Tips to make your spa experience memorable

Are you a first-timer to a spa? Then, it is quite natural that you wish to treasure your first-time spa experience throughout your life. Maybe you are a bit confused and eager to know about the etiquettes and customs that you need to maintain while visiting a spa? So here are some tips to make your first spa visit a perfect one:

Few things you should consider before visiting a spa

Prior booking: Try to book for your spa treatment in advance by phone or online booking, which will minimize your waiting time. There are many hotel and resorts where spa appointments are made at the time of check-in. 

Be punctual: Though you are visiting a spa for relaxation, but do not get relaxed with your time schedule. Try to maintain your appointment timing – otherwise, you will lose, since spas often cannot push appointment back more than 10 minutes. Visiting the spas, a little early of your scheduled time can really be rewarding, since most of the spas are admired with serene relaxation lounges and hydrotherapy facilities, which will act as a prologue to absorb you in the pristine spa mindset before your service.

Male or female therapist: This is entirely based on your personal preference, since most of the spas put effort to arrange according to the guest wishes in this regard. However, during the rush hour you may need to compromise with your preference and remember that if you prefer a particular therapist, someone else can also prefer that individual.

Cancellation policies: Get aware of the cancellation policies of your spa in detail and consider them if you are changing your appointment plans. Short-notice cancellation may incur a charge.

Medical information: Mention your medical problems at the time of booking only, for certain spa treatments may not be suitable for you. Also, tell the therapist if you are wearing contact lenses before a facial.

Shaving: Shave at least two hours before your treatment to avoid any irritation.

Sips and bites: Avoid eating at least one hour before your treatment and abstain from alcohol on the day of the treatment. Have plenty of water before and after your treatment.

Things not to carry: It is always better to leave your valuables and jewelry at home for safety purpose, though many spas provide locker facilities. Avoid carrying perfumes in spas for others may be allergic to it. Do not bring phones or pagers in spas or turn them off before entering the spa. Leave pets at home, unless the spa is tagged as “pet friendly.” Remember, smoking is not allowed in spas.

Kids: Check whether the spa you are visiting is “kid friendly” or not. If no, then leave your child back at home, especially if they are not above 16.

While you are in the spa

Get accustomed: Reach the spa and request a tour of it to get accustomed with the ambience and then get introduced with the spa amenities, such as saunas, steam rooms and relaxation rooms.

Communicate with the therapists: You are free to customize all aspects of treatments according to your own choice in the spa. So, let your therapist know of your preferences about music selection, room temperature, pressure of your massage and any other related aspect, to get the utmost satisfaction.

Mind your manners: Maintain a low volume during conversation in the relaxation room and elsewhere. Moreover, remember to switch off your phone.

To deal with most embarrassing aspect: Nudity is probably that very aspect of visiting spa, which makes the guests uncomfortable. They feel uneasy to bare it all to someone unknown. However, most spas maintain the courtesy to provide you the space to disrobe and to shift under the sheet on the massage table, with no one peeping inside the room. Moreover, if you do not feel to undress completely, you can always wear under garments.

The common sharing: It is a good manner to take shower before plunging into a swimming pool or any other shared facilities. Wear the towel and plastic shoes provided by the spa while enjoying the sauna or steam. Women should avoid shaving their legs in the steam room.

After it is over

It is usual practice to leave 15 to 20 percent as tip, preferably in cash at the reception desk, which will have gratuity envelopes. If more than one therapist has treated you, leave a separate tip for each one.

Unwind yourself in the spa facilities and enjoy the effect long after you leave the spa.

By: Lelei LeLaulu