Going to the spa for the first time can be a daunting experience. Read on to learn everything to know about spa etiquette here.
While there are a ton of great reasons to go to the spa, you may not know how to act when you’re actually there.
Going to the spa can be a wonderful experience and once you do it, you’ll want to keep doing it for the rest of your life. Spas can help you relax and unwind in ways that you can’t in your day-to-day life.
Are you planning to visit the spa soon? You may already have an appointment coming up, but you’re nervous because you don’t know what to expect!
If you need a quick reminder or a guide on basic spa etiquette, keep reading to learn what you need to know before your appointment.
What Is Spa Etiquette?
The main idea behind spa etiquette is to be mindful of how others are feeling, be aware of your own actions, and think about what you are doing before you do it.
While the spa is a very relaxing and tranquil place, that positivity can quickly disappear if someone is causing problems. Spa etiquette is not hard to learn but may seem confusing if you have never visited a spa in the past.
When it comes to things like getting naked for massage or a nude spa treatment, you may feel uncomfortable at first.
That’s perfectly normal! Remember that the spa technicians, staff, and masseuses work with clients just like you every day.
Practicing spa and massage etiquette will not only make your spa experience positive, but it will help you reap the benefits of a spa day even more.
Things to Do During Your Spa Visit
If you’ve never been to a spa before and don’t have anyone to ask about proper etiquette, these are the main things that you need to remember if you want to have a good experience.
Get There on Time
In fact, you may just want to plan to be there 15 minutes early!
Getting to your appointment on time is showing respect for the spa and the staff that will be helping you.
You may even be able to take advantage of some of the relaxation stations in the spa before your actual appointment time, such as the sauna or float pool.
Ask Questions
This may be the most important tip that you must remember! During your first or even second visit to the spa, there might be a situation that confuses you because you haven’t experienced it before.
When you’re unsure of something, it is important to ask a staff member to get the right information. Don’t feel ashamed that you don’t know something – you’re certainly not the first person to ask about it!
You don’t want to make a mistake that could be potentially embarrassing for you or someone else and no one will fault you for being curious about something!
Speak Up
You may have something specific in mind and want a special request or something similar. If that’s the case, it is important to let the appropriate person know as soon as possible.
Be sure to do this in a kind and courteous manner, but don’t be afraid to express what you need within reason.
For example, if you have a masseuse that won’t stop talking and you just want quiet, you have to let them know. After all, they are not going to read your mind and if they think you are enjoying the conversation, they’ll just keep talking!
Tip Well and Appropriately
Just like when you get good service somewhere else, you will want to tip your masseuse or other staff members that helped you. Tipping is optional, but it is always appreciated.
The staff members won’t expect you to tip them right then and there, but you can if you’d like to. The other option that most people choose is to tip on your final bill before you leave the spa.
In most spas, the right tip amount will be somewhere around 20%. You should also note that some spas include the tip in their total bill, so be sure to ask about this before you pay.
Things to Avoid During Your Spa Visit
You don’t want to be remembered as that client, especially if you plan to visit the spa again in the future. These are some of the things that you should not do if you plan to visit a spa.
Photography
While it can be so tempting to take photos to post on your social media pages, it is generally frowned upon in the spa setting.
People come to the spa to relax and unwind, so having a person taking selfies, taking photos of the facilities, or even photos of other guests (yikes!) can be extremely distracting.
Loud Conversations or Cellphone Use
Another thing that will be frowned upon is talking on your phone or having loud conversations with another spa guest.
You want to respect the spa environment and one thing about the spa is that it is a very quiet and peaceful place. That tranquility being interrupted with laughter or yelling is going to ruin the experience for you and everyone else around you.
Lack of Respect
It is important that you treat the staff at the spa and your masseuse with respect at all times. They are there to help make your experience as positive as possible, but it is difficult to do this with a rude guest.
Even if you are truly having a negative experience, you can express that with feeling words and what you would prefer rather than unkind language.
This will help everyone feel better about the negative situation and will get your spa day back on track.
Enjoy Your Spa Appointment
With these spa etiquette tips, you’re well on your way to having a great time at the spa.
Not only will you be able to take advantage of all of the spa treatments you desire, but you can do it without feeling uncomfortable!
If you’d like some more health and wellness articles like this one, don’t forget to check out the rest of our website!
