Natural Beauty Through Modern Science

As human beings, our aging bodies, as well as our spirits, naturally require maintenance due to the daily stresses we must endure.
Z Med Spa offers clinically advanced treatments designed to maintain, restore and optimize your natural beauty as well as recharge your spirit.

We offer medical treatments such as botox, laser hair removal, ultrasonic cellulite reduction, acne photoClearance and tooth whitening as well as spa treatments such as premium quality facials, relaxing massage therapy, rejuvenating body treatments, manicure, pedicure and body waxing. We provide our guests with the elegant and serene ambiance you would only expect at a day spa - however, you'll see that the effectiveness and attention to detail of Z Med Spa treatments far surpasses what is commonly available at a spa or salon.

Our philosophy is simple...provide an oasis in the city of Pasadena, where our guests can enjoy state of the art, soothing rejuvenation treatments in a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere, while experiencing the absolute highest caliber of hospitality and client service.

Med-Spa Clinic

Med-Spa Clinic, Tunbridge Wells provides all aspects of medical aesthetic skin care and beauty treatments. From non-surgical facelifts and skin laxity treatment, cosmetic dermatology and anti-ageing procedures to Botox, Restylane and all of the Q-Med range of anti-ageing products and other dermal fillers.

Our unsurpassed range of medical Lasers & IPL devices provide extremly effective treatments for unwanted hair, unsightly thread and larger reticular veins, wrinkles, skin lesions, pigmentation, acne, rosacea, cellulite and tattoos.

Dr. Nina Sheffield, Dr. Paul Myers and the Med-Spa team of nurses and therapists have assisted many of our clients to simply recreated themselves achiving results that have amazed and delight our patients.

Younger patients who have been afflicted with Acne or Acne Scarring are now free of this or have it under control. Older patients have seen years roll away from their appearance.


From your first consultation to final after care, your consultant doctor, nurse, or therapist is there to ensure you find the right treatments for you and then to make them both beneficial and enjoyable.

Med-Spa is also a centre of excellence for Colon Hydrotherapy Treatment from our fully qualified staff.

Our unique fully integrated services are listed on the Treatments page.

Our skin experts will use the latests computerised and photographic technology to assess your skin's needs and advise you of the best course of treatment to improve the appearance and health of your skin and deal with your specific and personal issues.

Call us now on 01892 535577 or e-mail on enquiries@med-spa.co.ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you wish to ask Dr. Sheffield a personal question or for advice please e-mail drninasheffield@med-spa.co.ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (It may take a little time to answer due to the large demand for this service but every mail is answered).

Med-Spa Clinic is owned and run by Dr Nina Sheffield who, with her team of specialist doctors, nurses and skin therapists are able to provide for all of your needs.

Expand your Medical Practice with a Medical Spa

Credit the growing baby boomer population with their unquenchable appetite to stop aging and look great. It is really their demands which have spawned the medical spa industry.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, non-surgical procedures in 2006 increased 50 percent from 2003. The big winners are procedures perfect for Medical Spas: Laser skin resurfacing (up 352%), Hylaform/Restylane fillers (up 1,271%), and laser hair removal (up 60%).

This is a very lucrative business, with the potential for impressive cash flow. It is also a business that is capital intensive, and the best way to manage the high startup costs is to utilize the flexible financing available. The MediSpa industry, perhaps more than any other, is one where you must control your capital costs in order to maximize your monthly cash flow.

"The success of a Medical Spa is ultimately determined by your ability to both create and hang onto cash" Jeff Russell, President & CEO MedSpa Financing

MedSpa Financing is the only finance company that specializes in financing Medical Spas and aesthetic medicine practices for physicians. We have financed Medical Spas from California to New York, and everywhere in between. Not only do we understand the industry, we also have detailed knowledge of medical and aesthetic equipment. From SBA loans to working capital to equipment leasing - we have the resources to help you successfully launch a Medical Spa!

What Is Sensual Massage?

Sensual massage is another way of saying that the massage will include sexual contact. Don’t expect to get a sensual massage at a spa. The massage therapists who work at spas are trained in therapeutic massage, which is based on Swedish massage techniques.

It is a breach of spa etiquette to ask for sex as part of a therapeutic massage. If you do, the massage therapist will explain that is not the purpose of this massage and continue working. If you persist, they will end the massage.

Massage therapists tell me that men usually ask for sex in an indirect fashion by directing them "work higher" when they get to their thighs or "work lower" when they massage their chest. They also ask the therapist to remove the sheet or ask if the therapist does "extras." None of this is appropriate -- or legal -- in a spa setting.

At home, you can incorporate massage techniques into your lovemaking. A very good book for learning massage techniques at home is "The Joy of Sensual Massage," by Jack Hofer. This is a fully illustrated book that teaches you how to give a massage to someone at home. Hofer points out, however, that the main purpose of massage is to relax the body, whereas sex excites it. It's best if you approach massage as an end in itself, not merely as a prelude to lovemaking.

Massage oil is an essential part of your home massage toolkit, but you don't have to spend a lot of money on some special "sensual massage oil." A nice, inexpensive choice is sweet almond oil, which costs just $7 - $8 for sixteen ounces.

What Is Watsu?

Watsu is a very soothing type of massage that takes place in warm, waist-deep water. Its name comes from a combination of the words “water” and “shiatsu.” It was developed by Harold Dull back in 1980, when he started applying Zen Shiatsu stretches to students floating in the warm pool at Harbin Hot Springs in California.

What Happens During a Watsu Treatment?

A spa has to have a special Watsu pool heated to the exact same temperature as your body. It should be private and quiet, like any other treatment room. Some spas have outdoors Watsu pools surrounded by walls, with cloth panels overhead to create a combination of sunlight and shade.

You and the massage therapist both wear bathing suits. You enter the water and while you sit on a step, she puts floats around your ankles. This helps your buoyancy. During Watsu the therapist literally cradles your body, with one arm supporting your knees, the other your back. One of your arms is wrapped around the therapist’s back, the other floats free.

She then twirls you through in the water, first one way then another, taking your body through a series of passive stretches and twists. Being held in the warm water is deeply relaxing.

What Are the Benefits of Watsu?

Watsu’s gentle stretches have a therapeutic effect on the body. The buoyancy and support of the water allow the spinal column to be moved in ways that aren't possible on land. Many people also find it works on an emotional level as well, promoting trust and connection.

Some people find that the first session is all about learning to trust the fact that someone is there to support you. Others are trying to overcome a fear of water. (If this is you, be sure to tell your therapist.) Others are able to fully relax and find it deeply soothing from the very first session.

Where Can I Get Watsu?

Because of the special pool, it’s still a relatively unusual service. It is easiest to find in California and at resort spas. Here’s a list of major places to get a Watsu treatment.

Watsu in California: Spas in California that offer Watsu include Miramonte Resort Spa in Palm Springs; Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa in Desert Hot Springs; Sea Spa at Loews Coronado Bay Resort and Spa in Coronado; and Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa and Raindance Spa at The Lodge at Sonoma, both in Sonoma.

Watsu in Arizona:Spas in Arizona that offer Watsu include Canyon Ranch Tucson, Mii Amo at Enchantment Resort in Sedona; Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort in Carefree; The Sanctuary Spa at Camelback Mountain and Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort and Spa, both in Phoenix.

Watsu in New Mexico:: In New Mexico, you can get Watsu at SháNah Spa and Wellness Center at Bishops Lodge Resort & Spa in Santa Fe.

Watsu in Florida: Spas in Florida that offer Watsu include Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa on Marco Island, Florida; The Ritz-Carlton in Naples; and Amelia Island Plantation Spa in Amelia Island, Florida.

Watsu in Texas: Spas in Texas that offer Watsu include The Crossings in Austin and the Greenhouse in Arlington.

Watsu in Las Vegas: Spas in Las Vegas that offer Watsu include Aquae Sulis Spa at JW Marriott Las Vegas; Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian Hotel; and Spa Bellagio at The Bellagio.

Watsu in New York City: New York City recently got its first Watsu facility at the Cornelia Day Resort in Manhattan.

Watsu in Scotland: One Spa and Health Club at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh, Scotland, offers Watsu.

What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a treatment where the therapist works primarily on your feet. The theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex points" in the feet, hands and ears that relate to specific organs and glands in the body. Practitioners believe that stimulating those reflex points promotes health in that organ via the body's energetic pathways.

When done by a skilled practitioner, reflexology is deeply relaxing treatment with benefits that can be felt throughout the body. (If they're less skilled, you'll just feel like you've had a very long foot massage.) Reflexology can be a good treatment choice for people who want to keep their clothes on during a massage. It is also a good choice if you are pressed for time and don't want to get oil on your body or in your hair.

Reflexology was first developed in the United States in the early 20th century, and was called "zonal therapy"in its earliest incarnations. It is based on the theory that the body is divided into ten zones running longitudinally from head to toe -- five on each side of the body. Practitioners believe that pressure on reflex points on the foot or hand will affect body organs in the same zone.

