Wellness has become a top priority for most people, and 51 percent of individuals have made it their top focus over financial stability for the year ahead. Most people include regular spa visits into their wellness plan as it’s a relaxing and pleasurable way to care for one’s wellbeing, and it’s a positive way to de-stress after a hectic week. While most women have weekly spa visits, others have yet to set foot in a med spa or day spa, and spa newbies are often worried because they don’t know the basics of spa etiquette. The good news is that spa attendants are there to tell you what to do and what to expect before you receive a specific treatment, but if you still feel anxious about your visit, don’t fret. Here’s everything you need to know about basic spa etiquette.
Schedule a day for relaxation and arrive early
Having a spa day should be a relaxing experience. That being said, you can’t have a stress-free time if you schedule your visit between commitments and errands, so schedule wisely and book your visit on a free day to avoid rushing through your treatments. You should also arrive at least 20 minutes early so you can have a look at the various spa packages and choose the treatment that’s best for you. The most popular treatments include facials, body scrubs, massages, manicures, and pedicures, and as there are different types of facials and massages, you may need to ask questions to know if a particular service is right for your skin type or needs.
Some spas even allow you to personalize your spa treatments, so make sure that you have time to consult with the attendant so you can pick the right spa service combination and that you have enough time to do them all. Arriving early also allows you to have a look at the premises and decompress for a bit before starting your treatments. Doing so allows you to relax and be in the right mindset to properly enjoy your spa visit.
Turn off your phone
Most spas may require you to leave your belongings — including your phone – inside a locker, so get ready to unplug for a couple of hours, turn off your phone, and resist the urge to check your device every few minutes or so. If you’re waiting for a very important phone call or text message, you may keep your phone with you, but keep it in silent mode so as not to disturb others.
Refrain from taking or making calls during treatments, and as much as you’d like to share your spa experience on social media, it’s highly recommended that you don’t take photos while you’re inside the spa. Other clients who are with you in the shared facilities may not appreciate you taking a photo while they’re barely even dressed, so respect other people’s privacy and save the selfies for after your spa visit.
All about tipping
Don’t worry about bringing money into the massage room to tip your therapist– they’re not expecting you to hand them the cash after your treatment. Some spas will provide a separate envelope so you can tip your therapist while you’re settling the bill, so use the envelope. If you’re wondering how much to tip, ask first if the treatments include a service charge. If not, you can tip 15 to 20 percent of the bill. This means that if the Swedish massage costs $100, then you should leave no less than $15 in the envelope. Also, if different people were in charge of the various treatments or spa services that you availed, make sure that everyone gets a tip based on the cost of the bill. Of course, you can always tip more if a therapist or nail technician provided excellent service.
Going to the spa is an excellent way to maintain your health and wellness. Keep these tips in mind for your first spa visit and don’t forget to enjoy the soothing and pampering experience of your spa day.