expanding the swimming pool and terrace areas or including hydromassage baths and showers in their bathrooms.

Water has many applications: therapies for rheumatism and rehabilitation, weight loss, fitness, and just relaxing after a long day at work. Thanks to technological advances and new materials, we now have more comfortable saunas, bathrooms, and spas with many more features. The new materials (porcelains and resins) have supplemented the traditional materials, such as wood, marble, and ceramics, so we can create spaces that are functional and have character. Traditionally, the indispensable elements of a spa have been saunas, steam baths, and Jacuzzis, although a hydromassage column in the shower can produce the same effect of being either relaxing or invigorating. In the spa culture, it's not just the technology of bathtubs and showers that plays an important role. It is also essential to create an appropriate, harmonious setting in which to enjoy a relaxing session. Either in the bathroom or in other rooms designed especially for this purpose, the setting should help us leave our worries behind and eliminate stress. The rooms must be relaxing; the d6cor and the materials must be conducive to rest and meditation. The spa in our home should be a true paradise of peace and tranquility.

 6  Introduction

14  A Spa in Darmstadt Darmstadt, Germany

22  A House in Aobadai Tokyo, Japan

28  Windmill House Maimo, Sweden

32  A Residence in KLisnacht Kusnacht, Switzerland

38  Las Encinas Madrid, Spain

42  Villa Ojersjo Gothenburg, Sweden

48  A Duplex in Battery Park New YorkCity, United States

54  At the End of the Day Madrid, Spain

60   T Residence New York City, United States

64  Breuer-Lundberg Getaway Sonoma, California, United States

68  BR House Araras, Brazil

74  An Apartment in Stockholm Stockholm, Sweden

78  Villa -I- Oropesadel iar, Castellon, Spain

84  A Residence on Old Branchville Road Ridgefield, Connecticut, United States

88  Ofuro Barcelona, Spain

92  Levallois Pool lle-Frace, Frsnce

98  A Penthouse in Valencia Valencia, Spain

102  A House on Monte Tauro Mexico City, Mexico

106  Slefringe Residence Ostergotland, Sweden

112  A Villa in Gordes Gordes, France

116   Hilltop Residence Pasadena, California, United States

120  Espacio Wellness Barcelona, Spain

126  A House in Bologna Bologna, Italy

130  Samadhi Bad Spa Graz, Austria

134  A Pool in Carefree Csrefree, Arizona, United States

138  Machiya House To.yo, Japan

142  A Gymnasium in Milan Milan, Italy

146  A Spa on Central Park New York City, United States

152  An Apartment on Grosvenor Street London, United Kingdom

156   Case Lloreda Lee Franqueses del Valles, Barcelona, Spain

160  A Spa in Beverly Hills Beverly Hills, California, United States

164   Emerson Sauna Duluth, Minnesota, United States

170  Accessories

172  Showers and Cabins

180  Hydromassage Baths

188  Directory