While visiting a spa is the ultimate luxury for regular visitors, it can bring mixed feelings to the first-time goers. However, both groups share the same thing; they are all excited to have a truly indulgent moment at the Spa. However, your experience can be as exciting as you want it to be if you are conversant with a few things to do in a spa and what you should expect before going to the spa.
One aspect that you might be worried about is what to wear to a spa day. Although you may need to follow a certain dress code when visiting specific areas such as restaurants, you don’t need to worry about what to don! Besides, when in the spa, you will spend most of your time in a spa day outfit. Whether it is your first spa visit, or you are a regular customer, we have compiled some essential day tips that spa-goers should know.
Types of Spa Massage
Let us begin with the types of spa massage. We are going to mention the most demanded types among spa clients, describe their peculiar features, and inform for whom every type is recommended.
Swedish Massage
It is a full-body massage treatment, usually done gently. It is suitable for persons who:
- Are opting for massage for the first time;
- Are restless;
- Are sensitive to touch.
Hot-Stone Massage
This one shares a lot of similarities with Swedish massage. In hot-stone treatment massage, the massage specialist utilizes heated stones plus their hands. It is suitable for massage-lovers who want to reduce muscle pain and relax.
Aromatherapy Massage
Preferred by massage-lovers who want to incorporate an emotional therapy element to their massage. The massage psychotherapist applies soft, gentle pressure utilizing essential oils. It acts as a:
- Mood reliever;
- Pain reliever;
- Anxiety and stress reliever;
- Depression symptoms suppressor.
Deep-Tissue Massage
As the name suggests, this involves applying a considerable amount of pressure on the body. It is suitable for persons with chronic muscle issues such as injury, imbalance, or soreness. It helps in the reduction of severe muscle pain, stress, and anxiety. It lasts for 2-3 hours.
Trigger-Point Massage
This treatment is preferred for people with a specific health condition, injuries, or prolonged pain. Sometimes, trigger points (tight areas in the muscle tissues) can elicit pain in other body parts. By concentrating on them, it helps to reduce pain.
Reflexology
It is suitable for persons looking to replenish their natural energy levels. It is also preferred by people who don’t want a first-time nude massage. The specialist massages specific pressure points of your feet, ears, and hands. Normally, it lasts for half an hour to an hour.
Shiatsu Massage
It is best recommended for persons wanting to reduce pain, tension, and anxiety. This kind of massage originates from Japan and aids to:
- Lessens tensions in muscle;
- Enhance physical and emotional tranquillity and relaxation;
- Relieve depression, stress, and nervousness;
- Relieve headache.
Prenatal Massage
It is done on women during the pregnancy period. It relieves pregnancy body pains, eases stress and muscle stiffness.
What to Wear to a Spa Day?
So, what do you wear to a spa? Spa attire isn’t complicated as you might imagine. Clad spa attire that doesn’t wrinkle easily. Remember, when you get to a spa, you will remove them, and, undoubtedly, they will be kept in a locker all day. For instance, you can don a jersey maxi spa dress with a frivolous cardigan. Do not put on jewelry because you will take it off and it may get displaced. Also, don’t forget your tote bag, and wear your flip flops.
What to Bring to a Spa
In your tote bag, put some change spa clothes, your favorite novel, styling products, face fabrics, your beauty necessities, and any other essentials you may require after your spa day comes to an end. The probability is most of your time will be spent in your massage robe, so carry underwear that you will feel at ease wearing. You would also want to pack a bathing suit for a soak in the sauna or hot tub. Rabato features some of the best sales ads for bathing suits and underwear from the JCPenny store. You can purchase one there at a discounted price before going to the spa.
What Do You Need to Know Before You Visit a Spa?
Do your homework! Don’t assume that the spa you are visiting will be the same as the one you visited last time. No two spas are alike. So, please enquire about the spa’s amenities and ensure their services are within your budget. Here are some additional tips.
- If you are booking your service at a hotel spa during your leave vacation, ensure you make your bookings early in order to get an appointment since during vacations, they tend to fill up quickly.
- If you prefer a particular massage therapist (either male/female), make that clear when making an appointment. It might not be possible if you make such demands on arrival.
- Don’t take a heavy meal or a lot of coffee before visiting the spa. It may make it hard to relax on the massage table. Also, it is advisable to visit a loo before the massage starts. You wouldn’t like it when your treatment is interrupted by that irresistible call-of-nature.
- Spas will give you slippers, a massage robe and some will provide you with hand lotion, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryers, etc. Some even provide essentials like mouthwash, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and lots of other extras. However, just like restaurants, spas vary from one another, so during the appointment, inquire what you should carry.
- Some people usually ask, ‘Should I shave before a massage?’ Well, if you have arranged for exfoliation services, don’t shave less than a day or more before your treatment.
- Always arrive earlier (15-30 minutes) before the appointment time to have enough time and get used to the environment of the spa.
Once You Get There…What to Do at a Spa
After registering at the reception desk, tell them it is your first spa visit and request for a quick tour around the facility. If you are going to a larger spa, the employee there will give you a massage robe and slippers so they may request you to change in order to feel comfortable. A hot shower is also recommended to relax the muscles before the treatment.
During this waiting time, the guide will also request you to fill out a medical questionnaire. You will fill out about whether you have any medical conditions, food-grade allergies if you are on any medication, etc.
Before the treatment starts, stretch your body to identify any specific parts of your body that you would like your therapist to target on.
What Is The Cost of a Massage?
The cost varies significantly. However, it ranges from $50-$150 per hour. Some massage therapists expect a 15-20% tip, though some places don’t accept freebies.
Prenatal, aromatherapy, and hot stone massages are relatively costly compared to standard massages. Other massage types such as sports, Thai, and deep-tissue massage may be charged even higher.
Conclusion
Knowing the best outfit to wear to a spa or what to do in a spa isn’t a rocket science thing. It is easy as long as you are conversant with the above tips for spa services. Massage is, undoubtedly, a way for you to feel rejuvenated emotionally, physically, and mentally. Try different types of massage with different therapists and choose the best type and therapist that meets your expectations.
