Your First Trip to the Spa - What to Do and What to Expect
By A. Aaronson
If you have never been to a spa before, the first time you go can be somewhat disorienting. You may not know how early to arrive or how to act during a massage. You may also be confused about how much to tip for the services you receive. There are many things that may make a first-timer nervous, which can ruin part of the relaxing experience. If you are worried about how you should behave, you may not be able to fully enjoy your massage or facial. It may help you to be better prepared if you know what to expect and what will be expected from you.
At most spas, you should arrive at least ten or fifteen minutes before your scheduled service. This will allow you time to check in and change into your robe. You may want to arrive a little earlier for your first visit, because you will probably have to fill out some paperwork before your treatment. At larger, upscale facilities, arriving early will allow time for paperwork and a tour of the place. You will also want to arrive earlier if the spa offers amenities that you would like to enjoy before your massage or body treatment. For example, some locations have saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpool baths that can help you feel more relaxed before your treatment begins. No matter what type of treatment you receive, you should also turn off your mobile phone. You will find it difficult to relax if your treatment is interrupted by phone calls or text messages.
One of the biggest areas of concern for newcomers is nudity. Most massages are performed while you are nude, and the areas of your body that are not being massaged are covered with a sheet. You may find this uncomfortable at your first visit, and you have every right to keep your underwear on if you want to. If you are afraid that this will detract from the massage, you can ask for a list of treatments that do not typically require nudity. You can stay comfortable in your robe during a facial or a manicure and avoid the nudity factor altogether. You can even get some types of massage, like reflexology, that are performed while you are clothed.
Another possible source of anxiety for your first spa visit is the subject of tipping. You may not know how much to tip or if the tip is included in your bill. Generally, tipping fifteen to twenty percent of your bill is acceptable. Even if you did not fully enjoy a therapist's particular style of massage, you should still tip him or her. Just remember to book an appointment with someone else next time. Some resort, hotel and vacation spas will include a service fee in your bill. In this case, you do not have to tip, but some people still choose to tip extra when they really enjoy their treatment.
During a massage, you can choose whether or not you would like to talk to the therapist. If you prefer to be quiet, your therapist will follow your lead. Throughout the spa, it is customary to use your "library voice", or talk quietly. These tips may help you enjoy your first spa trip and avoid any minor embarrassment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Aaronson
By A. Aaronson
If you have never been to a spa before, the first time you go can be somewhat disorienting. You may not know how early to arrive or how to act during a massage. You may also be confused about how much to tip for the services you receive. There are many things that may make a first-timer nervous, which can ruin part of the relaxing experience. If you are worried about how you should behave, you may not be able to fully enjoy your massage or facial. It may help you to be better prepared if you know what to expect and what will be expected from you.
At most spas, you should arrive at least ten or fifteen minutes before your scheduled service. This will allow you time to check in and change into your robe. You may want to arrive a little earlier for your first visit, because you will probably have to fill out some paperwork before your treatment. At larger, upscale facilities, arriving early will allow time for paperwork and a tour of the place. You will also want to arrive earlier if the spa offers amenities that you would like to enjoy before your massage or body treatment. For example, some locations have saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpool baths that can help you feel more relaxed before your treatment begins. No matter what type of treatment you receive, you should also turn off your mobile phone. You will find it difficult to relax if your treatment is interrupted by phone calls or text messages.
One of the biggest areas of concern for newcomers is nudity. Most massages are performed while you are nude, and the areas of your body that are not being massaged are covered with a sheet. You may find this uncomfortable at your first visit, and you have every right to keep your underwear on if you want to. If you are afraid that this will detract from the massage, you can ask for a list of treatments that do not typically require nudity. You can stay comfortable in your robe during a facial or a manicure and avoid the nudity factor altogether. You can even get some types of massage, like reflexology, that are performed while you are clothed.
Another possible source of anxiety for your first spa visit is the subject of tipping. You may not know how much to tip or if the tip is included in your bill. Generally, tipping fifteen to twenty percent of your bill is acceptable. Even if you did not fully enjoy a therapist's particular style of massage, you should still tip him or her. Just remember to book an appointment with someone else next time. Some resort, hotel and vacation spas will include a service fee in your bill. In this case, you do not have to tip, but some people still choose to tip extra when they really enjoy their treatment.
During a massage, you can choose whether or not you would like to talk to the therapist. If you prefer to be quiet, your therapist will follow your lead. Throughout the spa, it is customary to use your "library voice", or talk quietly. These tips may help you enjoy your first spa trip and avoid any minor embarrassment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Aaronson
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