Now that you’ve chosen your type of spa, here’s your 10-step process on how to book, prepare for, and relax into your day of indulgence:
1. Don’t wait until the last minute to book services.
Booking a spa session is easy in metro cities. Planning spa during holiday season, Once you make lodging reservations, schedule your spa treatments too. That way, you can ensure you get the services you want before all the prime slots are taken.
2. Arrive with time to spare.
Most spas have relaxation rooms where you can decompress pre-treatment with tea and snacks (and sometimes wine! available at destination spa*). You may be asked to fill out Intake forms during this time, so be sure to note which products or prescriptions-both ingested and topical-you’re using, as these can affect what the therapist chooses for you. Don’t forget to highlight medical conditions, like a wonky knee, heart condition, BP etc, so the therapist has a heads-up.
3. Lock away your phone and valuables.
The whole point of a spa is to unplug. In day spas , you just keep your phone silent , keep your valuables in your robe or pocket, be relaxed with your soul . But in Destination or Hotel spa, if you can’t live without taking some pics, turn off the ringer and stash the phone in your robe during your treatments. As for jewellery: It’s just going to be you and your robe (and even that won’t always be on your body). It will be all too easy for your favourite pair of earrings to get lost.
4. Pass on the perfume.
Authentic Day spas are rare in every market, so choose it well. It’s bothersome to those around you, and if you’re doing anything involving aromatherapy, your fragrance may overpower the essential oils, depriving you of their benefit.
5. Consider the gender of your therapist.
Maybe you’d be more comfortable getting scrubbed down by a woman. Or you feel that only a man’s large hands can get the knots out of your back. Whatever your preference, inform the booker when you’re making your appointment. Most spas can accommodate such requests if made in advance.
6. Remember that you’re the boss.
If something isn’t to your liking-say, the temperature is too hot, or your therapist has you squealing in pain-speak up. No spa wants its guests to be unhappy, especially if the problem can be addressed immediately.
7. Prepare to go nude* except India – Country rules apply.
This is particularly true in the case of wraps, massages, and scrubs. But even if you’re having a facial, the therapist will likely ask you to remove your top so that she can massage the creams on your neck and chest. Remember: These are professionals, and they’re going to be draping you throughout your service to preserve your modesty, not leaving you lying there naked as a jaybird. Still not comfortable with the idea? Let the staff know (remember, you’re the boss!), and they can hook you up with some disposable panties or other‑wise try to put you at ease.
8. Think about the order of your services (and when you want to eat).
Give yourself an hour or two to digest before any bodywork, or eat lightly before a massage. Schedule massages before facials, or else all the products that have been applied to your skin may come off on the face cradle. Plan for manicures and pedicures last.
9. Should wait to shower or apply makeup.
You paid for all these skin-pampering creams and oils, so allow ample time to absorb their benefits. If you absolutely can’t go barefaced post facial, just do eyes and lips so the rest of your skin can breathe.
10. Don’t forget to leave a little something behind-Tipping is Care.
Yahhhu..And by that, we mean a tip. Gratuities are often included in the price of a service at destination spas and some resorts; be sure to check when you schedule your appointment. Otherwise, 15 to 20 percent is standard. Cash is always appreciated-and many spas won’t even let you place tips on your credit card.
