Spa Travel Tips

A spa vacation can be a significant investment in both time and money. The following are some spa travel tips to help ensure that your spa getaway meets your expectations.

• There are three types of spas, Day spas, which offer spa services such as message, pedicures, manicures and facials. Resort spas which allow clients to sample as few or as many spa services as they like and Destination spas which provide an all-inclusive spa experience.

• There are a wide range of “spa” facilities some staffed around the clock with a variety of services and equipment while others could be referring to a Jacuzzi and Sauna next to the weight room. Do your homework before committing to a property by finding out what services are available at their “spa”.

• Book your spa treatments when you make your room reservations. In order to ensure that you get the treatments you want, when you want them don’t wait! Weekend services book up early so be particularly aware of that when you plan your spa getaway!

• Some spas offer classes. Coordinate your class schedule with your treatment regiment to make the most of your time at the facility.

• In order to enjoy the benefits of a spa vacation plan to stay at least three nights.

• If you’re going to a destination spa consider staying at a less expensive property the night before then schedule a full day of treatments the following day.

• Destination spas offer many options. Whether your looking for pampering and pleasure; health and wellness; a spiritual connection, or fitness, evaluate the available activities and choose those that best meet your wants and needs.


Enjoying your sessions

• Don't eat just before a massage session.

• Consider taking a fitness class or getting a good workout prior to having a treatment.

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled treatment to enjoy the lavish facilities that most destination spa and resort spas offer. Relax before the treatment begins to ensure the full benefit of the services. Don’t forget to indulge in the other spa facilities, including saunas, steam baths, and hot and cold plunge pools.

• Wear what you will be comfortable in. It will allow the therapist to work on the areas of your body that need attention.

• Before your session, give accurate health information and let the therapist know what you want from the massage. Speak up during the session if you have any feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume, or lighting.

• Whether you prefer conversation or silence you should do what you feel like …a good massage therapist will follow your lead...

• Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. It is not unusual to stop breathing when you feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. Be aware and keep breathing.

• If you tighten up during the massage, let your therapist know. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.

• If you can’t relax during the massage follow the touch of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

• If something happens during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, ask the therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.

• If you are light headed after the massage, take your time getting off the table.

• Drink extra water after a massage.

• Allow yourself quiet time after your massage session if possible.

• If you are pregnant or have any medical condition, let the spa personnel know when you make your reservation so they can suggest treatments. Note: Pregnant guests should avoid treatments that involve heat.

• Leave your cell phone behind when you go to the spa. A ringing cell phone ruins the ambiance for everyone and defeats the purpose for you.

Remember, massage benefits are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly the body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.