In recent years, reflexologists have begun to incorporate the acupressure techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (T.C.M.) into their work. Although reflexology is based on the theory of "zones" instead of T.C.M.'s theory of "meridians" or energy pathways, both treatments are based on the principle that working on specific points can bring about a therapeutic effect in other parts of the body.

What Is Trigger Point Therapy?

trigger point is a hyperirritable spot that is painful. It is called a trigger point because it "triggers" a painful response.

But a trigger point is more than a tender nodule. It affects not only the muscle where the trigger point is located, but also causes "referred pain" in tissues supplied by nerves.

Trigger points are located in a taut band of muscles fibers. The trigger point is the most tender point in the band. The therapist will locate and deactivate them using finger pressure. One technique is to pick up the muscle fibers in a pincer grip.

What You Should Know About Trigger Point Therapy

It is used to treat painful trigger points that cause referred pain.

It took a while to get the muscle in that condition, and it will likely take more than one massage to get rid of it.

These points are often areas of chronic "holding" and you need to learn how to move in different ways to keep them from recurring.

It will probably be uncomfortable

What Is Thai Massage?

Thai Massage is one of the hot “new” massages offered by most spas, but it was actually developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a healing modality 2,500 years ago. It uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. It is both deeply relaxing and energizing.

Thai massage takes place on a futon mat on the floor, and you wear loose fitting clothing. Some spas, like The Mandarin Oriental, Miami,, provide you with an outfit to wear. Others may ask you to wear something loose and comfortable, like sweat pants. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with you legs. Some people say Thai massage is a little like doing yoga without any effort, because the therapist will push your body into various positions without any work on your part.

Thai massage is done with all your clothes on, so some people recommend it if you feel uncomfortable with nudity during a Swedish massage . But my personal opinion it is not the best choice for first-time spa-goers. The therapist literally uses her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions, so in some ways it feels more even intimate than a Swedish massage, where you lay on a massage table and are covered with sheets.

Thai massage has its roots in a spiritual tradition, and its purpose is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually. It should not be confused with sensual massage.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a style of bodywork developed in Japan. Its goal is to restore the healthy flow of energy throughout the body.

Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture, but uses finger pressure instead of needles. Its name comes from two Japanese words -- "shi" or finger and "atsu" or pressure.

What Happens During a Shiatsu Massage?

For shiatsu, you wear loose clothing. It is usually performed on a mat on the floor. The practitioner will use their fingers and thumbs to apply pressure to specific points on the body's energy pathways, known as meridiens. They often use other techniques such as rocking, stretches and joint rotations.

Shiatsu treatment is holistic, addressing the whole body rather than focusing on the one area where symptoms are most obvious.

A shiatsu session usually lasts between 45 minutes and an hour.

What Is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is designed to help atheletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training.

But you don't have to be in the Olympics to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. This is the type of sports massage that you see in the spa.

What Happens During Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.

There are four types of sports massages:

* pre-event sports massage -- a short, stimulating massage 15 - 45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the exertion.

* post-event sports massage -- given within an hour or two of the event, to normalize the body's tissues.

* restorative sports massage -- given during training to allow the athelete to train harder and with less injury.

* rehabilitative sports massage -- aimed at alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health.

When Should I Get A Sports Massage At The Spa?

A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific problem -- a tender knee from running, for instance. It is also be a good idea to see a movement therapist, who can help you identify and correct the movement pattern that might be causing your injury in the first place.

The therapist generally focuses in on the problem area -- a frozen shoulder or pulled hamstring, for instance -- rather than giving you a thorough full body massage.

Sometimes men who are new to the spa are more comfortable getting a sports massage because it sounds more masculine. That's fine, even if they don't have an injury.

No matter what type of massage you choose, the therapist should check in with you about what your needs and expectations are for the massage.

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage promotes relaxation, soothes nerves and relieves strained back and leg muscles in expectant mothers, particularly in the second and third trimesters.

What Happens During Pregnancy Massage?

A pregnancy massage differs from traditional massage in a few different ways. First, the massage therapist will take extra care to make sure your body gets the cushioning and support it needs.

When you’re lying on your back, there will be pillows underneath your knees and shoulders. If you’re far along in your pregnancy, you might be positioned in a semi-reclining position, where you’re looking at the wall instead of the ceiling.

Pregnancy massage also uses special bolsters with a deep cutout in the center so you can lie face-down comfortably. You can also have your back massaged during pregnancy by lying on your side, with pillows under your head and between your legs.

A pregnancy massage should be very soothing and relaxing in style. Deep tissue work and abdominal kneading should be avoided.

Pregnant women should also avoid Jacuzzis, hot springs, mineral springs.

The Health Benefits of Massage

Are you feeling guilty about getting a massage? Does it seem too self-indulgent? Actually, massage has many important health benefits.

Massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your wellness routine.

The Health Benefits of Massage

* Massage calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.

* Massage reduces tension and anxiety.

* Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

* Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.

* Massage prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms.

* Massage therapy can also help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.

Contraindications For Massage

* You shouldn't get massage if you have a fever, infections, inflammation, osteoporosis and other medical conditions.

* If you have any questions about whether a massage would be right for you because of an existing medical condition, ask to speak to a massage therapist before you make your appointment.

Planning A Romantic Spa Getaway

A friend of mine planned a romantic spa getaway with her husband but wound up disappointed. Once they checked into the spa, they never saw each other again until it was time to pay the bill!

If you want to make sure you really get the romantic spa experience you're looking for at a resort spa or destination spa , ask these questions BEFORE you make your reservations.

* Do you offer couples massage?

Romantic spas (even day spas ) have special treatment rooms big enough for two people to get a massage at the same time. This service is often a good way to introduce men to massage .

* Do you have a couples suite? What amenities does it have?

The most romantic spas have lavishly equipped couples suites where you get your treatments together and lounge in private for a while afterwards. These suites are packed with amenities like fireplaces, pedicure chairs, steam showers and lounging beds. They can be indoor, outdoor or even have both indoor and outdoor rooms. A good example is the VIP Suite at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York. In smaller spas or day spas the couples suite might just be a large treatment room.

* Can we get massage in our room?

Some spas, like The Watermark in San Antonio, Texas and The Cliff House in Ogunquit, Maine, have oversized rooms or spa suites big enough to bring two massage tables in for couples massage in your room. It’s the ultimate in romantic privacy.

* Does your spa have a co-ed waiting area?

Romantic spas have a co-ed lounge where you can meet in your robes before and after your spa treatments . This is especially romantic if they have a cozy fireplace or Jacuzzi, like the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. If the waiting areas are completely separate, you might not see your beloved after you say goodbye at the front desk.

* Do you have any romantic spa packages or services aimed at couples?

Some spas, like The Spa at Harbour Inn in St. Michaels, Maryland have special services aimed at couples. You Order a “Bath Before Bed” – a rose petal bubble bath with candles and a bottle of Champagne -- and enjoy the view by night.

If you’re not sure where you want to go, surprise your loved one with a spa gift certificate.

More Tips For Enjoying a Romantic Spa Stay

If it's your first time at the spa , read up on spa etiquette , spa treatments , different types of spas and saving on your spa vacation.

Spa Travel Tips

A spa vacation is a significant investment. What can you do to make the most of your spa vacation? Here are some spa travel tips that will help you have a spa vacation that meets all your expectations.

* There are several different types of spas . Make sure you understand the differences between a destination spa , which offers an all-inclusive "immersion" experience, and a resort spa, which allows you to sample as much or as little of the spa experience as you want.

* Find out exactly what the property means by “spa.” You may be thinking a multi-million dollar facility, and they’re thinking a Jacuzzi and one treatment room. Look for photos on their website. Find a description of the facilities, including the number of treatment rooms.

* Book your spa treatments when you make your reservations. Don’t wait until you get there! If you wait, you may not get the times or treatments you want…and on weekends you might have a hard time getting in at all.

* If the spa has lots of classes and programs, check their schedule when you’re making your spa treatment appointments. If there is a lecture or class you really want to attend, make sure there are no scheduling conflicts.

* If you want to get the rest and renewal benefits of a spa vacation, try to stay at least three nights.

* If you’re going to a destination spa like Canyon Ranch, stay at a less expensive b & b or motel the night before, then head over in the morning to get a full day of activities in . They’ll let you stash your bags and use a locker til check-in time. You can use the same strategy on the way out.

* If it’s a destination spa with lots of programming, remember, you can’t do everything. Don’t try. Pick a focus based on what you need – pampering and pleasure; health and wellness; spiritual journey, or fitness – and let that guide your choice of activities.

* Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled treatment so you don't have to rush. Take advantage of the lavish facilities that most destination spa and resort spas have, including saunas, steam baths, and hot and cold plunge pools.

* If you are pregnant or have any other medical condition, let the spa know so they can suggest proper treatments. Pregnant guests should avoid any treatments that involve heat or otherwise raise body temperature.

* Consider taking a fitness class or getting a good workout prior to having a treatment.

* Leave your cell phone and pager behind when you go to the actual spa. A ringing cell phone in the spa is rude to others and defeats the purpose for you. Try to give yourself a break from the outside world.

