How to Learn Spa Etiquette

Does the uncertainty of spa behavior keep you from getting that massage you’ve always wanted? Do you wonder what you should wear, how much you should tip or what treatments are best for you? Being spa savvy will keep you from guessing and help you have a relaxing, luxurious experience no matter what spa you visit in the U.S. or abroad.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gym or spa bag
• Change of clothes
• Toiletries (brush or comb, hair holder, shower cap, deodorant)

1. Choose which spa treatment you'd like to book, whether it is a massage, a salt glow or facial. Each spa offers different treatments at different prices. If you are unfamiliar with the spa’s offerings, ask the booking agent to describe each treatment in detail.

2. Next consider whether you'd be more comfortable with a male or female practitioner and request that gender when booking the appointment so there's no confusion when you arrive. Tell the spa receptionist if you have any medical conditions, so she can place you with a therapist who may have special training for that condition. For example, if you are pregnant, only a therapist trained to perform prenatal massage should work on you.

3. Ask the booking agent if a treatment you are scheduling is geared for a modest person or an initiated spa goer. This could save you discomfort later. For example, a head-and-neck massage may not require full nudity, whereas a full-body massage is best in the nude. Also, ask the spa booker if the treatment you are choosing is offered in different time frames. Many can be booked for 30, 60, or 90 minutes.

4. All professional massage therapists are trained in proper draping technique. This means that at no point will you be naked in front of the therapist. Upon arrival at the spa, you will likely be given a robe to wear. When you get onto the massage table, the therapist will hold up a sheet or towel to block his view while you disrobe and lay on the table. Once on the table, sheets will be covering you. As the therapist works on you, he will only reveal that body part he is working on. If you are concerned about modesty, you can wear underwear, but it is not necessary. If you do choose that option, be aware that some oil may get on your undergarments.

5. During the massage, don’t be afraid to tell your practitioner if you’d like her to go deeper or to lighten her touch. It is perfectly OK, and even expected, that you will communicate your desires to your therapist. If you have any injuries or sore spots she should know about, tell her beforehand.

6. If at any time you feel uncomfortable during your treatment, let your spa therapist know. Communication between you and your therapist can make your spa experience blissful and she will appreciate your feedback. If you feel that your therapist is behaving inappropriately in any way, stop the treatment and consider speaking to the spa manager. Most spas hire the best therapists in their field who would not do anything untoward to risk losing their license, but it can happen.

7. One of the most common questions new spa goers have is how much to tip. Spa tipping follows the same rules as restaurant tipping. The average is between 10 and 20 percent. Typically, you will leave the therapist’s tip when you pay your bill not upon leaving the massage room. Many spas offer the chance to write a short note with your tip letting your therapist know how you felt about the treatment.