Spa Etiquette

Its spring time and many of us are going to hit the spa to get rejuvinated for our hard work during Quarter 1 or just to treat skin before letting that spring sunshine hit our skin.  Here are a few tips for spa newbies and for the spa savvy.  Thank us later. 

1. Don’t arrive for a 2 p.m. spa appointment at 2 p.m. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in, change and relax, or earlier if you want to enjoy the steambath and sauna.  Remember…..to be early is to be on time and your serene environment has to be set up.

2.  Don’t spend your spa treatment talking about your problems at work, with your husband, your kids. You’re just stressing yourself out.  Remember the three R’s:  Relax, Relate, Release.   Let it go and just chill.

3. Don’t treat the staff like they’re servants and you’re the Queen. You won’t get their best work and they may spit in your mudbath!

4. Don’t work out and then show up for your massage, wax, or any treatment  all sweaty.  That not so fresh smell is not hot for you and definitely not the best for your  therapist.

5.  Don’t talk on your cell phone in the meditation room (or locker room, or anywhere in the spa.) No one wants to hear about your stressors or your plans for the rest of the day.  It is disturbing and irritating. 

 6. Don’t expect miracles.  Your therapist cannot massage away months of stress or turn you from Wanda to Beyonce.  Be realistic. 

7. Don’t forget to tip 15%-20%. If you were given a gift certificate, ask if the tip was included.  Don’t be a cheap client, especially if you received great service. 

 8. Don’t go have a big heavy dinner with wine right after a massage. Take it easy and drink plenty of water.

 9. If you arrive early enough, soak in the jacuzzi, take a hot shower, or sit in the steam room before your massage.  Remember to rinse off before your massage because chlorine is bad for the skin. 

10.  Massages are generally performed in the nude, but you are covered with a sheet at all times in American spas. Only the part being massaged is exposed.  If you’re more comfortable keeping your underwear on, that’s fine.

11.  If you schedule two treatments together, get a massage before your facial, A body treatment should go before your massage.

12. If you’re uncomfortable with anything during your treatment – the pressure, the music, the temperature — speak up. The therapist will make an adjustment.

13. You can talk during the treatment or stay quiet, as you choose. The therapist will follow your lead.

14. If the therapist says, “Take your time getting up,” that usually means a few minutes. It’s not an invitation to take a nap. It means not to get up so fast that you get woozy. You generally have five or so minutes. The room must be prepared for the next client unless she or he says otherwise.

 15. Understand that you are getting therapeutic massage, which is not a sensual experience.

16.  Give honest feedback to the therapist, owner, receptionist, etc., as operation personnel cares to know if your spa experiences was as expected.

Happy Spa Day!!

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