The practice of taking the waters or bathing for a combination of health and leisure purposes is undoubtedly not restricted to Europe but extends globally. Asian traditions of communal bathing in mineral springs and spas are also historic and ongoing. In China, India, Korea and Japan in particular, there is a long history of bathing for relaxation and cleanliness. Including day spas, retreat spas, hot spring spas, mineral springs spas, hotel spas, wellness spas, holistic spas and seaside spas, urban, jungle and many more. 

The diversity of types of spas is almost matched by the array of definitions concerning wellness. The wheel of wellness include emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, physical and vocational wellness components. It is suggested that studies of wellness, and that includes wellness tourism, should be oriented towards explaining the positive components of human existence.

Wellness tourism is a holistic mode of travel that integrates a quest for physical health, beauty or longevity, and/or a heightening of consciousness or spiritual awareness, and a connection with community, nature or the divine mystery. It encompasses a range of tourism experiences in destinations with wellness products, appropriate infrastructures, facilities, and natural and wellness resources