# spa

/ˈspɑ/ (US) · /spˈɑː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spa
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. health resort

noun · CEFR B1

a place where people go to relax and have health treatments, often using mineral water.

For teachers: a commercial establishment offering health and beauty treatments, typically featuring mineral springs or hydrotherapy facilities.

- We spent the whole weekend at a luxury spa in the mountains to relax.
- The historic town evolved into a premier spa destination during the nineteenth century, attracting visitors who sought the purported healing properties of its thermal springs.

### 2. hot tub

noun · CEFR B1

a large tub of hot water with bubbles that people sit in to relax.

For teachers: a large tub or small pool full of heated, aerated water used for relaxation or physical therapy.

- The hotel suite has a private spa on the balcony overlooking the ocean.
- The backyard renovation included a heated swimming pool with an integrated spa that could be controlled via a smartphone app.

Teaching tip: In American English, 'spa' is frequently used as a synonym for a built-in hot tub, whereas 'hot tub' often refers to a portable wooden or plastic unit.

## Examples

- She spent the whole afternoon relaxing at the spa.
- After a stressful week at work, he booked a massage and a facial at the local luxury spa.
- The hotel's reputation rests largely on its world-class spa, which utilizes natural thermal springs to provide therapeutic treatments for guests seeking physical and mental rejuvenation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.