Tips For Enjoying Your Massage

massage is supposed to be a soothing, relaxing experience. So why do so many people arrive at 1:30 for a 1:30 massage? You should be in your robe already! And if you arrive late, in a frenzied state, you might as well have not come. Get there early is the most important tip for enjoying your massage. But there are plenty more. (Hint -- don't eat a big sausage sub right before you get there, and be sure to speak up if you don't like the pressure.

Here are some tips adapted from the American Massage Therapy Association to help you enjoy your massage.

* Be receptive. Don't eat just before a massage session.

* Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax.

* If you don't want to remove all your clothing, discuss it with the therapist. Wear what you will be comfortable in that will allow the therapist to work on the areas of your body that need it.

* Good communication is very important. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you want from the massage. During the massage session, Speak up if you have any feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume, or lighting.

* Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. In general you should do whatever you feel like, and the massage therapist will follow your lead.

* Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize this is happening, remind yourself to breath.

* Try not to tighten up during the massage. Let your massage therapist know if this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.

* If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more "body-centered" and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

* If anything happens during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.

* If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast.

* Drink extra water after a massage.

* Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session if possible. Sometimes one needs a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session or needs some "re-entry" time.

Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.

Spa Week's Bargain Spa Treatments

Spa Week is famous for its $50 spa treatments. Here's what you need to know to get in on it.

What Is Spa Week?
Spa Week is a promotional event where participating spas offer select spa treatments for just $50.

When Is Spa Week?
Spa Week takes place in the spring and the fall in many of the U.S. and Canada's major markets. The next Spa Week is October 15-21,2007 for cities and states outside the West Coast. The West Coast Spa Week took place September 17-23, 2007. You can sign up for my newsletter to make sure you don't miss the next Spa Week in the spring.

Where Is Spa Week?
Spa Week takes place at over 400 spas in 22 markets, including New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Virginia, Baltimore, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Miami, Denver, Minnesota, Toronto, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle.

Can I Get Any Treatment I Want for $50?
No. Each spa chooses the treatment they want to offer. It could be a body polish, a facial, microdermabrasion, or massage.

Why Do Spas Participate in Spa Week?
They want you to try the spa, enjoy your experience, and then come back and pay full price. Sometimes the spa offer treatments like microdermabrasion or light therapy that are best done as a series and they're hoping you will go for the series. Not every spa in your city will participate.

How Do I Get the $50 Spa Treatments?
You have to register at Spaweek.org to get access to the listings. They go up a few weeks before Spa Week is set to begin. Log in, then click on your city or state to see a list of participating spas and the treatments they offer. Once you see a treatment you want, call the spa directly to make your reservation. The spa will ask for your credit card number to secure the reservation.

What If I Cancel?
Cancellation policies vary, so check when you're booking your treatment. If you let them know early that you need to cancel or reschedule, it shouldn't be a problem. If you cancel at the last-minute or don't show up, you will be charged.

Is there a limit to the Number of $50 Spa Treatments I Can Try?
No. You can try as many treatments as you want. But your body has limits. Don't get two facials or two microdermabrasion sessions in one week. It's not good for your skin. Instead, try treatments that complement each other like facial, a body treatment, and a massage.

How Much Should I Tip?
Tip on the full value of the service, not on the $50 you're being charged.

Buying A Spa Gift Certificate

Spa gift certificates are a great gift idea for many of the biggest holidays. Almost everyone loves to be treated to a luxurious day at the spa. But there are a few things you should know before you buy a spa gift certificate so you don't get burned.

Where can I buy a spa gift certificate?

The easiest solution is to buy SpaFinder gift certificates (Buy Direct) , which can be redeemed at more than 3,500 spas worldwide. SpaFinder gift certificates are transferable and have no expiration date when purchased online.

It's a good last-minute option becuase they let you print out a gift card, and the actual gift certificate arrives a few days later. You can also send an email to announce the spa gift certificate is coming.

If there is one particular spa you want to send your wife, mom or sweetheart to, you can buy as gift certificate directly from the spa. This way you can choose a specific treatment or package instead of a dollar amount.

How much should I give?

The minimum is usually $50 but most people give $100-$150 to make sure the recipient gets one substantial like a massage or facial.

What should I look out for?

Most individuals spas have a one-year expiration date on their spa gift certificates. If an individual spa goes out of business, you're out of luck. Also, just because a spa is listed on SpaFinder's website doesn't mean it accepts the gift certificates. Look at the listing very carefully if there is one spa you have your heart set on.

Should I include a tip on the spa gift certificate?

It's a nice gesture and easy to do when you're buying from an individual spa. Some spas won't allow SpaFinder gift certificates to be put towards a tip. You can always enclosing an extra 15-20% in cash and indicate it is for tips.

What spa treatments can you get with a spa gift certificate?

Prices vary depending on the spa, but this is typical:

$50 - $75: spa manicure, spa pedicure or waxing.
$75-$125: massage, facial or body treatment.
$125 - $150: Specialty massage like a hot stone massage.
$150-$250 -- Two services at most spas.
$250 and up -- Half and full-day packages

What if she doesn't use the whole amount on spa treatments?

She will get a store credit she can spend on products ranging from nail polish and candles to expensive robes and jewelry. If it's substantial she can come back another time.

Can he get a cash refund?

Spas won't give refunds on gift certificates.

What if I want to buy an expensive overnight stay at the spa as a gift? Can I do that?

Many destination spas and resort spas, including Red Mountain Spa in Utah and Miraval in Arizona, accept SpaFinder gift certificates (Buy Direct) . You can buy a substantial dollar amount and let the person pick which spa they want to go to. If you have a particular spa and length of stay in mind, call that spa and ask how much it would cost.

Be sure and check for limitations. Canyon Ranch Lenox in Massachusetts only lets you use up to $500 of SpaFinder gift certificates towards a stay.

You can also buy the gift certificate directly -- and may have to if you want a particular spa that doesn't participate in SpaFinder like Lake Austin Spa Resort.

What happens if they don't use up the entire amount?

Again, the person will get the unused amount as a credit. For maximum flexibility on a large gift, break the amount into several large gift certificates -- four $500 gift certificates instead of one $2,000, for instance.

What if it gets lost?

If SpaFinder gift certificates are lost, it's like losing cash. This is a fairly common policy at spas, but you can check with an individual spa to see if they have a different policy.

The Hottest Spa Deals Now

Looking to save on your trip to the spa? Here are the hottest deals going right now at resort spas , destination spas, and day spas. Be sure to check if tax, tip, and meals are included. Also, there might be restrictions and limited availability.

Arizona


- JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix is promoting its new luxury Revive Spa guest rooms with the Escape! Relaxation package. It includes one night's accommodations, four spa treatments, breakfast for two and a Revive Spa CD. From $859 Nov. 20, 2007 - Jan 6, 2008.

- Miraval Resort, the destination spa in Tucson favored by Oprah Winfrey, has a "Relax and Be Merry" package. Stay three nights and get a fourth night free, Mon. - Thurs. through December 31, 2007. Rates start at $595 per person, per night, and include all meals and activities, one spa service or round of golf up to a $110 value per person, per night, and round-trip transportation from Tucson Airport. Book with the code E4THNT.

California

- Silverado Resort in Napa, Ca., has a Spa Girl Package that includes suite accommodations (for double or triple occupancy), a 50-minute spa treatment, breakfast, tennis, Silverado canvas tote and VIP wine tasting at William Hill Estate for $230 per person, per night Mon. - Thurs. and $250 Fri. and Sat.). Includes tax and gratuity. Valid from Nov. 18 through March 31, 2008.

- Four Seasons Silicon Valley at Palo Alto has a "Luxurious Low-Tech Yoga Retreat" the second Friday of each month through December, 2007. The package includes deluxe accommodations, a 60-minute spa treatment, two yoga classes, breakfast at Quattro Restaurant, use of the fitness center and roof-top swimming pool, and late Saturday checkout of 4 p.m. The one-day retreat is $300 (single occupancy).

Nevada

- Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas has rooms from $149 for most dates in December, with a great view of the Strip and access to a 35,000 sq. foot spa.

New York

- Emerson Resort & Spa in Mt. Tremper, New York, has a two-night Ladies of Luxury package for two that includes accommodations, breakfast and dinner (at the new Phoenix Restaurant or the Emerson, massage, facial, body polish and pedicure for $1450 in the Lodge, $1900 in the Inn (double occupancy). Includes all taxes and service fees. Valid Sunday-Thursday only.

- Skana, The Spa at Turning Stone in Verona, New York, offers $200-off per couple when you book an all-inclusive spa package of three nights or more and mention the Spa Magazine discount. Bookings must be made by April 1, 2008, and travel must be completed by Dec. 30, 2008.

Pennsylvania

- The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spain Hawley, Penn., has a Midweek Retreat where you get a $300 credit per room when you stay two or more nights midweek, Sunday through Thursday. With the Extended Break, stay three nights and get the fourth night free. Midweek rates start at $350 per person (double occupancy) and include all meals and classes.

