Frequently Asked Questions
Who goes to a spa? Aren’t they just for the wealthy to get pampered?
How do I find the right spa for me?
Are all spas co-ed? Will members of the opposite sex be sharing facilities?
What can I expect to pay?
What should I ask for when I book my appointment?
When should I arrive?
What should I wear?
Can I bring my child or my pet to the spa?
Pre-treatment tips.
Do I have to talk during my treatment?
Why am I asked to turn off my cell phone or Blackberry at the spa?
Is it OK to drink alcohol during my spa visit?
Can I buy the products used during the treatment?
How long can I stay?
What is considered proper spa etiquette regarding tipping/gratuities?
My spa experience was not what I expected or was unsatisfactory. What should I do?
Before you go
While spas may have had a reputation as havens for the wealthy to be pampered, that misconception is rapidly being dispelled. ISPA research indicates there were more than 111 million spa visits made in the United States in 2006, and the spa lifestyle is appealing to virtually everyone. Women continue to represent the majority of spa-goers; however, men account for approximately 30% of spa-goers, and teenagers are quickly incorporating spa visits into their lives as well.
With an increased emphasis on wellness, people are recognizing the health benefits of regular spa visits as a way to aid in treatment of health concerns and as a preventative measure as well. Proper pedicures can assist diabetics, massage treatments can reduce stress, facials can help those with acne and the simple act of going to the peaceful atmosphere of a spa can help everyone relax and unwind. Stress is at the center of many illnesses.
For those who think spas are expensive, it’s important to note that spa experiences range dramatically in price. You may wish to invest in a spa getaway to a destination spa, book a vacation at a resort spa, seek a physician’s services at a medical spa or plan a lunchtime visit to your neighborhood day spa. Whatever you choose, explore the vast array of spa treatments available and select what best suits you and your budget. Be sure to inquire about the amenities your spa offers and take advantage of them. Extend your spa visit by relaxing in the steam room, sauna or mineral pool. Or simply lounge in the peaceful ambiance of the relaxation area, enjoying a cup of herbal tea and a magazine.
Make your spa experience extraordinary, regardless of your budget.
Q: How do I find the right spa for me?
A: Do your homework. Start by reading ISPA's How To Choose a Spa. If you are confused about the difference between day spas, destination spas, and club spas review their definitions to determine which spa experience is right for you.
After you’ve determined the type of spa you want to visit, call the spa and ask them all your questions before you arrive. Professional spa operators will be happy to answer your questions and put you at ease.
Most spas are coed but all have separate facilities for men and women (locker rooms and showers, specifically). However, it is likely that you will encounter the other gender in common areas such as rest areas, dining areas, reception, patios, etc. Some spas are same-sex only, or reserve certain days of the week or times of day for each gender. Check with your intended spa for their specific practice.
Q: What can I expect to pay?
Spas are for everyone and they are affordable. Just as you can find a hotel or restaurant at various price points, you can also find a spa experience in any price range. Nearly all spas list their prices online or simply ask the cost when booking your treatment over the phone.
Q: What should I ask for when I book my appointment?
Spas offer a menu of services that describes each treatment and its therapeutic value. Also check out ISPA's full glossary of spa terms. Becoming familiar with the service you are having performed will make you more comfortable.
At the time of booking, express whether you prefer a male or female therapist and also ask about the spa’s cancellation policy.
Q: When should I arrive?
It’s a good rule of thumb to arrive 30 minutes prior to your treatment in order to check in and begin decompressing. It’s also important to ask a spa’s tipping policy at the front desk when you arrive. Spas have different policies on tipping, but generally it is accepted. Some spas automatically include the tip on the bill as a service charge.
Upon arriving at most spas, you will be given a tour of the changing and relaxation areas. You also will typically be provided a locker key, robe and a pair of slippers for your use while visiting the spa. While those robes are fluffy and the slippers are comfy – they are not yours! Please leave them in the changing room. Typically, there are designated areas for which to discard them such as baskets or shelves. Most spas offer their robes and slippers for purchase in their retail areas.
Q: What should I wear?
Spas will never compromise your modesty. Most often, you will be given a robe to change into before your treatment. Under the robe? It’s up to you. Therapists will only expose the portion of your body that is being treated at the time. If your treatment involves water therapy, such as watsu, a swimsuit is appropriate. If you are having a Thai Massage, wear loose, stretchy clothing. If you are having a treatment for the first time, feel free to ask the spa staff how you should be dressed.
It’s best to remove your jewelry before a treatment or leave it at home. You’ll also want to remove hats, caps, etc.
Some spas, typically resort spas, have facilities and activities for kids to enjoy while the adults are enjoying their spa experience. The key here, however, is the separation of the kids from the adults. Spas are havens of rest and relaxation for adults; just like cell phones, Blackberries and laptops, children do not always complement the peaceful environment. Check with the spa Web site or call the front desk for each spa’s guidelines on the subject.
Regarding pets, most spas recommend you leave them at home unless they offer specific treatments for pets. Of course, assistance animals are usually the exception.
