How to Enjoy Your Trip to The Spa

First time to a spa? Not sure of the proper etiquette? Just sit back and enjoy your visit. No worries if you follow this great guide.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A day to rest, relax, and be pampered

1. So, it's your first trip to the spa. You may there for a standard mani/pedi or maybe a whole day of treatments. The key to making the day great is to relax. This is time for you. Here are a few more simple things to do to get the most of your spa experience.

2. You will want to pack a small bag and bring with you your make up, curling iron, brush, deodorant, and other small toiletries. Some spas will supply shampoo, soap, conditioner, deodorant, dryer, and a brush and comb. There should always be an ample supply of towels and washcloths at the spa.

3. If you are going to a full service spa, you are going to want to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Check in with the receptionist upon arrival. Your spa attendant will lead you to the locker room. If she does not offer something to drink, feel free to ask for water or juice. Your spa attendant is there for you. You can ask her for water, snacks (if offered by the spa), and other things you may need. She will lead you from treatment to treatment. If not otherwise part of your payment, please tip her at the end of your tip if she does a great job for you.

4. When you arrive to the locker room, you will be given a personal locker. Inside the locker you will find a bathrobe and a pair of slippers or flip flop. You may change out of your clothes and change into your robe.

5. You should shower before your first treatment. At the very least rinse off prior to your treatment. If you have arrived early enough you can either go into the steam room or sauna or the hot tub while you wait. Don't worry about missing your treatment, your spa attendant will come get you.

6. If you have scheduled a body wrap or massage at the spa, you may where your underwear under your robe if you feel more comfortable, but it is not necessary. Spa employees have been trained to keep your modesty at all times. You will always be covered by a sheet. There's never a need to feel embarrassed. They have worked on people of all shapes and sizes.

7. During your treatment, it is up to you to set the tone. If you want to be a chatty Cathy go ahead. If not, just be quiet. Your masseuse, etc. will take your cues. Don't be shy to indicate that you just want plain quiet. This is your time to experience rest and relaxation as you see fit.

8. After your first treatment, you will either be led back to the locker room or to your next treatment. After every treatment, you should be offered at least a bottle of water. If you have several treatments scheduled, you should be provided with a light snack and enough time to enjoy the steam room, hot tub or sauna.

9. After your last treatment, you will be led back to the locker room. Again, you can use the hot tub, sauna, or steam room if you would like. There is no set time for you to leave. You can shower, get dressed, and put on your makeup and do your hair before you leave.

10. When you leave, you will stop by the reception desk. Usually you can purchase products that were used during your treatments if you choose. Expect a 20% gratuity to automatically be added to your bill (most salons do this). If there is no gratuity, make sure you tip each person who waited on you.

11. Leave feeling relaxed, renewed, and rejuvenated!

Tips & Warnings

• If you have been charged gratuity and received exceptional service, feel free to add more to your tip.
• If you feel you have not received the treatment you deserve, ask to speak to the manager.
• If you need something ask.
• You may want to take a walk through of the facility before you book an appointment. Check for cleanliness, friendliness, etc.
• When you call, ask the receptionist the procedure for cleaning and sterilizing their facilities.