Texas

- Lake Austin Spa Resort, a destination spaoutside Austin, has a Fall Free Nights Special. Get one additional night free on any three-or four-night package or two additional nights on any five-night or more package until Feb. 8, 2008. Offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers.

Virginia

- The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Va., has a "Spa Escape" for $222 per person, per night with accommodations at The Williamsburg Lodge (double occupancy) and one spa treatment per person. Two-night minimum Fri-Sat. Good through Dec. 31, 2007.

Best Cheap Destination Spas

Are you looking for a cheap destination spa? There are plenty to choose from, as long as you don't mind modest accommodations.

At these cheap destination spas, prices include meals and classes, which are extra at most resort spas .

Spa treatments are included in some packages at these budget spas, or you can buy them "a la carte". Spa treatment prices are less expensive than at luxury spas because the facilities are more modest. Prices at the cheap destination spas on this list start at $750 per person per week for people who bunk four-to-a-room at Tennessee Fitness Spa in Waynesboro, Tennessee.

Best Cheap Destination Spas

Birdwing Spa in Litchfield, Minnesota. Just 70 miles from Minneapolis, this cheap destination spa is set on 300 acres with a private lake. Lots of hiking, biking and canoeing. Guests stay in a chalet or a converted red barn with guest suites. 320-693-6064

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa, Jesmond, Clinton, British Columbia, Canada. If you like horseback riding, this is the spa for you. This is a working ranch where you can help collect eggs, or go get a Thai treatment. 250- 459-2386

Fitness Ridgeis a weight-loss spa in St. George, Utah, with a serious hiking program on 1,200 calories a day. 20 comfortable motel-style rooms in a brown cinderblock building with an outdoor pool. 888-870-2639.

The Heartland Spa, Gilman, Illinois.. Just ninety miles south of Chicago, this health and fitness retreat is set on a 32-acre in farm country. Features include a spring-fed lake and a High Ropes course. Once a dairy farm, this spa offers quaint accommodations. 815-683-2182

Hills Health Ranch, 108 Mile Ranch, British Columbia.. Situated in the middle of 20,000 acres of ranchland, this spa specializes in weight loss, hiking and horsebeack riding. 800-668-2233.

New Age Health Spa, Neversink, New York. This is a friendly, rustic destination spa in the Catskills, just two hours from New York City. 800-682-4348. Read my review of New Age Health Spa.

The Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, California. This is a converted inn right on Ojai's main drag, with a real weight-loss focus. It's about a 90 minute drive from Los Angeles. 800-753-6257

Tennessee Fitness Spa, Waynesboro, Tennessee. . Located 95 miles from Nashville, in the lush woods of Tennessee, this is a small, cheap spa, especially if you bunk four to a room. Everyone gets a fitness evaluation and goes on a 1200-1400 calorie diet. Chalet-style accommodations are simple. Closed December to early March. 800-753-6257

Copperhood Spa, Shandaken, New York. Set right on The Esopus river in the Northern Catskills, near Woodstock, this well-kept inn offers lots of outdoor activities and classes.

Deerfield Spa in the Pocono Mountains in Stroudsburg. Pennsylvania., This small, homey spa on 12 acres in the Pocono Mountains has a weight loss focus. It accommodates just 33 guests at a time. Closed November through early April.

Spa Eastman in Montreal, Canada.Forty-four rooms are spread over seven pavilions It has many packages, including a three-night "naturopathic package" that includes a naturopathic consultation, hot stone massage and body treatments.

What Does A Massage Cost?

The cost of a massage will vary, depending on three factors:

* where you live.

* whether it's a day spa , resort spa or destination spa and how luxurious the spa is.

* the type of massage you're getting.

Massage Costs Start At $75 an Hour

The cost of a Swedish massage generally starts at $50 for a half-hour and $75 for an hour at a day spa in small cities. The cost is higher in larger cities, generally starting around $90 for a one-hour Swedish massage.

It may be slightly less if you see a massage therapist in their home, or you're in a very small market.

Massage Costs More At Overnight Spas

A massage costs more at destination and resort spas. Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin Texas, for instance, charges $105 for a fifty-minute Swedish massage.

Prices are highest at a luxury hotel spa like The Spa at Mandarin Oriental in New York City, where a Swedish massage lasts eighty minutes and costs $305 plus tax and tip. Remember, however, that part of what you are paying for is access to their luxurious facilities. Take your time and enjoy them!

Specialty Massage Costs More

Specialty massages like aromatherapy or hot stone are generally more expensive than a Swedish massage. Aromatherapy massage generally starts at $90 in a small city and $130 in a large city.

A hot stone massage starts at $115 in a smaller city and can run to $160 or higher at a luxury spa in a major city or at an overnight spa. It usually takes longer, and the therapist has to prepare and sanitize all the stones she uses.

Tax is usually added on top of the price, and it's good [link url=http://spas.about.com/ tip 15 to 20%. You sometimes can save a little money by going to a massage therapist at their home, where you aren't expected to tip. But you won't get to enjoy the spa experience, with robe, slippers, and steam rooms.

Spa Bargains - Keeping Costs Low

Massages at most spas start at $90 and facials at $75 and higher. Many states have a service tax, and a tip of 15-20% is good spa etiquette. Is there any way to get these services more cheaply?
The biggest savings to be had is by going to a school where massage therapists or aestheticians are trained. A facial might be $25, a massage $40. But it won't offer a "luxury" experience, and their skill level will not be as high as a practiced professional.

Massage therapists and aestheticians who work out of their home usually have lower fees than a full spa. They don't usually charge tax or expect a tip. Again, you won't get luxury amenities that make a spa an "experience".

Destination spas have lower prices in their off-season -- summer in Tucson or winter in Lenox, Mass. Check their web sites for particulars.

How Much Does a Day Spa Cost?

Prices at the day spa will vary, depending on a number of factors:

* Where do you live? Prices in big cities or major suburbs are usually higher.

* How luxurious is the spa? The more luxurious the amenities, the higher the prices.

* Is it a resort or hotel spa ? Their prices are the highest. Get your money's worth by scheduling time to relax and use the facilties.

Typical Prices At Local Day Spas:

* A one-hour Swedish massage is $75 to $90.

* A specialty massage like hot stone is more expensive, around $115-$125. It may also run a little longer.

* A basic European facial is usually $70 to $90. Adding special masks and serums will make it more expensive.

* A half-hour salt scrub is $55. A longer body wrap will cost $80-$110.

* A spa manicure is $25 - $35. A spa pedicure is $45 - $55. Spa nail services should have extras like scrubs, masks and paraffin dips.

* Spa packages combine more than one service, such as massage and facial. Longer packages often include lunch. Prices typically start at $150-$200 and go up from there.

What To Remember About Day Spa Prices:

* These prices don't include tax or tip.

* A 15-20% tip is appreciated at most day spas.

* Some resort/hotel spas charge service fees of 18-20%. In that case, you are not expected to tip.

* Prices at individual spas may be lower or higher than these typical prices. Check your local day spa's prices before booking an appointment.

Saving on Your Spa Vacation

Want to save money on your spa vacation? Here are a few tips for getting the best deal.

- Look at the the hottest spa deals to find the best deals I've uncovered right now.

- Make sure you know what type of spayou're staying at and what's included. Is the price just the room, or does it include meals, exercise classes and a credit toward spa treatments?

- Travel off-season. In the Northeast, rates are lower in the winter, higher in the summer. It’s the reverse in the Southwest and Florida.

- Stay mid-week for the lowest rates. Destination spas usually have a three-night minimum. A Thursday night arrival will cost more than a Sunday night arrival.

- Look for special packages like Girlfriend Getaways, but add up the costs a la carte to make sure you're really getting a good deal. Sometimes it's just another way to package things at "rack rate."

- If there is a particular spa you want to experience, visit its website. It will let you know about any special savings programs.

- Look at destination spas that are known for good value, like the Tennessee Fitness Spa in Waynesboro, Tenn., or the New Age Health Spa in Neversink, NY. They are rustic, but offer a healthy holiday at an affordable price.

- Some spas are copying the airlines with “frequent spa-er” programs. Lake Austin Spa Resort's Monarch Club lets you earn credits towards future stays.

- Deals are always changing. Go to Spa Finder Best Buys to find some of the deals offered through its member spas – everything from free spa treatments to discounted rooms to additional nights.

What A Spa Trip Costs

Just because you're staying at a spa doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. There's a huge range in the pricing at overnight spas.

A week-long stay in a room for four costs $750 per person at Tennessee Fitness Spa, one of many budget destination spas.

At the ultra-luxurious Golden Door near San Diego, a week-long stay would set you back nearly $8,000. And you can find spas at every price between.

Here are the factors that will affect how much you spend on your spa trip:

- How far am I traveling? Spas are so popular now that there's usually one within reach. Take a weekend spa getaway near home and save on travel. If you want to have a more unusual experience half-way across the country, airfare adds to the cost.

- How long do I plan to stay? Most destination spas have a minimum stay of two or three nights and it might go up to a week.

