Spa Trip

How to Choose a Day Spa:

When choosing a day spa, one must begin with convenience. What is nearest to your home or office? Most will offer a menu of services that you can take home to look over, and many will have websites with the same information. If you have a few minutes, ask for a tour of the facility.

Check out their customer service skills and if you can, observe how they treat current customers. One of the best ways to tell if the spa is safe and sanitary is to see the changing or shower rooms. Look for mildew, hair in the drains, and other indications of an unclean atmosphere.

Do you prefer a small, comfy environment or a grandiose and extravagant one? Day spas range in size, and so do their prices, so try to keep that in mind when making a decision. As for the menu of services, look at their variety and scope out something that sounds interesting to you. If the service is extremely specialized, ask the practitioner's training or credentials to assure quality.

Always ask questions. You want to get an overall feel for the spa's quality, atmosphere, and tastes, so do not hesitate to glean more information out of your guides. Ask if they are licensed by the state, and what credentials and licenses the therapists have. If you are unsure about a treatment, ask them what it is and what one may benefit from undergoing such a service.

Be wary if their response does not sound genuine-they may be pulling your leg and be trying to sell you a service based on name, without the quality. The Spa Association has information on safety and health standards available on its website, which can be additionally helpful in making the decision.

Day Spa or Entire Spa Vacation?

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide upon what kind of spa experience is right for you. The most easily-accessible is the day spa, with many within driving distance from a home or workplace.

Many individuals visit day spas regularly, making monthly or even weekly appointments for various treatments. Day spas can also become social events, with groups attending for parties or other occasions, getting manicures, lining up for facials, and enjoying each others' company. For others, the day spa is the ultimate luxury, to be enjoyed sparingly as a reward for a promotion, family event, or birthday. In a minimal number of hours one can be pampered and come back to the working world relaxed and rejuvenated.

With a bigger investment in time and money, one can attend a destination or resort spa. These all-encompassing experiences allow the patron to enjoy a variety of treatments, enjoy healthy food, or even make a lifestyle change in a positive, supportive environment. One can attend a nutritional seminar, get a personal trainer, quit a habit like drinking or smoking, or even rekindle relationships with loved ones with psychologists and family counselors. A destination spa can be enjoyed by individuals, couples, and groups-they are becoming the new favorite place for bridal showers, birthday parties, and Mother's Day celebrations.


For a quick spa experience while on the go for work or family, one can visit a variety of accessible options. If waiting for a plane, stop by an airport spa for an air facial and manicure. If vacationing with loved ones take a breather and stop by the hotel spa for a foot massage or body treatment. The options are endless, and easily-conform to your individual needs, preferences, and situations.

Step by Step Guide to Planning Your Spa Experience:

1. Take care in choosing a spa, paying close attention to the friendliness and knowledge of the staff about the treatments, a relaxing and quiet atmosphere, a clean and sanitary environment, a clear menu which explains treatments and their benefits, and licensed therapists and estheticians.

2. Select your treatments. The basics are a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure, and body treatment. Read about your options and don't hesitate to ask questions. Some treatments can be combined, so you can get a pedicure while enjoying a cleansing facial.

3. Select your therapist. You should research therapists before plopping down the credit card. The quality of your treatment is determined by your therapist, so first try personal references. If you prefer a male therapist over female, or vice-versa, be sure you specify.

4. Before going to your treatment: If getting a massage, don't eat for at least an hour before jumping on the table. The movement of muscles may cause discomfort for your stomach. Drink water beforehand since some treatments may dehydrate the body. Arrive early so you aren't hastily rushed into the treatment. Take time to enjoy the atmosphere, sip cool water, or enjoy the other amenities like a sauna or lounge. Some spas offer meditation rooms so you can quiet the mind before enjoying your treatment.

5. Enjoy your experience! For massages and most body treatments, the therapists and masseurs will likely have you remove your clothes and get wrapped in a large towel or sheet. Don't worry! They leave the room while you get cozy under the cotton on the comfortable table. Try to relax. This is an enjoyable experience, so it helps to clear the mind and take slow, deep breaths beforehand. Feel free to talk to your therapist and let them know if something is uncomfortable, you are too warm or cold, or what they are doing is causing irritation.

6. Thank your therapist! They will appreciate your gratitude, and try to tip them 15% before rushing off.