also: スパー
spa (mineral spring)
Refers specifically to a natural hot spring or mineral spring, often used in travel or resort contexts.
There are many natural spas in this area.
spa (beauty/relaxation facility); health spa
Refers to a commercial establishment offering beauty treatments, massages, weight loss programs, etc., not necessarily a natural spring.
I got a massage at a spa on the weekend.
We went to a spa at a hot spring resort over the weekend.
I got a massage at the hotel spa.
At the end of the trip, I relaxed at the spa.
銭湯 is a simple public bathhouse for washing and soaking, while スパ (in its facility sense) typically adds beauty and wellness treatments like massages.
Most common katakana spelling for 'spa'.
Alternate katakana spelling with long vowel, less common but still used.
Borrowed from English 'spa', originally from the Belgian town Spa known for its mineral springs.