Are you nervous about your first visit to the Spa? Not the first time, but not sure what the proper protocols are? You are not alone.

A spa treatment is an extremely intimate service; sometimes more than going to your doctor. Going unprepared for treatment can make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Since helping a friend at her spa, I have learned what happens and why, and I hope the tips I have prepared will help you get the most out of your spa treatments.

1. Yes, you take off everything for a massage or a body treatment and almost everything for a facial. If you are uncomfortable with that, say something so that the therapist is not surprised. The last thing he wants to do is put oil on your underwear. Our spa has disposable items that you can use, especially if you are receiving a bikini wax.
2. You will undress and dress again. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that are easy to put on and take off.
3. Leave your jewelry at home. Unless you are put in a gown and given a locker, your clothing and jewelry will be in your room during your treatment. Please note that there may not be much space and your jewelry could tip over or be left behind. I can’t tell you how many times a therapist has run to the desk with jewelry that someone forgot. And I have a small collection of strange pieces that have not yet been claimed. Also, it takes time to remove jewelry and put it back on. You only have a limited amount of time. You want to make the most of it.
4. When it comes to a spa, arriving early is being on time. Only a person who is late can alter the schedule throughout the day. The same goes for the end of your service. While it’s okay to relax for a minute before getting up, even cheery, you need to remember that the room needs to be cleaned and prepared for the next customer. Don’t linger.
5. While most spas have a cancellation policy, they will understand if you are sick. You should never go to a spa while you are sick as massage therapy pushes toxins through the body and you will leave feeling sicker, it is not something you want to pay good money for. However, when you cancel, you must reschedule at the same time. If you reschedule, you may not be charged for the missed appointment. I know I don’t know if someone reschedules due to illness or is a regular.
6. Although you will be massaged with oil, you should not leave it greasy. The masseur must rub the oil. Our therapists also apply hot towels, which not only help with the oil, but feel great too. However, your hair will have a bit of oil on it, and if you wear makeup, it will most likely not look the way it did when you arrived. It is better not to use it if possible.
7. Cleanliness is important. Our therapists rub up to the elbows between appointments and use hand sanitizer. While it may seem like common sense to shower on the day of your treatment, I have seen people walk off the beach in bathing suits to wax their bikini.
8. Tips are important to therapists. A good therapist will take your needs into account and personalize your treatment accordingly. Remember that they only receive a part of the fee and have expenses. For example, our staff provide their own sheets and massage oil. If they want scented candles in their rooms, they provide them. Some even offer complimentary extra services like hot stones or aromatherapy for their most valued clients. A 20% tip is customary and must be in cash or check. Many spas transfer credit card fees to staff so tips are placed on the cards. It seems to me that when customers realize this, they bring cash or a check and are happy to do so. Finally, like bartenders, therapists are supposed to earn a certain amount in tips that the state and IRS tax them as income. In essence, this makes a bad tip costly for the therapist.
9. You can speak during your treatment, but you should not feel compelled to do so. This is your moment. When I receive a massage, I prefer to listen to the music and concentrate by relaxing. It’s not often that you have time to yourself without interruptions, so take advantage of it.
10. Now that I said you don’t need to speak, I will tell you to speak. If your therapist is exerting too much or too little pressure, tell him or her. If you have pain in an area you want him to focus on or avoid, let him know. If the cushion under the legs, the headrest or the room temperature is too high or too low, do not suffer. Remember, you are paying for the service and you should get the maximum experience and benefits from spa therapy.

Your spa treatment should be relaxing and completely stress-free. Knowing what to expect and what is expected of you will make your time at the spa more enjoyable. I hope my experience at the spa helps you with yours.