RULES OF SPA ETIQUETTE
To maintain a peaceful environment for everyone, most spas
follow a standard set of social "do's and don'ts."
|
Rule |
Description |
|
Arrive Early |
Aim for 15–30 minutes before your appointment. This
gives you time to check in, change and start relaxing in the lounge so you
aren't rushing. |
|
The "Spa Voice" |
Keep conversations to a low whisper. Most people are there
for silence; avoid loud talking in common areas or treatment rooms. |
|
Digital Detox |
Phones should be turned off or left in your locker. Even
"vibrate" mode can disrupt the peace. Many spas ban photography to
protect guest privacy. |
|
Showering |
It is polite to shower before your treatment to ensure
your skin is clean for oils or lotions. However, wait a few hours after
to let the beneficial oils soak in. |
|
Communication |
Speak up! Tell your therapist if the pressure is too hard,
the room is too cold, or if you have a specific injury. They want you to be
comfortable. |
|
Gratuity |
Standard tipping is usually 15–20% of the service
price. Some spas include this in the bill, so check your receipt first. |
SPECIFIC TYPE OF TREATMENT FOR YOUR CURRENT STRESS LEVELS
To choose the right treatment, it’s helpful to match the
technique to the specific "flavour" of stress you’re feeling. Stress
isn't just one feeling—sometimes it's a racing mind and other times it's a
physically aching back.
Here is a breakdown of the most common treatments and which
one might be your best match:
1. Swedish Massage
Best for: Someone who is
"burned out" and needs to completely zone out.
The Experience: This is
the classic spa massage. It uses long, gliding strokes and gentle kneading.
It’s designed to relax the entire body rather than "fix" a specific
muscle injury.
Stress Level: High mental
stress, low physical pain.
2. Deep Tissue Massage
Best for: Someone who
carries their stress in their body (the "my shoulders are up to my
ears" crowd).
The Experience: The
therapist uses slow, firm pressure to reach deeper layers of muscle and
connective tissue. It can be slightly uncomfortable during the process but the
relief afterward is immense.
Stress Level: High
physical tension and "knots."
3. Hot Stone Massage
Best for: Someone who
feels cold, anxious or has trouble "settling down" on the table.
The Experience: Smooth,
heated basalt stones are placed on specific points of your body and used as
extensions of the therapist's hands. The heat helps muscles relax much faster
than touch alone.
Stress Level: High anxiety
or "fidgety" stress.
4. Aromatherapy Massage
Best for: Someone looking
for an emotional or sensory reset.
The Experience: A Swedish
massage combined with essential oils. You might choose lavender for
relaxation, eucalyptus for mental clarity, or citrus for an
energy boost.
Stress Level: Emotional
exhaustion or "brain fog."
What to Expect During your visit
Check-in: You’ll fill out
a brief health form (disclosing allergies or pregnancies).
The Locker Room: You’ll be
given a robe and slippers. You can choose to wear your underwear or go nude
under the robe (most people wear swimwear if using the pool/sauna).
The Wait: You’ll be
escorted to a "Quiet Room" or "Relaxation Lounge" with tea
and water until your therapist calls you.
The Treatment: For
massages, you will undress in private and lie on a table under a sheet. The
therapist will only uncover the specific body part they are working on (this is
called "draping").
The Aftermath: You’ll
likely be encouraged to drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins released
during the massage.
PROS & CONS: SPA as Stress Reliever
While spas' are famous for relaxation, they might not be the
perfect solution for everyone’s stress.
PROS
The Pros (The "Ahhh" Factor)
Cortisol Reduction:
Massage and heat therapies (saunas/steam rooms) are scientifically proven to
lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost serotonin.
Better Sleep: Treatments like hydrotherapy or deep tissue massage can improve sleep quality by relaxing the central nervous system.
Physical Tension Release: Chronic stress often manifests as "armour" in the shoulders and neck; professional bodywork physically breaks down these knots.
Forced Disconnect: It is
one of the few places where you are physically unable to check emails or social
media, providing a true mental reset.
CONS
The Cons (The "Wait" Factor)
High Cost: Regular spa visits can be expensive, which might ironically create financial stress for some.
"Post-Spa Slump": Some people feel "spacey" or groggy after a treatment, making it hard to return to work or errands immediately.
Social Anxiety: For those uncomfortable with physical touch or being in swimwear/robes around strangers, the experience might feel more awkward than relaxing.
QUICK SELECTION GUIDE
|
If you feel... |
Choose... |
|
"I just want to be pampered and sleep." |
Swedish Massage |
|
"My neck is a rock and I have a tension
headache." |
Deep Tissue |
|
"I feel heavy, cold, or emotionally drained." |
Hot Stone |
|
"I need a mental 'refresh' button." |
Aromatherapy |
A Note on "The Steam Circuit"
If the spa has a Sauna, Steam Room, or Cold Plunge,
consider doing these before your massage.
Sauna/Steam: Opens pores
and pre-relaxes muscles so the therapist can work deeper.