- What's included in my package? Most destination spa rates include meals, exercise classes and sometimes spa treatments. Most resort spas are a la carte -- you pay for room, meals, classes and treatments separately. Some add daily resort fees or fees for access to spa facilities.

- How much luxury do I need? If you're willing to share a bare bones room that you won't be in much anyway, the price goes way down. Motel-style rooms and rustic settings will be cheaper than plasma TVs and Frette linenes.

- What part of the country am I in? The places that aren't considered great spa meccas, like Maine, Michigan and Ohio, tend to have spas with more competitive prices.

- Do I want to make my spa vist on weekends in peak season? You can always get a better rate if you can time your stay mid-week in low season. Look for hot spa deals.

- Am I traveling in a group? If there are enough of you, you can probably negotiate a group rate.

- How many spa treatments do I want? Spa treatments are more expensive at destination and resort spas than your average day spa, so budget accordingly. And you may want more services than are included in your package. If you want more, book them before you go.

- Do I want extra services like medical evaluations or smoking cessation, available at spas like Canyon Ranch Lenox? These highly specialized services will drive your bill up considerably.

Spa Code of Conduct

When you walk through the doors of your favorite spa, sit down in the massaging pedicure chair and stick your feet into the water that isn't quite the right temperature, do you say anything to your therapist?

What about if you walk into a treatment room for your hot stone massage and the music is too loud? If the stones are too hot, do you just lie on the table and grin and bear it?

You should speak up and communicate your preferences in all these situations, according to A Spa "Code of Conduct" developed by The International SPA Association and Resort Hotel Association.

The Spa Code of Conduct spells our you rights and responsibilities as a spa guest so you have a more satisfying spa experience.

Here is the Spa Code of Conduct:

As a Spa Guest, it is your responsibility to:


- Communicate your preferences, expectations and concerns
- Communicate complete and accurate health information and reasons for your visit
- Treat staff and other guests with courtesy and respect
- Use products, equipment and therapies as directed
- Engage in efforts to preserve the environment
- Adhere to the spa's published policies and procedures


As a Spa Guest, you have the right to:

- A clean, safe and comfortable environment
- Stop a treatment at any time, for any reason
- Be treated with consideration, dignity and respect
- Confidential treatment of your disclosed health information
- Trained staff who respectfully conduct treatments according to treatment protocols and the spa's policies and procedures
- Ask questions about your spa experience
- Information regarding staff training, licensing and certification

Spa Etiquette: Everything You Wanted To Know But Were Afraid To Ask

First-time spa-goers have a lot of anxiety -- especially about getting undressed in front of a stranger. The staff is there to make you comfortable and guide you through the experience. And most people enjoy it so much they come back. But here are a few tips and answers to questions about going to the spa.

First, get there early. Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can change into your robe...longer if you want to enjoy the facilities.

Will you have to take off all your clothes for a massage? For a traditional Swedish massage, the answer is usually yes, but modesty is always protected. And there are forms of massage where you stay clothed

Will men get aroused? The therapist uses a non-sexual form of touch called therapeutic massage, and it should be deeply relaxing, not arousing.

What if it hurts? The therapist is there to give your body what it needs. If the pressure is too much-- or too little -- speak up.

How long can I lie on the table after the treatment? Usually they need the room for the next person, so you should be up within five minutes. There's usually a lounge or meditation room if you need more quiet time.

If you're getting a facial, you will be asked about your home care routine and products will be recommended. Don't feel pressured to buy.

How much should I tip? A tip of 15 to 20% for good service is appreciated. If there was a problem, let the desk know. If you have a spa gift certificate, ask if the tip was included. If not, leave a cash tip.

It's great if you can make massage and facials a regular part of your life. If you really like the experience, consider scheduling another appointment.

Ten Things Not To Do At The Spa

*Don't arrive for a 2 p.m. spa appointment at 2 p.m. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in, change and relax, or earlier if you want to enjoy the steambath and sauna.

* Don't spend your spa treatment talking about your problems at work, with your husband, your kids. You're just stressing yourself out.

*Don't work out and then show up for your massage all sweaty. It's not nice for you or the therapist.

* Don't hop into the Jacuzzi and then go straight to your massage or facial. Rinse the chlorine off right away. It's not good for your skin.

*Don't talk on your cell phone in the meditation room (or locker room, or anywhere in the spa.) It disturbs others and keeps you from relaxing.

* Don't treat the staff like they're servants and you're the Queen. You won't get their best work.

* Don't expect miracles. You won't permanently get rid of all your muscle tension in one massage.

* Don't rush off right after your treatment. To get the most out of it, you need time to rest afterwards.

* Don't forget to tip.

* Don't go have a big heavy dinner with wine right after a massage. Take it easy and drink plenty of water.

What Is Sensual Massage?

Sensual massage is another way of saying that the massage will include sexual contact. Don’t expect to get a sensual massage at a spa. The massage therapists who work at spas are trained in therapeutic massage, which is based on Swedish massage techniques.

It is a breach of spa etiquette to ask for sex as part of a therapeutic massage. If you do, the massage therapist will explain that is not the purpose of this massage and continue working. If you persist, they will end the massage.

Massage therapists tell me that men usually ask for sex in an indirect fashion by directing them "work higher" when they get to their thighs or "work lower" when they massage their chest. They also ask the therapist to remove the sheet or ask if the therapist does "extras." None of this is appropriate -- or legal -- in a spa setting.

At home, you can incorporate massage techniques into your lovemaking. A very good book for learning massage techniques at home is "The Joy of Sensual Massage," by Jack Hofer. This is a fully illustrated book that teaches you how to give a massage to someone at home. Hofer points out, however, that the main purpose of massage is to relax the body, whereas sex excites it. It's best if you approach massage as an end in itself, not merely as a prelude to lovemaking.

Massage oil is an essential part of your home massage toolkit, but you don't have to spend a lot of money on some special "sensual massage oil." A nice, inexpensive choice is sweet almond oil, which costs just $7 - $8 for sixteen ounces.

Will Massage Hurt?

One of the most common questions newcomers have about massage is: "Will massage hurt?"

The important thing to remember is that, as the client, you're in control of the pressure. Most massage therapists will ask at the beginning of the massage what kind of pressure you like, and you can indicate then that you want a relatively light touch. If the massage is painful, ask for less pressure.

But some people have the idea that if it hurts, it must be "good for them." In fact, pressure that is too intense can cause the body to stiffen and resist, while some gentle styles of massage like craniosacral therapy can produce profound release and realignment in the body.

If you're afraid of pain, get a Swedish massage and ask for light pressure. Other gentle types of massage include lymphatic drainage, reflexology, and cranio-sacral therapy. Energy-based work like Reiki and Polarity Therapy uses extremely gentle touch.

However, some people enjoy the more intense pressure of a deep tissue massage. And if a massage therapist is trying to undo long-term problems and using trigger point therapy , there might be some discomfort. Other types of massage that might involve some discomfort include myofacial release, Shiatsu, and Rolfing. Even if you choose these "deeper" therapies, speak up if the sensation is too intense.

Choosing A Massage Therapist: Male vs. Female

When you make an appointment for a massage at a spa, the receptionist will usually ask if you prefer a male or female therapist.

No matter what sex they are, massage therapists are highly trained professionals who set clear boundaries in the treatment room. This includes maintaining a professional demeanor and using draping techniques, where only the part of the body that is being worked on is exposed.

Both men and women, however, tend to prefer female therapists. Since male therapists aren't as popular, anyone who doesn't have a preference will likely get booked with a male. Some of the reasons people prefer female therapists include:

- People feel vulnerable with their clothes off, and want the option that feels "safest."

- Women think their bodies aren't perfect, and fear a male therapist might be judging them.

- People are worried the massage will be sexualized. Men are afraid the male therapist is gay, and women are worried he isn't.

- Many hetereosexual men find a woman's touch pleasant -- even when it's not sexual -- and find it easier to relax.

However, many experienced spa-goers don't care whether the therapist is male or female. They're already comfortable with the routine, and know the most important factor is the skill of the therapist, not their gender.

In addition, some experienced spa-goers actually prefer male therapists. Male therapists often have more strength, which can be helpful with deep tissue massage, which helps break up longstanding muscle tension.

Tips For Enjoying Your Massage

A massage is supposed to be a soothing, relaxing experience. So why do so many people arrive at 1:30 for a 1:30 massage? You should be in your robe already! And if you arrive late, in a frenzied state, you might as well have not come. Get there early is the most important tip for enjoying your massage. But there are plenty more. (Hint -- don't eat a big sausage sub right before you get there, and be sure to speak up if you don't like the pressure.

Here are some tips adapted from the American Massage Therapy Association to help you enjoy your massage.

* Be receptive. Don't eat just before a massage session.

* Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax.

* If you don't want to remove all your clothing, discuss it with the therapist. Wear what you will be comfortable in that will allow the therapist to work on the areas of your body that need it.

* Good communication is very important. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you want from the massage. During the massage session, Speak up if you have any feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume, or lighting.

* Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. In general you should do whatever you feel like, and the massage therapist will follow your lead.

* Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize this is happening, remind yourself to breath.

* Try not to tighten up during the massage. Let your massage therapist know if this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.

* If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more "body-centered" and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

* If anything happens during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.

* If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast.

* Drink extra water after a massage.

* Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session if possible. Sometimes one needs a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session or needs some "re-entry" time.

Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.

Nudity and the Spa

First-time spagoers are often anxious about taking their clothes off for a massage. So, what's the story with nudity at the spa?

* You change into a robe and slippers in the locker room. Sometimes there are private changing rooms, and sometimes not.

* Many spas have steam, sauna, and hot tubs in the women and men's changing areas. You can go nude, wrap yourself in a towel, or wear a swimsuit.

* When it's time for your spa treatment, the therapist picks you up in the "meditation room" and takes you to the treatment room. The therapist leaves the room, giving you time to hang up and your robe and slip between the sheets on the massage table. The therapist will knock before entering.

* You are nude during the massage, but always covered with sheets. Only the part being massaged is exposed.

* You can wear underwear if you want to.

* European spas, like the spas in Germany are more relaxed about nudity. They don't use elaborate draping techniques, and men and women typically take steam and sauna baths together, nude.

* There are styles of massage like Thai Massage or reflexology where you stay fully clothed.

*If you're uneasy about nudity at the spa, think twice about getting a body treatment like a salt glow or a Vichy shower . You are more likely to be exposed at some point.

* Many spas offer disposable panties for the body treatment. Sometimes they're optional, and sometimes the spa requests you wear them.

* Some spas request you wear a swimsuit during hydrotherapy treatments.

Spa Etiquette: Stripping and Tipping At the Spa

Here are some spa etiquette tips to help you make the most of your visit to the spa.

• Turn off your cell phone when you arrive.

• Arrive at least 20 minutes before your spa appointment so you have time to check in, change into your robe and slippers, and relax.

• Get there even sooner if the spa has a steam room, sauna or hot tub. It will help relax you before your massage. Shower off the hot tub's chlorinated water before your spa treatment.

• A hot shower can also relax you before your spa treatment and make it more enjoyable.

• Massage is usually done nude, but you are covered with a sheet at all times in American spas. Only the part being massaged is exposed.

If you’re more comfortable keeping your underwear on, that’s fine. You can also try Thai Massage or reflexology , where you stay fully clothed.

• If you schedule two treatments together, get a massage before your facial. , A body treatment should go before your massage.

• If you’re uncomfortable with anything during your treatment – the pressure, the music, the temperature -- speak up. The therapist will make an adjustment.

• You can talk during the treatment or stay quiet, as you choose. The therapist will follow your lead.

* If the therapist says, "Take your time getting up," that usually means a few minutes. It's not an invitation to take a nap.

• Don’t forget to tip 15%-20%. If you were given a gift certificate , ask if the tip was included.

First Time At The Spa

Is it your first time at the spa? Relax! This article will walk you through the basics.


If going to a spa for the first time makes you nervous, you're not alone. Many people have their first spa experience when they get a gift certificate to a day spa . Some people don't even use the gift certificates because they're anxious about what will happen and the finer points of spa etiquette !

The biggest area of concern is taking your clothes off for a massage. Don't worry! Modesty is always preserved during massage . You can keep your clothes on for certain types of massage, like reflexology . And the truly shy can always get a facial or a spa manicure and pedicure.


When It's Your First Time At the Spa

* Ask for a tour before you book an appointment. The spa may or not be able to accommodate you, but it's fair to ask. Here's how you can tell if it's a good spa.

* When you book your appointment, tell them it's your first spa visit. They should take time to answer any questions you have.

* Feel free to ask questions about which spa treatments would be right for you. The most popular are massage, facials, body treatments and spa manicures and pedicures.

* When booking your spa treatment, they will ask if you have a preference for a


What Happens At The Spa

* Arrive at least 15 minutes earlier, more if you want to enjoy facilities like hot tubs and steam rooms.

* Check in at the front desk and remind them it's your first time.

* You should be shown where your locker is and how it works. This should have a lock on it. If they haven't already given you a robe and slippers, they are inside.

* Change and enjoy facilities that help you relax for your treatment, like the steam shower, sauna or hot tub.

* A hot shower before your massage is always a good idea. It's essential if you've had a dip in the hot tub. (You need to shower off the chlorine.)

* Go to the waiting room (sometimes called a meditation room) a few minutes before your treatment is scheduled to start.

* The therapist will come and pick you up when your appointment is scheduled to begin and escort you to the treatment room.

* In the room, the therapist will instruct you in how to get on the table -- face up or face down -- and leave the room.

* If you're getting a massage, you will take off your robe, hang it on a hook, and get underneath the towel or sheets.

* The therapist will knock before reentering. Here is more about what happens during the massage, and how to get the most from your massage.

* At the end of the treatment the therapist will leave the room while you put your robe back on, and wait outside for you to emerge.

* You can return to the meditation lounge to rest, or proceed to your next treatment.


Types of Spas

There are several different types of spas . The most common is the day spa . Here are tips on how to choose the right day spa for you and make the most of your trip to the day spa .

Other first-time spa-goers have their first spa experience on vacation, at a resort/hotel spas . Resort/hotel spas come in a wide range of sizes and styles, from small private inns like The Harbour Inn in St. Michaels, Maryland, to the lavish, sprawling resort spas in Hawaii.

People who are interested in weight loss or jump-starting a health lifestyle often choose destination spas that offer an all-encompassing spa experience. Examples are Lake Austin Spa Resort or Canyon Ranch.

Saving At The Spa

Spas provide wonderful, nuturing experiences, but they aren't usually cheap. Here are articles on what you can expect to pay at the spa and how you can save on your spa vacation. Here are a few more thoughts on finding bargains at the spa. And there are many affordable destination spas.

Spa Safety and Sanitation

How can you tell if a spa provides a safe, sanitary environment? One of the best ways to take a tour. (Just ask politely.) Keep your eyes open for “red flags” that indicate unsanitary conditions in the spa.

* Look at drains in wetrooms and showers. They should be clean and free of hair.

* Look to see how implements are cleaned between uses.

* Look at wet rooms and body treatment rooms. If a facility is not scrupulous in cleaning, these rooms that will show it.

* Make sure all wraps being used are disposable or completely sanitized after each use.

* Ask if pedicure equipment and hydrotherapy tubs are self-sanitizing or find out how they are sanitized.

* Look for double dipping – a real no-no. This means that the technician uses an implement to take product out of a container, puts it on the client, then sticks it back in the container. This contaminates the product.

* Make sure hand and foot bowls are being cleaned between uses.

* Make sure wax pots are clean and watch for double-dipping. A new spatula should be used each time more wax is taken out of the pot.

In evaluating a spa, feel free to ask the right questions before you book an appointment. And it’s also important to observe how you and other customers are treated, which will indicate whether you will have a good spa experience.

These are among the guidelines The Spa Association in Fort Collins, Colo., uses to license spas. Spas with the “Spa Secure” logo have been inspected to see that they meet the highest health and safety standards.

Choosing A Spa: Destination Spa Vs. Resort Spa

When you're taking a spa vacation, the most important choice is between a destination spa and a resort spa.

Destination spas are a select group of spas where the whole emphasis is on wellness and personal growth. Spa purists love destination spas.

Resort spas are far more common. The resort spa is an amenity alongside traditional vacation pleasures like rich food and wine, golfing, even gambling. It's good for the casual spa-goer, family vacations, weddings or business meetings.

Go to a destination spa if you want:

- An all-encompassing spa environment where the whole emphasis is on getting healthy, finding new energy and getting inspired.
- An adult environment.
- A sense of camaraderie and an atmosphere where it’s easy to get to know people.
- A supportive environment for recovering from major life events.
- Lots of programming, including exercise classes, hikes, meditation, and lectures on health and personal growth.
- Healthy food. Most don't serve alcohol and some don't serve caffeine.
- Pricing that includes room, meals, classes, lectures and usually some spa treatments.

Examples of great destination spas include Golden Door in California, Red Mountain Spa in Utah, Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas and The Lodge at Woodloch in Pennsylvania.

Some resort spas like The Spa at Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona and Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in California are becoming more like destination spas by offering hiking and exercise classes without charging extra. But typically resort spas charge for classes, and don't have nearly as much programming. Spa treatments are an "a la carte" amenity to your larger vacation.

Go to a resort spa if you want:

- Spa treatments as part of your overall vacation experience.
- To spend time with your family.
- A particular vacation spot, like Hawaii or Scottsdale.
- To spend just one-two nights. Most destination spas have two-three night minimums.
- Particular amenities such as golfing, tennis, or lots of swimming pools.
- To drink, eat rich food or gamble.
- To go to the spa while your partner, mate or kids do something different.
- To relax instead of taking lots of classes.


Examples of great resort spas include The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, The Spa at Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvana, and The Watermark Hotel & Spa in San Antonio, Texas.

How To Choose A Destination Spa

At destination spas, the whole environment is geared towards fitness, healthy eating, relaxation and renewal. But destination spas come in a wide range of prices and personalities.

