A day at the spa should be an indulging experience without having to worry about anything - least of all spa-etiquette. So if you're thinking about how to make reservations, how to tip, what to wear etc., relax and follow these basic suggestions to make your spa experience truly enjoyable.
Spa etiquettes are commonly accepted but mostly unwritten rules that make your own spa experience and that of other guests more enjoyable.
- Advance Booking
Book as much in advance as possible. Appointments on weekdays are more easily available than those on weekends. - Cancellation
If you must cancel your appointment, give the spa as much advance notice as possible. Guests who repeatedly cancel their appointments risk being accorded lower priority the next time they make an appointment. - Cell-Phones
Leave cell-phones at home so that you can enjoy your spa session. But if you must carry it with you, turn it off or keep it on silent mode before entering the spa. - Children
Spas are a great place to unwind and so it's advisable to not bring children along. Most spas offer therapies only to guests above 16 years of age. - Clothes
Wear light clothing that's easy to change out of and into. Some spas offer guests disposable underclothes for any therapy which requires clothes to be taken off. - Conversation
Keep conversations within a spa at a low volume at all times. You may choose to have a conversation with your therapist or enjoy the therapy in silence. Let the therapist know if you want him or her to modify the pressure applied, increase the room temperature or if you want to know something about the therapy. - Draping
During a spa therapy the parts of your body that are not being worked on will be covered using a towel or any other cloth. This is done both to ensure privacy and also so that the body does not lose heat rapidly. - Eating and Drinking
Don't eat or drink for at least an hour before a therapy to avoid discomfort during the therapy. Drink enough water after your therapy, especially if you have used the steam facility. - Medical Conditions
Certain therapies may not be advisable for you if you have any type of medical condition. Be sure to mention your medical condition to the person booking your appointment so that he or she can suggest a therapy best suited for you. - Punctuality
Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment so you can relax before starting your therapy and fill out your health status forms. If you are late, most spas will shorten your therapy time or you might need to go for a therapy of a shorter duration. After a therapy, it's customary to shower quickly and vacate the room within five to ten minutes so that the room can be prepared by the therapist for the next guest. - Shaving
Shave at least two hours before your scheduled appointment if you must. - Smoking
Smoking is not allowed within spa premises. - Tips
Tipping is entirely your prerogative - there is no obligation to tip. However, ten to fifteen percent is customary at most spas around the world. You may choose to leave more or less depending on the quality of the service. - Valuables
Although most spas provide lockers, it is best to leave all valuables at home to avoid worries since the responsibility of your personal belongings rests with you.
The most important thing to remember about your spa day is that it's a time for you to leave your stresses at the door. Remember the right way to spa is your way so always have good communication with the spa personnel and make the experience a relaxing and memorable one.
