A trip to the day spa is an excellent way to both be pampered and reap the benefits of some great natural therapies.  Knowing the correct day spa etiquette will make your visit more enjoyable for you and those around you and ensure that you have the best experience possible.  Here are our tips.

Booking the Appointment

At a day spa, the peak periods are usually late afternoons and weekends, with Saturdays being especially popular.  Book as far in advance as possible to ensure that you are getting the time, day, and therapist that you want.  If you are using a Gift Voucher mention it upon booking your appointment so they may advise you if there are any policies which may affect its use.

Be Punctual

Arrive early to your appointment wherever possible, or at least be on time.  This will allow you to check in, change, and relax before your appointment.  Let the receptionist know if it is your first day spa visit.  Some spas will require you to complete a questionnaire in order to provide them with medical and contact information.  If you know that the spa has a steam room, sauna, or hot tub, you may choose to arrive even earlier in order to make use of the facilities.  Remember to shower before your treatment.  If you are late, the treatment time will need to be shortened as the treatment room and therapist are usually booked after your session.  You should vacate the room five to ten minutes after the treatment is concluded but you are welcome to spend time in the spa’s relaxation facilities.

Cancelling an Appointment

If, for some reason, you need to cancel an appointment, give the day spa as much notice as possible.  24 hours notice is usually the minimum required for a single treatment and 48 hours for a series of treatments.  This will allow the spa to give your appointment to another guest.  If not enough notice is given, you may be required to pay for part or all of the treatment.

What to Wear

There is no need to visit the day spa wearing an elaborate outfit.  Something simple that is easy to change in and out of and is easily stored is ideal.  If you are worried about your modesty, call the spa in advance to find out their policies and suggestions.  Some treatments can be done fully clothed, while others are best received if you are in the nude.  You can choose to wear a swimsuit if you use the sauna or baths. Towels are provided, and robes and slippers are usually provided in day spas that have bathing facilities.  If at all possible, leave the jewelry at home.  If you must bring it, ensure that it is safely left in your locker or a safety deposit box.

Be aware that you should never be required to be unclothed in front of anyone at the day spa.  There are changing areas provided and therapists are well trained in the art of draping, which means that they keep you covered at all times except for the area of the body that they are working on.

Let your Preferences be Known

Your treatment at the day spa can be customised to your preferences – this includes lighting, whether or not there’s music and also what music is playing, the temperature of the room, and whether or not there is conversation.  You can also have the therapist change the pressure of the massage.  Feel free to ask questions during the treatment if you have any.

Be Considerate of Others

Always turn your mobile off immediately upon entering the day spa.  There is nothing worse than a phone to interrupt your relaxing experience.  Children are generally not allowed at day spas in order to maintain the relaxing ambience.  If you are using any of the shared facilities at the day spa, remember to shower.  In the sauna or steam room, sit on your towel and wear the shoes that are provided.

Medical Conditions

If you have any medical conditions, it is important that you tell your therapist.  They will be able to adjust the treatment as necessary.  Such conditions may include high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, pregnancy, recent surgery etc.

About Getting a Massage

A therapist will take you to your room. If it is your first time she will ask you some questions and take notes so that next time your file can be reviewed before the session. You might be asked to sign a waiver, which is standard. Be honest about any conditions or concerns you have. You will be asked to undress to your level of comfort usually to your underwear. Then cover yourself with the towel provided and wait for the therapist to return. Make sure you feel free to tell the therapist what you like and don’t like. You are the customer after all. If the therapist says, “Take your time getting up,” that usually means a few minutes. It’s not an invitation to take a nap

The order of Treatments

If you are going to get a facial and a massage, get the massage first. That way you will be the most relaxed after both treatments. But if you are getting a body treatment or service like a body wrap or leg waxings, get your massage last.  If you are getting any kind of make up treatment, always do that last.

To Chat or Not

Well, it is up to you. Some customers and massage therapists are more chatty than others, but in the end it is up to you. If you just want quiet, just tell the therapist politely you just want to relax and prefer not to talk. She will understand.

Skin Care Treatments

A full service, professional day spa will offer a wide variety of skin care treatments, including many different kinds of facials, microdermabrasion therapy, chemical peels, and other treatments like Photo Light Therapy. While each service is different, all have the same goal in mind: to revitalize your skin. Some therapies will help reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, as well as address sun damage. Ask questions. Be clear about what you want to accomplish with your therapy. Find a skin care specialist who isn’t just trying to sell you a particular service. A professional will always recommend a treatment that best suits you and won’t make false promises.

Eating Before You Arrive

Don’t go to the Day Spa on an empty stomach, but also don’t go there just after a big meal. Many services at a Day Spa affect your entire body. Some relieve your body of toxins. An empty stomach could make you a little woozy. A full stomach may not give you the relaxation you wish for when getting a massage for example.

Professional Products

Day Spas tend to use professional products, not the type you buy at the drug store. We use Pevonia Professional and EmerginC products. Ask your specialist about the products being used in your service. Often it makes sense to buy them so that the products you use at home are consistent with the ones you use at the Day Spa.

The Last Word

Remember, going to the Day Spa is about you having the experiences and treatments you want. You should expect a clean establishment and a level of customer service that makes you feel welcome and special and never hurried. If you really like your services, let your friends know. Day Spas thrive on word of mouth referrals.