For people who have not yet visited a spa, the idea might be a bit intimidating. I mean, picture every movie we've seen featuring spas and it's easy to see why someone might get the idea that a spa is a place only for the wealthy, or only to be visited for special occasions. Fortunately in this case, life does not always imitate art. Yes, there are spas where you are not allowed to speak, spas where you walk around in just a robe, spas where you have are expected to pay more than your credit card limit for services but, there are also many accessible spas where you can enjoy some self care on a regular basis, in a comfortable setting.
There are many reasons to visit a spa. Maybe your sick of your feet sticking to the carpet, or your skin is so tight and dry that if you smile, you're afraid you might split your lip. Perhaps, you just want to look your best, or even are just looking for some "me time." Whatever the reason, you have now decided that you need to find a spa that is right for you. Here are some tips on how to figure out which spa is right for you and what to expect once you get there.
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT
1. Ask Friends/ Family
The easiest way to find a great spa is by word of mouth. Chances are, you probably know someone who regularly goes to the spa and would be happy to recommend them to you. Many spas have a referral program as well, so if you do decide to go there, make sure you tell them who sent you and your friend might get a little gift!
2. Do Your Research
Make sure you check out which spas are in your area. Check them out online, see what they have to offer and look for customer reviews. Facebook and Yelp are a great place to start. Be sure to take these reviews with a grain of salt, reading a few good ones and some that maybe aren't so good, so you can get a realistic picture of the establishment. Check out their website. Most websites should give you a good idea of what the business is all about. There should be a mission statement and background on their story. You should be able to get a good feel for the business through these avenues and decide whether their vibe is something you identify with. Make sure the products they use, align with your belief system and do some research on those as well. You definitely want to make sure the skin care line they carry has good reviews if you are planning on having a skin treatment.
3. Ask Questions
Now that you've narrowed down your options, it's time to give them a call or email to ask any questions that you may have. Pay attention to the way they answer your questions. They are there to help and first impressions are everything. If they give you good vibes over the phone or through email, it's time to book your appointment!
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
So now you've made your appointment and you're so excited! You really don't know what to expect and probably have a lot of ideas of how things are going to go. Here are some realistic expectations to have.
1. Come As You Are
Your spa therapist does not care if you have hairy legs or are wearing sweatpants. The spa should be a judgement free zone. It is best if you come without makeup if you will be having a facial, but if you have to, your Spa Therapist will remove it for you. No worries. You can expect that your hair may get a little messy as well, so be prepared for that, no need to have perfectly coiffed hair. If you are having a manicure or pedicure, make sure not to trim your nails beforehand, so your Therapist is able to trim and shape them correctly.
2. Please Be Mindful of Others
Some spas will have a no cell phone policy (only for emergencies), but some spas will just expect you to put your phone on silent once you enter the space, so as not to disrupt any other guests. While in the spa, you should speak with a soft voice, again, only in consideration of the other guests that may be having treatments. If it is your first time, please arrive about 10 minutes early to fill out any paperwork and to make sure you are relaxed in time for your treatment. Make sure you respect your Spa Therapist's time. They always try their best to be on time for you, so they expect the same If you are late, your Therapist will do what they can for you but you can expect your treatment to be shortened, so they don't run behind for their next guest.
3. Communication is Key
Your Spa Therapist will know it is your first time there, so they should definitely explain the process to you prior to the treatment starting. They should also do a thorough intake, going over the form you filled out and asking you questions to try to determine the best course of action during your treatment. Your Therapist should also give you the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns prior to the treatment starting. Likewise during the treatment, if you feel uncomfortable in any way, please make sure to say something to your Therapist. It is their goal to give you a fantastic experience, so make sure you are open with them about how you are feeling. You will be thankful you did!
4. Cancellations
If, for some reason you are not able to make your appointment, make sure to give as much notice as possible. Most spas have a 24 hour cancellation policy, which means that if you give less than 24 hours notice of a cancellation, you will be charged a certain percent of your booked service. This really is only to make sure the spa does not get last minute cancellations, preventing them from being able to fill that spot.
Every spa is different, so it is really important not to judge one spa from the experience at another. As with anything, it is important to do your due diligence when choosing a spa that is the right fit for you. Once you have found a great place, you will begin to build a great relationship with them and once they know what your likes/ dislikes are, they will be better able to serve you. Every spa wants you to come back, so it is every Spa Therapist's goal to give you a consistently fantastic experience. Overall, as long as you've found the right fit for you and managed your expectations, you will definitely leave the spa feeling relaxed, pampered and very well taken care of. Now go book your appointment! You deserve it!