Be a smart consumer, choose your spa services wisely, and be prepared to relax, unwind, and be pampered during your spa experience.
Some people have visited a variety of day spas and retreats over the years and are comfortable with the practices and procedures. Other people have a vacation planned and will be trying the experience out for the first time. Those that are novice spa-goers should take time to brush up on their knowledge and etiquette before their trip. Prior to your experience know:
1. Whether It Is Clean and Safe
Be sure the spa you choose observes the highest level of cleanliness. This means that whether you are having a simple manicure or something more medically invasive such as laser treatment, the spa must properly clean all their tools, surfaces, and spa clothing. Speak with the facility ahead of time to learn their procedures for cleanliness. It is also important to make sure the spa is safe. Information about a particular location’s license is available online or with the state licensing bureau. You can find out if there have been any violations, or if the spa has had any safety issues. Also check with the spa when making your appointment to be sure that the individual staff members you will be seeing are professionally trained and licensed. You may feel that with a simple procedure these things are not that important. However, anytime a stranger is touching your body, you need to know he is a trained, ethical professional.
2. What Services Are Offered and For What Price
Once you know you have found a safe, clean location, take a look at their menu of services. Before scheduling any procedures, be sure you understand what is involved. For instance, there is a big difference between a Swedish massage and a sports massage. Have the clinician taking your reservation explain these differences to you. The last thing want is to be looking forward to an expensive, relaxing retreat, and find yourself in pain the entire time.
It is also important to be sure you understand the price structure. Many times spas offer services in packages and a la carte. If you are scheduling more than one procedure, ask if there is a package that covers those or similar services for a discounted rate. Often, professional spas will voluntarily offer you package deals, but it is still wise to check. You may also find that for the same price as the two or three services you are scheduling, you can add a service free of charge. Keep in mind when budgeting for your experience that tipping is strongly encouraged, just as it would be for service at a restaurant. You can speak with the person upon checking in to determine the best way in which to tip your therapist. Many spas offer the opportunity to pay beforehand so you are not concerned with money once the experience begins.
3. Whether They Require Medical History
To begin with, all spas should require some form of medical history. It should be relatively non-invasive, but it is important that therapists know if you are suffering from any contagious diseases, or if any of their treatments will hinder any chronic medical problems. This is for the protection of both you and the therapist, as well as other guests of the spa. Sharing medical information may also make your treatment more beneficial. If a massage therapist knows you are experiencing chronic pain in your neck, he can focus on that area in an effort to relieve the pain.
Some spas require a more in-depth analysis of your medical history, and some that even require an on-site medical evaluation. Typically, this is not done at day spas, but may be necessary if you are participating in a spa retreat that offers physical activity like aerobics or treatments that include fasting. If this makes you uncomfortable, it is best to be aware of the requirement before booking the visit to avoid frustration and discomfort.
