Spa Etiquette
Spa etiquette can be a source of anxiety for first-time spa-goers,
but it's easy once you know a few basics. Here are some basic rules of
spa etiquette to help you know what to expect and feel at ease. For
more information, here's a video on spa etiquette.
Turn Off your Cell Phone.
You can't relax if you're answering calls, checking emails, and texting. And neither can the person next to you. This even goes if you're getting a pedicure. Bring a book or magazine instead.
Arrive On Time.
What time that is depends on what kind of spa it is, whether you've been before, and what kind of experience you want to have. Ten or 15 minutes can be enough for a basic day spa without amenities like locker rooms, robes, steam and sauna. You may need a few minutes to fill out paperwork the first time.
You don't need to get there too far in advance if all you're going to do is take your clothes off in the treatment room. Just leave yourself plenty of time to get there.
There's nothing more stressful than racing to a massage. Better to get there a little early and relax than to get there late and miss part of your treatment.
Get there AT LEAST twenty to thirty minutes sooner if it's a larger, upscale day spa, a resort spa, a hotel spa, or a destination spa. There may be people in front of you, and you need time to fill out paperwork, get a tour of the facilities, change into your robe, and enjoy amenities like a steam room or hot tub.
Ask about the amenities when you make your appointment and think about what you would like to experience.
Time to unwind in the steam room or hot tub? It will help relax you before your massage. A dip in the resort spa's pool before you change into your robe and slippers? An exercise class? There's a lot of variations, so you want to know what the spa offers before. If you get there ten minutes before your appointment, you're just shortchanging yourself.
Take a Shower.
If there's a shower in the locker room, it's nice to use it before your treatment. It will freshen you up before your treatment. This step is especially important if you've spent time in a hot tub or pool, which has chlorinated water. You wnat to get those chemicals off, not have them massaged in.
Speak Up About What You Want.
When you make a massage appointment, the receptionist will generally ask if you male or female massage therapist. If you don't have a preference, you are more likely to get a male as many people prefer female therapists. Massage therapists are trained to respect boundaries and use proper draping techniques, so either should be fine.
During the massage, feel free to speak up on anything you would like to be different -- more pressure, less pressure, quieter music, a blanket if you're cold, turning the table warmer off. Your comfort is the most important thing, and your therapist is there for you.
Stay In Your Spa Nudity Comfort Zone
Massage is usually done nude, but you are covered with a sheet at all times in American spas. Only the part of the body being massaged is exposed. You can keep your underwear on, but it might limit the therapist's access to muscles that could use some work.
If you’re just starting out and know you have some anxieties about being massaged by a stranger, ask the receptionist about treatments where you keep your clothes on.
To Talk Or Not To Talk.
You can talk during the treatment or be still, as you choose. The therapist should follow your lead. If you're not talking and the therapist won't be quiet, you can say something like, "I'm just going to zone out/be quiet/rest for a little while." The therapist will get the hint. In general, try to use a quiet "spa voice" when you talk anywhere in the spa.
Getting Up From the Treatment.
You don't have to jump up instantly, but the therapist likely has another client after you so don't linger too long. Most therapist now say "I'll wait outside the door," so you are aware.
Read the rest of this article by Anitra Brown,
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