Going on a spa break sounds pretty straightforward, but if you’re new to the scene, what can you expect? What should you ask for? What should you take? And what do you wear for a full body massage? Spa booking agency Spabreaks.com has all the answers you need…
Be clear about what you’re looking for: when you’re deciding where to go on your spa day or break, think about what you want from it and ask questions when you’re booking. There’s so much choice available, and each spa is different to the next. If you’re looking for a healthy detox break, it’s going to be a very different environment to the one serving the perfect Champagne afternoon tea. If you’re looking to take 10 friends on a hen do, you’re going to need to find the place with lots of space and treatment rooms—so make sure you tell your booking agent what’s important to you.
Is there ever a time when you can’t go on a spa break? There’s generally a spa break for everybody, but every now and again some special circumstances need to be taken into consideration. In your first trimester of pregnancy spa treatments are best avoided, but after that there are packages dedicated for mums-to-be. When it comes to certain illnesses such as cancer, special consideration also needs to be taken: Our Recovery Retreats are spa days and breaks dedicated to anyone with cancer. The stress free spa packages aim to give guests some well deserved pampering and relaxation where their personal needs, health and privacy are paramount. Speak to your agent before you book and ask for their recommendations.
Arrive early: arrive at your treatment 15 minutes before your scheduled slot so that you have time to fill in your consultation form without losing valuable therapy time or arriving all stressed out.
Get your timing right: try to plan your day so that you use facilities first and have your spa treatment later on. The sauna and steam room will help to open pores and relax the muscles in preparation, then you can shower and dry off so that you can leave all those lovely products on your skin after your treatment to work their magic for longer!
See also: Top Hotel for Worldwide Relaxation
Remember it’s ok to ask questions: one of the most common worries people have is ‘what if I’m not enjoying my treatment?’ What if the pressure during a massage is too hard/soft for example? The answer is to tell your therapist so they can adjust it accordingly—remember, it’s your treatment and your therapist wants you to be happy! You can also mention to the spa receptionist if this is your first spa visit on arrival—they will be happy to guide you through the experience.
Ditch the mobile phone: It’s good manners to turn your mobile phone off when you’re at a spa. Leave it in your locker and use the time to have a digi-detox and totally relax. Even if your idea of a good time is WhatsApp-ing your best friend, it might not be everyone else’s so relax, unwind and enjoy the mobile-free peace and quiet—the selfies can wait until later.
Take two swimming costumes: if there’s a pool, it’s a safe assumption that taking a swimming costume on your spa break is a good idea, but our advice is to take two—one to get wet, and another to keep dry and wear while you have your spa treatment. Nothing ruins a massage like a soggy swimming costume.
Pre and post spa break: it’s always a good idea to do any shaving the night before a treatment to stop skin from being irritated by products. Remove your make-up before treatments—particularly if you’re preparing for a facial. After your treatment, try to leave products on for as long as possible without applying make-up—your skin will thank you.
Helpful hints: try to remember to take a pound coin for the lockers—just in case. We always recommend taking a good book or a magazine to read by the pool or in the relaxation room. On overnight spa breaks, it’s also a good idea to take a separate bag with you in addition to your suitcase so you can take any bits and pieces you want for the day to the spa area without returning to your room.
Article courtesy of Bonnie Friend, Editor at Spabreaks.com. Spabreaks.com is a spa booking agency that offers spa days and breaks worldwide, and are dedicated to finding you the perfect getaway for ‘every body’.
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