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Neophyte Know-how

My maiden voyage to a spa was a multigenerational affair that included my two daughters, ages 16 and 31, thanks to the eldest who urged us to join her when she cashed in a spa gift certificate. As neophytes, we shared the first-time spa question: "Do we really take all our clothes off?" That question was soon replaced, however, with: "Wow! This is so wonderfully self-indulgent!" We had use of the entire facility, so after our massage treatments and facials we relaxed by the outdoor pool and enjoyed a healthy lunch. If we had planned ahead we could have added an exercise class to our day. The whole experience was gentle, exotic, respectful, relaxing and therapeutic. It was also a monumental day in bonding for us three women, since my eldest daughter announced to us she was expecting her first baby.

If you are new to day spas, use the following spa etiquette and tips:

• Nervous about undressing? On your first visit try a service, like a facial treatment, that does not involve undressing. Note: Makeup shouldn't be applied right after a facial, so you'll have to go home naked-faced! Call the day spa of your choice and ask about services and recommendations.
• Research the costs before going to the spa. Pick up a brochure or have one mailed so you can study the service menu in your own home. Don't feel uncomfortable about choosing the least expensive treatment. You deserve and have the right to choose according to your budget.
• Think you can't afford a trip to the spa? Think again! Treatments generally start as low as $35, so if you skip the latte for a couple of weeks or brown-bag it for a week, you'll be able to treat yourself to the spa.
• Arrive early or on time for your appointment so you can enjoy the facility.
• Generally, you're expected to undress completely for body services. Your therapist will keep your body draped in dry services such as massage and only expose the area to be worked on. However, in order to reap maximum benefits you will not be draped in wet services such as body scrubs, body wraps and hydrotherapies. (Swimsuits are optional in some of these services.)
• Allow the therapist to perform a service as reserved and timed.
• Give the therapist feedback as to your comfort and special troubled areas.
• Relax … that's generally why you are in the spa!
• Enjoy, benefit and allow others to "do for you."
• Know that you are in a professional spa therapy operation and do not expect anything other than therapeutic or spa services.
• Know that you may be silent or quietly talkative.
• Share public space respectfully with other spa-goers.
• Do not bring children and leave them unattended. This is very disruptive to other spa-goers and unsafe for children.
• Find out whether gratuities are included. If they are not, be prepared to tip according to your spa experience and desire.
• Relax, but respect that the room must be prepared for the next client. Vacate the treatment room within a reasonable amount of time upon completion of services.

Give honest feedback to the therapist, owner, receptionist, etc., because operation personnel really want to know if your spa experiences was as expected.

If you're still not ready for the complete day spa experience, try a home spa treatment featured in At Home Spa Treats.