- Spas may have saunas and pools in their relaxation areas. If you are unsure if you may use these facilities, just ask the spa staff.
- Shower fresh. To allow products to absorb well, it is recommended that you take a brief shower at the spa before your treatment.
- Spas are meant to be relaxing and quiet. Cell phones, pagers and loud conversations are not appropriate. And, leave your PDAs in your spa locker or at home. This is your time to be away from outside distractions.
- Most spas are co-ed, but offer separate changing facilities for men and women.
Water and light snacks are provided in the relaxation room of most spas.
During your treatment
Q: Do I have to talk during my treatment?
It’s entirely up to you. If you have questions or would like to talk, certainly do so. The staff takes their cues from you. If you’re quiet, they will be too.
Your therapist may leave your treatment room for a few moments (once or twice during your treatment) either to mix up a product or to let you relax. They should let you know before they leave the room and make sure you are comfortable with your surroundings.
If your therapist’s touch is too rough or too light – speak up! They are there for you and their goal is to provide you with a perfect spa experience. Also, tell your therapist if the temperature of the room bothers you, the music is too loud, etc. If you have a particular injury or physical condition, explain it to the therapist. They can suggest the appropriate adjustments or enhancements to treatments.
If you feel uncomfortable at all during a treatment, tell the therapist and then leave the room. You should then speak with the spa director or manager and tell them what you were feeling.
Spas provide an atmosphere of peace, tranquility and gentle comfort; they are a place where you can set aside all the noise and rush of the world outside, allowing you to relax and enjoy your spa experience.
While you may wish to remain connected to the outside world by having your technology with you, it is disruptive to other guests seeking a quiet respite. The sound of a cell phone ringing or someone speaking on their phone can jolt them out of their quiet meditation.
Out of respect for others and to ensure you have the most enjoyable spa experience, most spas will request you turn off cell phones and pagers for the duration of your visit.
Additionally, spa etiquette requests you speak quietly, close doors gently and respect the soothing environment of the spa. Loud noises are distracting and disruptive in a spa environment.
While some spas may offer alcoholic beverages on site, it is generally not recommended to drink prior to, during, or immediately after your spa visit for several reasons. First of all, alcohol dilates the blood vessels and the stimulation from your spa treatment, as well as heat you may experience in the steam room or hot tub, will exacerbate intoxication and your spa experience will be less pleasant. Secondly, toxins in your body naturally release during spa services (hence the recommendation to drink LOTS of water following a spa treatment) so adding those toxins to alcohol in your bloodstream will only further tax your internal organs.
After your treatment
Q: Can I buy the products used during the treatment?
Although your therapist may recommend products that enable you to continue your spa experience at home, you are definitely not obligated to buy them and should not feel pressured.
Q: How long can I stay?
When your treatment has just ended and the therapist extends an invitation to “take your time getting up” while they leave the room, just how long is it acceptable for one to continue lying there reflecting on the experience? In most instances, the treatment room will be needed in the next 15 minutes or so for the next guest. It is certainly appropriate to take your time while dressing, such as five to 10 minutes. Your therapist will meet you outside of the room and will escort you back to the changing/locker area.
As a spa guest, you are welcome to stay at the spa as long as you like. Relaxation rooms, steam baths and other water features add to the relaxation of lingering. It is recommended to drink a lot of water following a massage to help flush the toxins that were released into your system during the treatment. Spa changing/locker areas are typically stocked with toiletries to help you freshen up before you leave the spa.
Guests may be confused or concerned when checking out of the spa, uncertain whether or not to tip and how much is appropriate. Tipping at a spa is similar to tipping at restaurants – it is discretionary and is appreciated by spa service providers as recognition for a job well done.
Here are a few points to consider:
- The normal range of a gratuity is between 15 – 20% of the total cost before taxes.
- Some spas have a no-tipping policy or the tip is already included in the treatment price. This is often indicated on their brochure or Web site. When in doubt, simply inquire at the front desk or on the phone.
- If you received a discounted price for your spa treatment, it is recommended you tip on the full price of the treatment, recognizing the value of the experience.
- Most spas have envelopes available at the front desk for you to leave a tip. You can write your name, the name of your service provider and a small personal note on the envelope, if you wish.
- If paying by credit card, there is usually an opportunity to include a tip before processing payment. If not, ask the receptionist to add your requested gratuity amount for you.
- If you have services from several different treatment providers, you may wish to leave a tip for each individual or one tip and ask the concierge to divide it among those who administered your treatments.
If you did not have a pleasant experience or felt your spa service was not consistent with your expectations, it’s appreciated if you can politely provide feedback. Speak quietly and privately with the service provider or with the concierge about your concerns rather than simply choosing not to tip. They want you to enjoy your spa experience and will appreciate the opportunity to learn of any shortcomings.
By all means, speak to a manager on site, preferably before you check out. Spa professionals care deeply about customer satisfaction and need to know about areas of concern or needed improvement. By voicing your concern, you will allow the spa to address and correct any issues, and you give them the opportunity to make it right. And of course, a respectful dialogue will always yield best results.
I SPA. DO YOU? SM