Town now has about 6,000 inhabitants and is especially famous for spas and the production of ceramics.

In the future, look for spas that provide child care, particularly for new mothers who want to get back in shape after having a baby.

Myself and a female friend are on a mission to visit many europen areas specificaly for spas.

It is known for its healing mineral waters and spas.

But the movement is a significant shift for American spas, which started out in the 1940's as fat farms, where people went to shed pounds.

The current bioclimate also makes the area suitable for spas.

Bath set the tone for other spas in Europe to follow.

"Our market is the women of America who don't have money for gyms or spas," she says.

The cuisine was basically diet food dressed up for exclusive spas like the Golden Door.

But it isn't easy for spas to be green.