The Etiquette of Spa: Part 3

June 19, 2006

There is a particular etiquette to spa-ing and understanding what to expect will only enrich your experience. Keep these tips in mind next time you hit the spa!

Requesting Specific Times & Therapists
Book well in advance to ensure the availability of your treatment and preferred therapist (if any). Late afternoons and Saturdays are generally the busiest, so plan ahead if you need appointments during these specific times. Most spas welcome your request for a specific therapist you’ve enjoyed in the past or for which you have heard a good referral. Likewise, feel free to make your preferences known if you favor a particular gender.

The Day Before Your Services
In preparation of your treatments, avoid exposure to the sun for 24 hours prior to your services. Drink plenty of water before and after your appointment and avoid alcohol within 24 hours of any service.

Preparing For Your Appointment
Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and leave important valuables and jewelry at home. If you’ll be swimming, bring along a swimsuit – it may also come in handy if you prefer to use shared facilities (i.e. sauna, steam room, etc.) or if you are uncomfortable with being nude around others. It’s best not to wear contact lenses if you’ll be enjoying a facial. Skip heavy meals for approximately 2 hours before your treatments to a avoid discomfort or nausea. If you shave the day of your treatment, do it several hours before your appointment if you plan to have a body treatment performed.

Arriving On Time
Arrive 20-30 minutes before your appointment so that you can check in, take a tour and change clothes. Many spas offer special amenities to all clients, including saunas, steam rooms, pools, etc. When you schedule your appointment, inquire as to whether or not these facilities are available and arrive even earlier if you plan to use them.

Existing Medical Conditions
Upon check-in, make the receptionist aware of any specific medical conditions which may affect your treatment and/or comfort. If you display any open sores, rashes or tenderness on an area of your body that you’ll have worked on, then it may be necessary to cancel your appointment. It’s always best to call the spa to double-check.

Making Your Preferences Known
If you are uncomfortable with anything during your treatment, promptly inform your therapist. If the pressure is too heavy/light, the lights too dim/bright, the music too soft/loud, just say so. If you are particularly modest, let your therapist know before the treatment begins. Also, feel free to ask questions before, during and after your services. A good therapist will patiently explain any process or procedure. Remember: this time is all about you and you should be absolutely comfortable with every aspect of what goes on. Also, many times a client intuitively tries to “help” a therapist by moving their arms, lifting their head, etc. when a therapist begins to work that area. Try to avoid helping- it is actually more difficult for a therapist to work on flexed muscles and it also takes away from your experience of relaxation.

Chatting During Treatments
The first few times I attended a spa, I instinctively chatted up my therapist. I wasn’t sure what they expected of me and I felt the need to keep the conversation going. I have since learned that I prefer to greet them warmly, make my preferences known, and then relax in silence. You have no obligation to entertain your therapist and a good technician won’t expect you to. I find that I get the most of a treatment when I completely let go and submerge myself in relaxation- you’ll likely find the same. Therapists generally follow your lead; if you seem to want to enjoy in silence, they’ll follow that lead.

On The Issue Of Nudity
This is the one issue that likely causes the most anxiety for novice spa devotees. Spa services are often performed naked. However, therapists are trained to “drape” the body in sheets and linens, carefully revealing each area of the body as they are individually treated and then recovering once finished, which can lead to a greater level of comfort for the client. At check-in, you’re usually left to change in privacy and provided a robe for your use within the facility. Therapists typically leave the room when it’s time for you to position yourself on the table and you’re left with linens with which to cover up. The therapist re-enters the room and practices draping to protect your modesty, leaving the room again after the treatment so you can once again grab your robe. If you’re still uncomfortable, you have several options: a) request a therapist of the same sex, b) wear a swimsuit during treatments, c) ask for disposal undergarments at the spa, keeping in mind that not all facilities keep them on hand.

Late Arrivals & Cancellations
If you arrive late for a treatment, understand that your treatment time may be proportionally shortened in order to stay on schedule for other clients. Kindly give as much advance notice as possible if you find it necessary to cancel an appointment. 24-48 hours notice is customary; anything less may result in a partial or full billing of services missed.

Cell Phone Usage
Please turn your cell phone off at check-in and leave it off for the duration of your treatment. Remember that this is a time to relax and escape a bit…enjoy it.

Gratuities
Though tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s very often appropriate. 15% is the standard, 20% if you particularly enjoyed your services. If you are using a gift certificate, please keep in mind that tipping is generally not included. Gratuities can most often be left at the reception desk upon checkout.

Thoughts On Children
Please leave your children at home. Most spas are not equipped to handle them and preserving the serene ambience is of supreme importance at most facilities. Teens can often be accommodated- call ahead to double check before your appointment.

This article concludes our 3-part series on Learning To Spa. I hope you’ll be encouraged this summer to break out of your comfort zone and treat yourself to something decadent!