Spa Etiquette Basics

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 आईटी?

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

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.

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.

Spa Etiquette: 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.

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.

How to Get the Most From Your Massage

Here are tips on how to get the maximize benefit from your massage.
* Be receptive and open to the experience and trust in the professionalism of the therapist

* Don't eat a heavy meal just before a massage session.

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

* Arrive early to take advantage of a sauna, steam bath or hot tub, which will warm your muscles and make it easier for the therapist to achieve results. If the hot tub has chlorinated water, be sure and shower before your massage.

* Most massage takes place nude but you are fully draped at all times. If you do not want to remove all your clothing, wear clothing that you will be comfortable wearing during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be worked on.

*Good communication is important.

Before the session, let your massage therapist know what your needs are. During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it is from the massage or anything else -- room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc. Feel free to give feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, etc.
*Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.

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

*Deep breathing helps you relax. People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If this is happening, let yourself breathe.

*Tightening up during the massage is counterproductive. Let your massage therapist know if this happens. They can adjust the massage technique or help you relax.

* If your thoughts race, try to quiet your mind by following the hands of the massage therapist. Focus on how the touch feels.

*If anything happens during the massage that seems improper, ask the massage therapist to stop. 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. It helps your body absorb the results.

*Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond.

Spa Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts

Here are some of the most important points of spa etiquette, according to The Day Spa Association.

Arrive at least fifteen minutes early for your appointment, to give yourself time to check in and get into your robe. If the spa has special facilities like steam or sauna or whirlpool baths, you should arrive even earlier to enjoy them.

You will usually undress completely for massage and body treatments, but your therapist will keep your body draped in dry services and only expose area to be worked upon. Some spas use draping in wet treatments like body scrubs, while others do not.

Give the therapist feedback as to your comfort and special troubled areas. You can talk or be quiet, and he she should follow your lead

Relax, enjoy and allow others to care for you.

Understand that you are getting therapeutic massage, which is not a sensual experience.

Don't talk loudly in the public areas.

Do not bring children and leave them unattended.

Gratuities of 15-20% are typical.

If the therapist says, "take your time getting up," it means not to get up so fast that you get woozy. You generally have five or so minutes. The room must be prepared for the next client unless she or he says otherwise.

Give honest feedback to the therapist, owner, receptionist, etc., as operation personnel cares to know if your spa experiences was as expected.