How to Spa 101: Your Guide To Spa Etiquette & Basic Know-How
Mastering the art of spa is easy and, dare we say, addictive. Spas are a respite for the body and the mind. Visiting a spa for the first time can be intimidating. Whether you are seasoned spa-goer, in need of a re-fresher, or a spa virgin, there are certain universal rules to getting the most out of your spa experience. Avoid any shyness or mishaps with our must-know spa commandments. Here is everything you ever wanted to know about spa etiquette.
BEFORE YOUR ARRIVE
Not all spas are alike. Find the right spa for you by searching their service options, water lounge offerings, and menus. When in doubt, call the spa or read their FAQ page.
Spa Appointments
You have an appointment. Now make sure to confirm it. Not only is this a polite way to let the spa know that you intend on keeping your appointment, it is also a good way to make sure there are no appointment mix ups (it happens).
Ask Questions: Find Out The Treatment Details
The staff answering your initial call is typically well-educated on all spa matters. They can let you know the name of your esthetician or masseur (let them know if you prefer male or female in advance), what amenities the spa provides, and how to prepare for your treatment (ex: if you are getting a facial that includes a peel, you might want to steer clear of certain skincare products prior to your appointment). Asking questions prevents surprises. Doing this prevents surprises.
Grooming
Shave/wax the night before or hours before your appointment. If you shave the morning of your spa visit, your skin might be too sensitive for a body treatment. For men, it is advised to shave before a facial, however do it in advance (at least two hours apart from your facial appointment) and not right before your appointment. With that said, the spa staff has typically seen it all. Do not be shy about your body, you are there to relax.
The Day Of Your Spa Visit
Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. You will need to fill out some basic information and give yourself time for pre-treatment relaxation. Don’t eat a heavy meal or drink a lot of coffee the day of your treatment. You will want to be relaxed, without feeling full or hyper. Most spas provide free and healthy water, plus a variety of teas. As an extra tip: make sure to use the bathroom before your treatment starts. Stopping in the middle of your treatment to use the facilities will disrupt both you and the professional providing your treatment.
WHAT TO BRING (ESPECIALLY TO A DAY SPA)
Day spas and resorts will typically provide you with a robe, slippers, towel and a locker. If you are a low maintenance type of spa-goer simply bring yourself, your wallet and your bathing suit.
Hygiene & Grooming Essentials
Although spas provide a lot of essentials: hair driers, combs, razors, hair ties, feminine products and more, make sure to bring what you in need in order to groom before you walk out. If you plan to go straight to an event after your treatment, bring your makeup. You can keep everything in your locker. Some spas have started to catch on and have begun to provide makeup services.
Cash Tip
Direct your tip questions to the receptionist. They will gladly provide you with a small envelope or tell you to give it directly to the therapist after your treatment. If our service was excellent, plan on tipping 20%. Some spas will in automatically charge 20% so make sure to ask before you book. Bottom line, don’t stress over tipping throughout your visit, you can leave it at the front desk.
Bring a Bathing Suit
If you go to a small boutique spa, chances are there are no amenities. This means there is no need for a bathing suit or locker. For bigger day spas and resorts with saunas, steam rooms and pools, wear your bathing suit under your robe and enjoy your stay. Some spas provide slippers, but others might require that you go barefoot.
For your convenience, there will be a separate male and female locker areas. There is no need to be shy, spa is a place people come to relax and focus on their own wellness needs.
HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AMENITIES
Your bathing suit, robe and slippers are on. Let’s get ready to spa. Spa amenities are designed to help you relax before and after your treatment. Most larger spas and day spas will have a meditation room, a sauna, steam room, sleep room, hydrotherapy, bath soaks and more. Some day spas allow you to use their amenities (for a price) without booking a treatment. Make sure to step into the lounge area for tea, light snack or visit the meditation sanctuary for quiet reflection. If you are a guest at a hotel with a spa, the spa amenities should be free for you to use.
To go nude, or not to go nude?
When at the spa, and especially when you find yourself in a foreign country, make sure to read signs before you enter any room. Nude areas will have a posted sign. When traveling to a new country, it is smart to read up on cultural differences. In most parts of the world you should not enter a sauna wearing a bathing suit. Simply shower nude, put a towel over you and feel free to enjoy the sauna. You do not have to wear the towel in the sauna, but make sure to put one under you. It is often required that you shower nude anytime you enter a water lounge, and when you leave the sauna, and re-enter the water lounge.
How to Use a Sauna
Saunas have many benefits, but always pay attention to your body and what it is telling you. Never use a sauna while drinking alcoholic beverages (saunas provide their own buzz), right after exercising or a big meal. After exercising or eating, wait for 30 minutes to use a sauna. Sauna sessions are not meant to be long. In general and especially for beginners, the maximum time is 10-15 minutes. Stay as long as you can stand it, even if it means only staying for a few minutes. In fact, you can hop out, cool down with a shower again, dry off, and re-enter for another session. Three 10-15 minute sessions in one day visit will make you a professional spa-goer.
