Essential Tips for a Sensational Spa Experience

[skincare_expert]

I have to admit, the first time I visited a spa I was a bit intimidated. How much should I expect to pay? How do I tell an esthetician or massage therapist what I want? Do I strip completely beneath my robe? What's the standard for gratuity?

Well, whether you're a seasoned spa maven looking for some brushing up, or a first-timer unsure what to look for, here's a comprehensive guide to a fool-proof spa experience. Remember, the point of visiting a spa is to relax. So sit back, peruse these pointers, and then get yourself to your getaway of choice ASAP.


Selecting a spa

All spas are not created equal. When selecting a spa, consider its specialty, price and professionalism.

Specialty

Consider your reasons for going to the spa. Are you in search of a holistic health retreat or a quick manicure? Do some research and select a spa that offers the services and experiences that meet your needs. One spa might provide pampering body treatments while another might focus on fitness or yoga.

Here are common types of spas to choose from:

• Day spa. For shorter treatments or impromptu pampering, head to a day spa, which offers a variety of treatments without having to spend the night. At most day spas you can schedule a single treatment or create an all-day experience that includes a suite of services. Day spas are becoming more common and can be found within hotels, airports, health clubs and salons. However, Anitra Brown of About points out that day spas with salon services may be noisy. If you’d like a peaceful experience, make sure that the spa is separate from the salon.

• Medical spa. Unlike a normal day spa, medical spas (also known as “medi spas”) offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments under the supervision of licensed professionals. These include laser treatments for discoloration, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, photofacials, Botox and chemical peels. A medical spa may feel more like a clinic than a luxurious retreat; however, many medical spas also offer traditional treatments including massages and body wraps.

• Destination spa. A destination spa is a comprehensive spa experience where guests are immersed in health and wellness. In addition to traditional spa services, many destination spas offer educational classes, yoga, hiking and other health-inspired activities.

• Resort spa. Not to be confused with a destination spa, resort spas are more common and provide experiences that go beyond spa services. Brown explains that resort spas are great for families as they include fun activities such as golf, tennis and swimming.

Price

On a shoestring budget when it comes to beauty? A spa treatment doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips for finding affordable spa services:

• Compare costs. Comparing prices at several local spas can save you money. Most spas have a Web site that includes pricing information. Call the spa for details and to inquire about any special promotions.

• Bundle treatments. Sometimes you can bundle treatments at a discount. Ask the spa manager if there are any discounts on purchasing packages. A day spa package is often less expensive than purchasing services a la carte.

• Look for specials. Also, peruse the newspaper or Internet for introductory offers or deals at your local day spa. Sometimes discounts are offered early in the week or for services given by new employees.

Resort and destination spas also have off-seasons (which vary by geographic location) when you can score sensational deals on spa vacations.

Just keep in mind - if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. A good spa experience costs money. Never sacrifice the quality or safety of your service to save a few dollars.

Professionalism

A spa experience should be soothing and relaxing. Avoid unnecessary worries related to safety and service by considering the following about your potential spa:

• Reputation. Ask around for personal recommendations when selecting a spa. Also, do a little digging online to see if there are any consumer reviews or ratings.

• Sanitation. Don’t hesitate to ask for a walk-through of the spa before booking a service - most spa managers are happy to provide a tour of their spas. During your tour, look around at overall cleanliness and ask the manager to point out specific strategies the spa uses to guarantee a clean environment.

• Experience. Prefer a seasoned esthetician or a massage maven? If experience is important to ensuring your peace of mind, ask about the years of experience, certifications and special training that the spa professional has before you book an appointment.

Also, the Day Spa Association offers accreditation to spas that meet high standards of professionalism, quality and safety. While there are certainly some great day spas that aren’t yet certified, it’s a good place to start your search for a high-quality day spa.

Spa etiquette

• Gratuity. It’s recommended that you leave at least 10 percent of the total cost of the service as a tip, but standard is usually 18 percent. If you’re particularly pleased, 20 percent is a welcomed-way to reward exceptional service. Always inquire whether or not gratuity is included, because some spas - particularly resorts - may bill it automatically.

• Punctuality. There’s nothing relaxing about rushing in the door at the time of your appointment. If you’re late, the spa may not be able to provide you with the entire duration of your treatment to ensure that other clients are served on time. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment. Plus, if it’s your first time having this treatment, you might have to fill out some brief paperwork.

• Cell phone. Whether you’re sitting in the sauna or getting pampered with a pedicure, resist the temptation to talk on your cell phone - especially if you’re in the presence of other guests. Many spas request that all phones and pagers be turned off in the spa.

• Communication. Clear communication is essential for getting the most out of your spa experience. Be honest when filling out medical forms to ensure that products and procedures don’t compromise your health. And always ask your spa professional to explain the procedures and products that are used in your treatment. If something is uncomfortable or painful, speak up.

• Courtesy. Everyone has a bad day, and sometimes even the most pampering spa experience fails to alleviate an unpleasant mood. Whatever your state of mind, be polite and courteous to the professionals providing your spa services. If you’re displeased with a spa procedure or employee, speak privately with the management.

Other spa-savvy tips

• Be aware of add-ons. Before your treatment, make sure that you know what’s included. For example, if during a basic facial an esthetician asks if you’d like a hand or foot massage, there’s a good chance that it’s not included in the price of your treatment. These add-ons can add up quickly in cost.

• Leave jewelry at home. Many treatments require that you remove all jewelry. Prevent your precious pearls or heirloom earrings from getting lost or stolen by leaving them at home. While most spas provide a locker or a safe to secure all personal items during your treatments, jewelry that’s placed in a bathrobe pocket or table can easily be forgotten or stolen.

• Stay comfortable. When it comes to the spa, comfort is key. Here are some tips to ensure that you’re at ease throughout your spa experience:

• Clothing. Most body treatments require the removal of clothes. However, during the treatments, the body is fully draped, except for the area being worked on. Before treatment, robes and slippers are provided in the locker rooms.

• Physical discomfort. Don’t be afraid to speak up if a treatment causes any discomfort. And don’t forget to notify the spa professional about medical conditions including pregnancy and allergies.

• Timing. Take time before or after your treatment to enjoy the facilities offered by your spa - including the hot tub, steam room or sauna. If you have multiple services, space them out so that you don’t have to rush from treatment to treatment.

• Gender preference. If you prefer that an individual of the same sex do your treatment, be sure to request this at the time you book your appointment. Most of the time, this request can be accommodated in advance.

Relax and enjoy

Whether it’s a beauty ritual or rare treat, a visit to the spa should be a special experience that promotes relaxation, healing and wellness. Leave your stress at the door and center your focus on the process of improving your body, mind and soul.


What do you look for in a spa? The last time I visited a spa was with my sister during a short getaway in Yosemite. We were scheduled to get massages, and when the first masseuse came out--a tanned, long-haired muscleman vaguely resembling Fabio--asking for my sister, my modest sis promptly pointed to me and said, "That's her." We had a good laugh afterward, but this was a good lesson: for those of us who feel more comfortable being rubbed and prodded by our same gender, be sure to request your preference when booking the appointment!

What are some of your favorite spa experiences?