Canyon Ranch Lenox is a sprawling resort with fabulous facilities and more programs and classes than you could possibly attend. The Cal-A-Vie in Vista, California, is a small luxurious inn. The New Age Health Spa in upstate New York is rustic and modest but has a gorgeous yoga studio.

It's important think about what you're looking for in terms of facilities, price, amenities, and special programming.

Questions To Think About When You're Choosing A Destination Spa

- Do you have a special interest or goal like losing weight, detoxing, or revving up your fitness routine? Do you want to go on yoga retreat, learn how to meditate, spend lots of time hiking, or just hang out with a friend and get some relaxing spa treatments? Thinking about what you want will help you narrow down the right spa for you.

- Do you want a restricted calorie environment or all you can eat? Do you want alcoholic beverages or caffeine? Not every destination spa serves them. Find out their policy before you go.

- Do you have a medical issue you want to address? Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Mass. or Tucson are unparalled in terms of their medical programs.

- Do you want an outdoors experience, with hiking and rock climbing? Try The Red Mountain Spa in Ivins, Utah.

- How important is the educational aspect? Find out how many lectures they have and what the qualifications of the speaker are.

- Do you want an intimate atmosphere where it's easy to meet people or is a larger setting acceptable?
Do you want to be in town or in the country? Photos can be deceiving. Find out exactly where the facility is located.
How long do you want to stay? The minimum stay can range from two nights to a week.

- How important is a luxurious room? Some destination spas have basic rooms, on the theory that no one is going to be hanging out there much.

- How important is a luxurious spa facility? Less expensive spas might be somewhat basic. Remember to find out if spa treatments like massage, facials and body treatments are included in the package. You might also want more treatments than the package allows for.


Resources to Help You Choose A Destination Spa

Here are my picks for the best destination spas and the best affordable destination spas. To make the most of your spa vacation, read these spa travel tips.

The Destination Spa Group, made up of more than twenty spas, has three resources to help you choose the right spa for you.

* Call 888-772-4363, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, and discuss what you’re looking for in terms of price, atmosphere and part of the country.

“Destination Spa Vacations” is a glossy travel guide to each of its 25 member Destination Spas for $5.95.

The group also has a website, www.destinationspas.com with photographs, rates, general information, direct links and telephone numbers for all member spas.

Day Spa vs. Spa Vacations

Day spas are growing so rapidly that there are good ones within driving distance of just about everyone. Many people see the day spa as an integral part of their health and beauty routine. They get a manicure every week, a massage every other week, a facial once a month.

For other people, it's a new experience, a special luxury, a rare treat. Many have their first taste of the spa when they get a gift certificate. Either way, the day spa is the place to go for one or two treatments. It's a mini-getaway when all you can take is a few hours.

The destination spa is an all-encompassing experience, and a much bigger investment. It's a great way to jumpstart a diet or make a major lifestyle change in a supportive environment. Major destination spas have nutrional counseling, exercise physiologist to craft a cusomtized program, even smoking cessation programs.

Women are the most enthusiastic spa customers. A destination spa is a great place for mothers and daughters, sisters, girlfriends to go together.

But more spas are aiming programs at men. Destination spas with medical facilities attract them in higher numbers.

If the man in unenthusiastic about the spa experience, The resort spa is also a good choice. He can skip the spa and head for the golf course.

And don't forget the home spa. There are a lot of things you can do to make wellness part of your everyday routine.

Enjoying Your Day Spa Visit

Don't have time to go on a whole spa vacation? A day spa can give you a chance to relax and enjoy some treatments without packing your bags. Here are some ways to make sure you enjoy your time at the day spa.

1. Take care in choosing a day spa. Look for:

* Friendly, nurturing staff, from the person at the front desk to the massage therapists, estheticians, nail technicians, and make-up artists. All therapists should be licensed.

* A quiet, relaxing, well-designed environment. It will usually have soothing music, low lighting, and pleasant aromas.

* Equipment such as hydrotherapy tubs, whirlpool tubs, steam rooms, sauna, steam cabinets, Vichy shower, etc.

* A clean, sanitary environment.

* A menu that explains the treatments and staff that can answer any questions in detail.

* A request for you to complete a medical disclosure questionnaire.

2. Select your spa treatments.

The basic spa treatments are massage, facial, body treatment, manicure and pedicure. A massage will help you relax and get rid of muscle tension. (A Swedish massage is a good place for beginners.) A facial is a deep cleansing of your face, and a body treatment exfoliates and soften the skin on your body. Most spas offers manicures and pedicures, but some small spas don't. You can also combine services -- a massage and a body treatment is a good combination (get the body treatment first) or a massage and a facial (get the massage first.)

3. Choose your therapist.

The quality of the therapist determines the quality of the treatment. Get a personal reference if you can. Also, think about whether you prefer a male or female therapist.

4. Prepare for your spa experience before you go.

* Drink plenty of water before and after services to enhance the benefits of your treatments.

* Don't eat for at least an hour before or after your massage.

* Arrive early so you have time to enjoy the sauna, steam or whirlpool before your treatment. If you get in a whirlpool, shower to get rid of the chlorine before a massage.

* Allow your mind to calm down before your treatment. Most spas have a meditation room that lets you quiet down.

* Although most spas have lockers that lock, you might want to leave valuables at home.

5. Enjoy your spa experience.

* You generally remove your clothes for massage and body treatments, but you are draped with sheets or large towels. (Read more about nudity and the spa.)

* Relax. Take slow, deep breaths before your treatment begins. Envision every muscle in your body relaxing.

* Be open to the experience.

* Communicate with your therapist. If you have any feedback on the temperature or amount of pressure, let them know.

* You can talk or not, as you prefer. The therapist usually follows your lead.

6. Be appreciative.

* When the treatment is over, take time to slowly reintegrate, rather than rushing off.

* A tip of 15% is appropriate.

7. Extend the spa experience at home.

Take care of yourself at home. Most spas sell the products they use. Don't feel pressured to buy, but it's a good idea to get into a skin care routine at home.

Choosing A Day Spa

When choosing a day spa, there's a lot to be said for convenience. Find the day spas in your area, and go pick up a menu of services to see what it offers and its prices. While you're there, ask for a tour. You should be able to look at the changing rooms, though treatment rooms might be off limits.

Observe how you and other customers are treated, which will indicate whether you'll have a good spa experience. Look in the changing rooms to make sure the spa has safe, sanitary conditions.. Hair in the drain? That's a no-no.

Another factor in choosing a day spa is size and atmosphere. Day spas can be as homey as a bed and breakfast or a multi-million dollar facility. See if the spa’s style (and prices) suits you.

Look at the menu of services. Day-spas tend to offer as many services as possible, sometimes small day spas overreach. If you're interested in specialities like Ayurveda or Thai Massage, ask what kind of training the therapists have had. (Preferably more than a weekend seminar.)

If the facility is a medical spa, is it run by a physician? Is there always a physician or registered nurse at the facility? Ask what type of training the technicians have been given to do advanced procedures like laser hair removal or chemical facial peels.

The most important component is the quality of the personnel. A good massage therapist or aesthetician should be able to put you at ease from the start. Some people are more gifted and committed than others. I can feel the difference between the people who are going through the motions and the people who love what they do, and I rebook with the people who do the best work.

Questions To Ask When Choosing A Day Spa

* How long have you been in business?

* Are you licensed by the state? Are all the therapists and technicians licensed?

* What are the benefits of the treatments?

* Are any contraindications to the treatments you are interested in?

* Look over the spa’s intake form. Is it comprehensive?

The Spa Association in Fort Collins, Colo., uses these questions in its spa licensing program. Spas with the “Spa Secure” logo have been inspected to see that they meet the highest health and safety standards.

What To Look For In a Good Spa Experience

How can you tell if you’re going to get a good spa experience? One way is to observe how customers are treated when you take a tour of the spa. Look around to make sure all employees are treating their clients with respect.

*Here are some other things to look out for:

*The therapist should be professional, courteous, pleasant and cleanly dressed.

*The treatment should start on time.

*Therapists should follow your lead in terms of how much talk occurs during the session. They should not discuss their personal problems with you. good but less expensive substitutes. Ask which products are the highest priority.

*Massage therapists should be sensitive to the kind of touch you want in terms of pressure. There should never be a sexual quality to their touch.

*You should not be left alone during body wraps, facial steaming, or hydrotherapy baths. Some spas do this, but the best practice is for the therapist to be with the client at all times, enhancing the service and ensuring your safety.

*Estheticians should ask about your home skin-care routine, but should not make you feel pressured to buy products.

You should feel free to ask questions before, during and after your treatment. And before you book a treatment, you can ask to take a tour to make sure the spa is clean, pleasant and follows good sanitation.

What is Aromatherapy Massage?

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to heal, alleviate pain and regulate mood. Essential oils are a volatile, highly concentrated plant extracts, derived from leaves, bark, roots, seeds resins and flowers. Aromatherapy massage uses these essential oils, but they can also be used in hydrotherapy baths, facials and body treatments.