What happens inside the sauna? Saunas are social places. While we don’t recommend being loud, do bring a friend to converse with and share the experience. Some people like to get the blood flowing with easy stretches, but mostly just sit back (or lay back) and relax.
What’s with the bucket and ladle? If the sauna feels too dry, don’t be afraid to add some water on the hot rocks. This puts steam and humidity into the air. You are a sauna pro. Exit and make sure to hydrate.
Pro Tip: Bring a sauna hat. Yes, that is a real thing. It protects your head from the hot air, allowing you to stay longer.
HOT & COLD THERAPY
Spa experts often take part in what some call the “hot and cold plunge” or “contrast therapy.” This type of hydrotherapy has many benefits. You simply transfer your body from very warm temperatures (like a hot tub) to very cold temperatures (like a cold plunge pool). A hot sauna can be used can be used in place of a hot plunge. Moving from a hot to cold environment increases circulation, releases tension in the body, helps soothe sore muscles, improves your mood and energizes you. The shock of a cold plunge helps improve circulation, pushing nutrient-rich blood back to the body’s core. The cycle of the ritual activates the lymphatic system, allowing for detoxification. Do this a couple of times, and then allow your body to rest. Remember to drink water or rest if you feel unwell.
Pro Tip: Dare to pull the cord. You might notice a bucket with a cord hanging in spa showers. The water in the bucket is very cold and is there to help you cool off after your sauna session. If you see a bucket hanging in the showers, pull the robe for a very cold awakening.
Keep Calm & Unplug
As you might imagine, spas are quiet places. This is your time to unplug and by that we mean literally. Do not use your phone, have a loud conversation with your friend, or get frisky with your partner. All of these are big spa faux pas and will get you stern looks from your fellow spa-goers.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TREATMENT
Be Honest With Spa Staff
Voice your massage preferences (ex: focusing on specific areas), skin concerns (ex: sensitive skin, breakouts) and health issues (ex: allergies, recent surgeries, pregnancy). Good spa staff is trained in the art of healing; they will know how to make you feel comfortable.
Massage Treatment Tips
Book a massage based on your specific needs. Most traditional massages require a table but a Thai Massage can be done on a futon type of bed and you are fully clothed. Always ask before you book.
Take a warm shower at the spa or if you already feel extra clean, visit a steam room before your massage. This will help you loosen up. You can even stretch. Once you are in your treatment room, your masseur will exit the room and give you privacy to disrobe and slide under the sheet. Typically you should be facing down, with your face in the soft face cradle. For a full body massage it is preferred that you disrobe completely, but no one will judge you if you leave your underwear on. It is all about your personal comfort.
Your muscles become dehydrated during a massage so make sure to drink plenty of water after your treatment. You should be able to relax (with a cup of tea in hand) for a few minutes in your room or go back to the lounge/meditation area. If you feel extra relaxed or tired, it is not recommended that you exercise right after. Some people find massages energizing, while some find that they are in a state of relaxation for the rest of the day.
Pro Tip: Some spas offer paper panties. They are not a client favorite because they barely fit anyone and don’t cover very much. Opt to go nude instead or if you’re feeling modest, wear your underwear. Masseurs are masters at maneuvering in order to get the job done in the most professional way possible.
Facials
For a facial, you do not need to disrobe. If you prefer, keep your clothing or bathing suit on. Make sure to expose your neck and décolletage. A lot of facials include those areas in the treatment.
A facial for an 18 year old will require different steps compared to a facial for a 60 year old. Opt for menu options that match up your needs. Speak to your esthetician and allow them to customize the facial to your specific concerns. A basic facial will include makeup removal, steam, and extractions. Sometimes that is all you need. We like to throw in a peel for good measure. Clinical facials are typically done in a medical office and focus on extractions with some basic extras. Depending on the office, you might even see a dermatologist before you start. Spa facials are a lot more elaborate. Do your research and find a spa that is renowned for their services. Your face is too precious. Watch for our list of best facials in New York City.
Body Facial
A body facial is a body scrub and typically requires you to be either nude or you are provided with the spa’s disposable underwear. Once you are settled in a comfortable your therapist will enter the room and start by rubbing the scrub or polish on your back, followed by the rest of your body. If your therapist has a heavy hand, speak up! Body scrubs take place in a room that typically either includes a shower or a vichy shower overhead. A vichy shower (sometimes it’s a hand held shower) allows your therapist to rinse off all the little granules. In some instances, the therapist will use a hot towel in order to remove the product. Body scrubs can be booked alone or with a body wrap. These treatments leave your feeling smooth and looking polished.
Pro Tip: Often times, a body scrub is the first step in a body wrap treatment.
THE END
Lastly: Do not let anyone push you into buying products or sell you extra services (unless you genuinely want them). In fact, a good spa will refrain from such practices. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