Cold Plunge: Boosts
dopamine and reduces inflammation.
DAY SPA VS MED SPA
DAY SPA: "The Mental Escape"
A Day Spa is designed for pure relaxation, pampering and
holistic wellness. Think of it as a sanctuary from the outside world.
The Vibe: Dim lights,
soothing music, aromatherapy and plush robes. The focus is on the experience
and sensory comfort.
Best Services for Stress:
Massages: Swedish, Deep
Tissue, or Hot Stone.
Facials: Standard
"glow" facials focusing on hydration and relaxation.
Body Wraps: Using mud or
seaweed to detoxify and soften skin.
Why Choose This: You need to unplug,
quiet your mind, and soothe general muscle aches.
Who Staffs It: Licensed
massage therapists and estheticians.
MED SPA: The "Results Clinic"
A Med Spa is a hybrid between a traditional spa and a
medical clinic. It is focused on results-driven treatments that provide
long-term changes to your appearance or skin health.
The Vibe: It feels more
"clinical" but still upscale. You’ll often have a formal medical
consultation before any treatment.
Who Staffs It: Medical
professionals (Nurses, PAs or Doctors) who operate under the supervision of a
Medical Director.
Best Services for Stress:
Medical-Grade Facials:
Using chemical peels or microneedling to treat specific issues like acne scars
or deep wrinkles.
Injectables: Botox or
fillers (sometimes used for stress-related issues like jaw clenching/TMJ).
Advanced Technology: Laser
hair removal, body contouring (CoolSculpting) or skin tightening.
TIP:
To make sure you don't walk into any surprises—especially
regarding your comfort or your wallet—it’s smart to ask a few clarifying
questions. Most reputable spas are happy to answer these over the phone or via
chat.
Here are the high-value questions to ask before you book:
The Financials
"Is the gratuity (tip)
included in the price?"
Why: Some high-end spas
add a mandatory 18–22% service charge. Knowing this upfront prevents an
awkward moment at the checkout counter.
"What is your
cancellation policy?"
Why: Spas usually require 24
to 48 hours’ notice. If you wake up sick or stressed by a work deadline,
you want to know if you'll be charged the full amount.
The Experience &
Amenities
"Do I have access to the
amenities (sauna, pool, steam room) with my booking?"
Why: Some spas allow you
to stay all day if you book one service; others charge an extra "facility
fee."
"Is there a quiet room or
a lounge for me to use before and after my treatment?"
Why: If the spa is small
and "in-and-out," you won't get that "zen" relaxation time
you're looking for.
The Physical Comfort
"Do I have a choice of
therapist gender?"
Why: If you feel more
relaxed with a female or male therapist, you should specify this during the
booking. Your comfort is the priority for stress relief.
"Are the rooms
soundproofed or separated from the lobby?"
Why: There is nothing
worse than trying to relax while hearing the front desk phone ring or people
chatting in the hallway.
The Treatment Details
"Can the treatment be
customized for my specific needs?"
Why: For example, if you
book a Swedish massage but have one very tight knot in your neck, ask if they
can spend 10 extra minutes on that specific area.
"What brand of products
or oils do you use?"
Why: If you have sensitive skin or allergies (like nut oils), this is a safety essential.
PRO-TIP:
Pro-Tip: The "New Client" Discount
Always ask: "Do you have any specials for first-time
guests?" Many spas offer 10–20% off or a free "add-on" (like
an aromatherapy upgrade or a foot scrub) to welcome new clients.
Even if the spa provides the basics, bringing a few personal
items can make the transition from "stressed professional" to
"relaxed guest" much smoother.
Here is your essential Spa Day Checklist:
The Essentials (Pack
These)
Swimwear: Even if you
aren't a "swimmer," you’ll need this for the sauna, steam room or hot
tub. Bring a plastic bag to put it in afterward so your other clothes don't get
wet.
Hair Tie/Clip: Essential
for keeping your hair out of oils during a massage or away from your face
during a facial.
Skincare Basics: Most spas
have soap but you may want your own moisturizer or face wash to use after the
steam room.
Contact Lens Case/Solution:
If you wear contacts, they can get dry or uncomfortable in a sauna. It’s often
nicer to take them out and wear glasses until your treatment.
The "Level
Up" Items (Optional but Great)
A Book or Kindle: Since
phones are usually discouraged, a physical book or e-reader is perfect for the
relaxation lounge.
Clean Underwear: You’ll
likely be wearing a robe or spa-provided disposable undergarments. Having a
fresh pair for the trip home feels much better.
Brush or Wide-Tooth Comb:
"Massage hair" is real! You’ll want to detangle before you leave.
What to Leave at Home
Jewelry: Necklaces and
earrings have to be removed for treatments. It’s easy to lose them in a robe
pocket or locker—better to just leave them at home.
Valuables: While lockers are usually secure, you’ll relax more if you aren't worried about your laptop or expensive watch.
Heavy Make-up: