How to Navigate a Spa

A positive spa experience can be relaxing and rejuvenating if you know the ropes. Unfortunately, some people miss out on the positive aspect of the spa experience, because they're not sure about spa protocol, etiquette and services. If you're new to the spa experience, here's a brief guide to get you started.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Book individual treatments in advance, especially if you are headed to the spa with friends. This also gives you time to ask questions if you're uncertain about a particular treatment.

2. Enjoy one of the many massages, such as Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue and aromatherapy. Communicate with the massage therapist regarding the type of massage you want. Vacate the massage room within 10 minutes of finishing the massage.

3. Get a facial from an esthetician. Allow eye pads to sit on your eyes while the esthetician uses a specialized bright light to examine your face. She'll then remove dead cells from your skin, extract blackheads, massage your skin and finish with a mask and toner. 

4. Experience the restoration of a body treatment, such as a wrap, scrub or polish. There are various wraps including herbal and seaweed. Scrubs exfoliate dead skin using a loofa, sea salt or other treatments. Enhance your skin's appearance with a polish.

5. Keep your hands and feet in top shape with a spa manicure and pedicure. Begin by soaking your hands and feet in a treatment, then receive a massage. Watch as your cuticles are reshaped, dead skin is removed and nails polished.

6. Escape into the spa's sauna, steam room, pool or whirlpool. It's proper etiquette to shower prior to entering any water therapy. Sit on a towel while in the sauna and always wear shoes provided by the spa.

7. Tip staff at the end of your visit. Leave your tip at the desk, when you pay. A 15 percent tip is common; however, you may tip according to the quality of service. Provide each therapist a separate tip. If one therapist does two or more treatments, tip for each treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Arrive at your spa destination a little early to enjoy the complimentary refreshments.
• Leave the kids at home. Notify friends, family and coworkers that you'll be unavailable to take calls while at the spa. Turn off your cell phone.
• Drink lots of water to keep hydrated and remove toxins from your system.
• Don't be late to your appointments. It will reduce your treatment time and may impeded positive rapport with the therapist.