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Are you planning on spending a day at the spa? If so, you’re going to want to read all the advice and tips we have below to make sure you have a wonderful experience. Choosing the right day spa doesn’t need to be difficult – even if you want somewhere to relax and maybe take a nap while you wait for your massage appointment.

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Tips to ensure an enjoyable day spa experience

Here’s a few things you can do to make sure you don’t spend too much money and that you receive everything you need to be able to relax and rejuvenate while making yourself look great at the same time.

  • Call and confirm so that there will be no nasty shocks or surprises or when you learn the actual prices upon completion of treatment. Once satisfied, you should make an appointment that suits your schedule
  • Ask for recommendations from friends, and find out which are the best day spas that offer the most satisfying experience and service, NOT the cheapest.
  • Reputation counts. You want to make sure you go with a spa that has a good reputation for being clean. Reading reviews online may give you a good idea of what a place is going to be like, but you may want to visit for yourself.
  • Is it legit? Check to see if the day spa is a registered one with legit license. These are necessary to do business and if a place doesn’t have them, you may want to keep searching until you find a better day spa.

Spa etiquette

What to do?

  • Arrive on time – even better, make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time so that you need not rush when dealing with paperwork.
  • Turn off cell phones – there’s nothing more annoying than the incessant sound of ringing cell phones disturbing your peace and relaxation.
  • Shower – physical hygiene is important, even before a spa session. It also helps avoid chlorinated water from being massaged into your skin after enjoying a hot tub or pool session.
  • Tip the therapist or masseuse: It is the norm to tip 15-20% of the total price. Do ask beforehand if the final price includes gratuities, otherwise ask for the envelopes in which you can place your tip.

What to wear?

  • Wear something that’s easy to remove. Also consider bringing a fresh change of clothes if you don’t want to wear something that smells of sweat right after a refreshing spa session.
  • Change into robe and slippers. Request for another robe if you find the first one unfit or uncomfortable. Regular spa goers sometimes bring their own pair of robe and slippers.
  • What’s the issue with nudity? Most day spas require customers to disrobe and be in the buff (albeit under the sheet) before a massage. A masseuse will usually excuse him or herself so that you can change alone. Always speak up about any discomfort you may have, and you may be recommended treatments that won’t require you to undress, such as reflexology or reiki.

 

Beware: 5 things you should be concerned with when visiting day spas

1. Rough handling: Some therapists or masseuses go over the top with vigorous treatments. Tell them you prefer gentleness over a barbarian’s touch, or silence over incessant conversations.

2. Pushy personnel: There’s nothing more annoying than pushy personnel who want you to shell out more cash for additional treatments or products. The right thing to do is to politely but firmly decline, and in worse case scenarios, you can even request for another therapist if the first one does not please you.

3. Allergies, reactions and overall health conditions: If you have allergies or existing health conditions, it pays to reveal them to your therapist. People with high blood pressure or heart disease should try to avoid extreme heat in steam rooms, for example. Similarly, those with nut allergies should check if any almond-based massage oil will be used.

4. Dangers for pregnant moms: While relaxing spas are just what the doctor ordered to de-stress a pregnant woman, expectant mothers should try to avoid any treatment that involve high heat (steam, sauna, hot tubs) and instead opt for prenatal massages, facials, reflexology and aromatherapy.

5. Risk of infections: A spa may seem clean at first glance, but there could be bacteria and germs lounging about even as you enjoy a seemingly tranquil experience. Spa pools may possibly be good breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, and while you cannot avoid being in there as part of a treatment, you should take care to shower immediately after. However, if you have cuts or open wounds on your body, you should avoid foot treatments that involve soaking your feet in water-filled basins to avoid infections.

If you are able to follow most or all of the tips above, the advice will help you find a great place to get away – no matter where you live in the world. The important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t go with the first spa you run across. Instead, it’s a better idea to do your research and even try a few different places until you find one that works best for you. Before long, you’ll realize just how much you love the spa experience and will want a repeat of that all over again!

Heidi Gufferston

 

Info sourced by the author for LuxuryActivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Photo by George Martin / Flickr

Author bio:

Written by: Heidi Gufferston likes Casamundo villa rentals because they have such a wide selection of options available. She doesn’t get to fly to Tampa, Florida as often as she likes, but her new boyfriend is making sure he treats her right.