The concept of spas goes back centuries, some say to Roman times when the legionnaires would heal their wounds and rejuvenate their bodies by bathing in hot natural spring water. In Europe, healing centres sprang up around mineral springs, attracting the gentry and originating the concept of "taking the waters."

In North America, however, luxury and exclusivity have long defined the spa experience, with a privileged few donning terry robes to enjoy soothing facials, pedicures and manicures, and relaxing massage.

But times are changing. No longer the purview of elite resorts and celebrity enclaves, spas are evolving from luxury retreats to providers of a variety of health and wellness services, describing themselves increasingly with terms such as "healing," "nurturing" and "rejuvenation."

"Wellness is a cornerstone of the Canadian spa industry today," maintains Kathryn Stolle, spokesperson for the B.C.-based Leading Spas of Canada, a national organization providing member services, professional development, education and marketing to spas across the country.

It's a baby-boomer-driven concept, she says. "These are savvy consumers who are looking for something to help them relax, de-stress and keep looking younger, things that are all about wellness and not so much about pampering. The reality is it's all about taking care of yourself; after all this is the only body you have."

From a relative handful of spas a few decades ago - 800 in 1990 - there are now more than 2,300 across the country and Stolle says the number is growing 10 to 15 per cent a year for the last decade. There were 1,182,000 spa visits in 2006 and a growth in industry revenues from 2004 to 2005 of 29 per cent, according to the 2006 Spa Consumer Study undertaken by the Canadian Tourism Commission and the International Spa Association.

In a 2007 survey of 1600 respondents undertaken by Leading Spas of Canada, 25 per cent were aged 45-54 and nine per cent 55-64. Says Stolle, "We are an aging population and that makes our product that much more attractive."

Many spas today advertise "anti-aging" programs touting special skin treatments and fitness workouts to improve mobility and flexibility of aging muscles and joints. And spas are becoming standard offerings at many adult lifestyle and retirement communities. Developments like Thorne Mill on Steeles Retirement Residence in north Toronto and from Origin Retirement Communities in Ontario, B.C. and Alberta are boasting spas designed specifically for the older adult.

Meanwhile, at The Hills Health Ranch at 100 Mile House in British Columbia, the primary focus has been on wellness for two decades.

"Our commitment to health and well-being has been the bigger commitment, more than a focus on pampering and relaxation although that comes with it," says Pat Corbett, who owns and operates the ranch with his wife, Juanita. "We always wanted to reach a little bit deeper."

That focus was driven by personal experience, says Corbett, whose wife was plagued for years by infections of the urinary system. A holistic medical practitioner in California finally identified a deficiency in vitamin A and treated her, with the result that the infections disappeared permanently.

"That was a transforming experience for us," says Corbett, who soon opened his enterprise as a summer guest ranch and a winter ski resort.

The spa, situated in the middle of a 20,000-acre working cattle ranch, complete with horseback riding -- and even horse-whispering demonstrations that are part of the health education, illustrating the negative health impact of bottling up emotions -- offers a slate of wellness programs including weight loss, fitness, hydrotherapy, anti-aging and even caregiver support.

His staff roster includes a general practitioner, orthopedic doctor, nutritionist, kinesiologist, behavioural counsellor and microbiologist in addition to personal trainers.

Treatments designed for older clients at Hills Health Ranch include customized facials based on a homeopathic analysis of each person's skin. There's also a strict focus on diet and Corbett says he's seen many diabetics achieve significant improvement in controlling their blood sugar.

Juanita Corbett has also developed natural oils such as rosehip and chamomile that are processed from local plants gathered from the surrounding hillsides. Rosehip oil, described as a source of vitamin C, bioflavonoids and essential fatty acids, is said to be particularly good for aging skin since research has shown it to be beneficial in promoting tissue regeneration, often used on scars, burns and wrinkles.