In aromatherapy massage, essential oils are usually mixed with a carrier oil like sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grapeseed oil. The therapist use up to five oils in a mixture, and chooses the oils based on what you need. A relaxing aromatherapy massage, for instance, might have lavender or bergamot, while a massage for sore muscles might include peppermint and eucalyptus.

Aromatherapy should not be confused with fragrances or perfume oils. Fragrances are often made from chemicals, and lack the therapuetic properties of essential oils. So remember, just because someone lights a scented candle doesn't make it aromatherapy!

What Is Hot Stone Massage?

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.

It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

*Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water.

* The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.

* The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

* If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.

How Much Does a Hot Stone Massage Cost?

A hot stone massage is more expensive than a basic Swedish massage because it requires more preparation and usually runs longer. A typical hot stone massage is $125, but the price can go higher.

What You Need To Know About Hot Stone Massage:

* The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes.

* The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.

* You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense.

* Technique is very important. Less experienced practitioners sometimes use too much pressure.

* Small local day spas might have less experienced therapists. If you have any doubts, ask where the therapist learned hot stone massage, and how long she has done it.

*Hot stone massage was invented in 1993 by Mary Hannigan, a native of Tucson, Arizona. She has trademarked her particular style and calls it LaStone Therapy, but most spas offer their own versions.

Is Couples Massage Right For You?

One of the hottest services at the spa is couples massage. Two people are massaged in the same room, at the same time, by two different therapists. This can be a romantically involved couple, but girlfriends and moms and daughters sometimes like to spend their treatment time together.

What Happens During Couples Massage?

Couples massage is a massage that takes place in a couples suite. At the very least this is a room large enough for two massage tables. Some spas, especially big resort and hotel spas have elaborate amenities for couples with fireplaces, pedicure chairs, steam showers and lounging beds where you can relax together after your treatments. See the couples suite at The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House in upstate New York.

Not every spa, especially smaller day spas , will offer couples massage.

What Are the Benefits of Couples Massage?

Couples massage is a great way to introduce men to massage. Some men are apprehensive about being nude during massage. To have their first massage in the presence of a wife or girlfriend makes it a “safe� experience.

Men usually discover that therapeutic touch is very relaxing and restorative. Once they experience a couples massage, they are more willing to book a massage on their own.

It can also be a good choice if you're traveling with someone you don't get to see often enough -- a sister, girlfriend, mom or best friends -- and you want to spend as much time together as possible.

How Much Does Couples Massage Cost?

The price of couples massage depends on the spa where you get it and is usually double the price of an individual massage. It is at least double the cost of a regular massage. It will start at $200+ at a day spa and can go much higher if you are getting the use of special indoor/outdoor facilities at resort and hotel spas. Tipping at the spa is extra.

Is There Any Downside To Couples Massage?

Some experienced spa-goers find it distracting to be in the same room at the same time with anyone else during a massage. They prefer to get their massage alone and then meet up afterwards.

The potential problems come if you have different expectations and needs during a massage, particularly if one person wants to zone out and the other likes to talk.

It helps if you know how much the other person likes to talk during a massage -- a lot, a little, or not at all -- and whether it's a good match for you.

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as "adhesions.")

Will A Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?

It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.

How Fast Will I Get Results With A Deep Tissue Massage?

It's important to be realistic about what one massage can achieve. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the therapist just pushes hard enough, they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. This just won't happen. In fact, undoing chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.

Finally, while deep tissue is certainly valuable, you should be aware that gentle styles of massage like craniosacral therapy can also produce profound release and realignment in the body.

What Is Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It uses a firm but gentle pressue to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.

Swedish massage employs five different movements:

* long, gliding strokes

* kneading of individual muscles

* friction

* hacking or tapping

* vibration

The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping". One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body.

Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports, deep tissue and aromatherapy

Indigenous Treatments At the Spa

Indigenous treatments are a spa trend that highlight local ingredients and therapeutic traditions -- ruby grapefruit scrubs in Texas, blueberry wraps in Maine, Lomi Lomi massage in Hawaii.

Spas use a lot of creativity to come up with these indigenous treatments. At their best, indigenous treatments are deeply authentic, giving you experiences you couldn't have anywhere else, like a highly skilled Lomi Lomi massage by a skilled Hawaiian practitioner. Sometimes they're a little gimmicky, but still fun.

Here are a few examples of indigenous treatments:

* The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa offers a Cactus Flower Wrap that uses prickly pear cactus extract to soften your skin, and a Sedona Mud Wrap that uses local mud to detoxify your body and nourish your skin.

* Hawaiian spas offer Lomi Lomi, a healing type of Hawaiian massage derived from ancient Polynesian traditions. It usually begins with a blessing, and the massage is given with very fluid motions using the forearms.

* Mohonk Mountain House in upstate New York has a Mohonk Red massage that uses towels infused with a witchhazel that only grows in the Shawangunk Mountains.

* The Cliff House in Maine has a Blueberry Body Wrap and Blueberry Smoothie Pedicure and offers hot stone massage with stones it collected from its own beach.

The Cotton House in the Caribbean island of Mustique uses tropical fruits in its Lime and Pineapple Extravanza. Fresh lime is mixed with sea salt for a body scrub, followed by a pineapple, yogurt and honey wrap to soothe and soften the skin.

What Is A Body Wrap?

Originally a body wrap was a treatment where Ace bandages or plastic wrap was tightly wrapped around the body to cause quick weight loss through vasodilation. Now a body wrap is more likely to be treatment where you’re slathered with a body mask made of algae, seaweed, mud, clay, lotion or cream, depending on the treatment, then wrapped for 20 minutes to keep you warm. Later the product is rinsed off. The body wrap usually ends with application of lotion. This treatment is sometimes called a body cocoon or body mask.

What are the Benefits of a Body Wrap?

Body wraps that use algae, seaweed, mud or clay are detox treatments that help rid the body of toxins through metabolic stimulation. Body wraps using shea butter and rich lotions are hydrating treatments geared towards softening the skin.

What Happens During A Body Wrap?

Often a body wrap begins with exfoliation through dry brushing or a salt scrub. You down on whatever you will eventually be wrapped in – often plastic or mylar, but sometimes towels or sheets. I think it’s best when a massage therapist does the body wrap, because they naturally incorporate massage techniques as they apply the product. (An esthetician, on the other hand, is simply rubbing product on the skin.) Once the product is on, you’re wrapped to stay warm, usually for 20 minutes. Oftentimes the therapist leaves the room, but sometimes they stay and give you a scalp massage (much better, in my opinion!)

When the time is up, you’re unwrapped and the body mask has to come off. This is why they often take place in wet rooms, equipped with a shower, wet table, or Vichy shower. You might either jump in a shower or the therapist will rinse you off with a handheld shower or a special Vichy shower that feels absolutely fabulous. It’s like taking a shower lying down. Then you dry off, and there’s usually an application of lotion to moisturize your skin.

Things To Watch Out For With a Body Wrap

* Don’t expect a body wrap to be a massage. You can get both treatments – body wrap and massage -- or look for signature treatments that include scrub, body wrap and massage.

* If you have claustrophobia, this may not be the right treatment for you.

* You might be left alone during the treatment. If that bothers you, ask before you book the service.

What Is a Salt Glow?

A salt glow (also known as a salt scrub or sea salt scrub) is the most popular body treatment at the spa. The primary purpose of a salt glow is to exfoliate your skin.

A salt glow also hydrates your skin because the salt is combined with oil and usually some aromatic like lemon, lavender, or even figs. (Spas can get very creative here.) The salt glow is followed by a shower and an application of body lotion, and leaves your skin feeling very soft and fragrant.


What Happens During a Salt Glow?

A salt glow usually takes place in a wet room. Depending on the spa, you might be laying on a massage table covered with a towel or sheet or a thin piece of plastic, or you might be lying on a wet table. You might be offered a pair of disposable underwear.

As you lay on your stomach, the therapist rubs a mixture of sea salt, oil, and aromatics like lemon or lavender into your skin. Then you turn over and she does the other side. Usually, you are draped with a towel, and only the part she is working on is exposed.

When she’s finished, you’ll step into a shower to rinse off all the salt. Don’t use shower gel – it’s good to keep the oil and aromatics on your skin. If the spa is doing the treatment on a special wet table, the therapist will either rinse you off with a hand-held shower, or turn on a Vichy shower, a special six-headed shower that is parallel to the table. There is something very wonderful about getting a shower laying down, or having someone bath you, and I highly recommend it. Both of these feel fabulous!

You can get a salt glow on its own, but often it’s the first step in a body wrap , often a seaweed or mud wrap. That’s because exfoliation prepares the skin for products like seaweed or algae that detoxify the body by stimulating circulation through vasodilation of blood capillaries.

You can also combine a salt glow with a massage. I recommend getting the salt glow first because it is stimulating, whereas the massage calms you down. Sometimes spas have signature treatments that combine both services – salt glow and massage.

Sea salt is fairly abrasive, and some therapists have a heavier hand than others. Individuals also differ in their skin sensitivity. If it feels too harsh, be sure and speak up.