Spa & Resort Vocabulary 1

Vocabulary exercise for spa and health resort workers — English for treatments, services, and wellness.

Vocabulary in context

The spa industry has developed a vocabulary that does a lot of psychological work — words like holistic, restorative, lymphatic drainage, and chakra balancing don't just describe treatments, they set expectations and create an atmosphere of expertise. Clients who spend significant amounts on spa services want to feel they're in knowledgeable hands, and the language of the therapist and receptionist is a major part of that feeling. But spa vocabulary also has a very practical side: intake forms, health contraindications, aftercare instructions, and the specific terminology of each treatment type all require precise, clear English. This exercise covers both — the language of calm expertise and the language of professional precision.

Ready to practice? Let's go!

Fill in each blank with the correct word. If both words can be used, choose the one that sounds more natural in each situation.

1. We only hire (certificate/licensed) massage therapists.

2. You can have/receive up to 3 treatments (daily/day).

3. I recommend our (hydro/water) therapy treatments.

4. We've got a world- (level/class) fitness center with a weight room and aerobics lessons.

5. That's Tim. He's one of our yoga (instructors/tutors).

6. A (day/daily) spa is a place where one can come for a quick treatment.

7. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing (thing/technique).

8. Acupuncture can be used to treat various types of (ailments/coughs) ( = diseases, etc.)

9. We also offer a two-week treatment (plan/planning), which is designed to lower your blood pressure.

10. These treatments will help you get (rid/red) of ( = eliminate) your back pain.

11. The use of all our (facilities/faculties) ( = sauna, pool, fitness center, etc.) is included in the price.

12. There are licensed health (professionals/pros) available on site. ( = at our spa)

13. My wife underwent a (series/serious) of treatments last year.

14. You might feel a little (dizzy/class) ( = feel like you're going to fall) after that treatment.

15. This treatment will (cleanse/clarify) your skin by removing/exfoliating dead skin cells.

16. This massage is perfect for those who have never had a massage before. In other words, it's a great (beginner/premier) massage.

17. The two main reasons people go to spas are to relieve some kind of (discomfort/comfort), and to promote physical well-being.

18. If something has a strong, pleasant small, you can say that it's (fragrant/smelly).

19. Since you have dry skin, it'll be best to include treatments that will (hydrate/water) it.

20. This brochure (outlines/outlives) ( = describes) the different types of massage that we offer.