Spa Etiquette

Nudity

All spas have varying nudity policies. If nudity makes you uncomfortable, contact the spa in advance to find out more about what they do and don’t allow at the spa. A number of spa treatments can be performed with the body fully clothed; others require the client to remove some or all of their clothing. Discuss the treatment with your therapist before the time and see what is and is not possible during the treatment. Some spas allow you to use certain facilities while naked or with a towel wrapped around you. These facilities are usually facilities such as the steam room and sauna.

Medical Conditions

If you have any medical condition, it is required that you let the therapist know prior to having any treatment done. One usually records this information for the therapist on a form prior to the treatment. Certain treatments may not be suitable for people with particular medical conditions. Please also let your therapist know if you are pregnant as treatments are altered to ensure a more pleasant experience.

Valuables

Some spas provide locker rooms where you can keep your valuables such as jewellery and cell phones safe during your stay at the spa. If you are staying at a hotel or resort it is advised that you leave your valuables in your hotel room safe prior to coming to the spa. This will allow you to enjoy your experience at the spa without having to worry about the safety of your belongings. Many hotels also provide gowns and slippers in the room to allow you to arrive at the spa without any unnecessary personal items.

Therapists

If you would prefer a male or female therapist, one should let the spa know when making your treatment booking in order to avoid disappointment. If you have had a previous therapist that you were pleased with, you can request the therapist for your treatment the next time you make a booking.

Apparel

It is advisable to bring along a swimming costume to wear during your treatment or in order to utilize the water based facilities at the spa after your treatment. If you are going to take part in an exercise program, bring comfortable sports clothing and shoes with you. A number of spas also have an in-house clothing store where you can purchase clothing or supplies that you may need.

Treatment Cancellations

If you need to cancel a treatment, ensure that you let the spa know of the cancellation as early as possible. A number of spas have cancellation policies and may have a charge for cancellations that are later than a couple of days or hours.

Smoking

Most spas do not allow smoking. However, most will have designated areas where smokers are free to smoke. These are usually outdoor spa areas.

Children

Most spas allow children above the age of 16 in their spas. Check the child policy with the spa prior to arriving as the policies vary from spa to spa. If children are allowed in the spa, parents or caretakers are required to ensure that children do not harm themselves using the facilities or stop other spa goers from enjoying their time relaxing at the spa. Some resorts/hotels provide child care services for children.

Promptness

It is expected that you arrive approximately 15 to 30 minutes prior to your treatment. Some spas allow you to utilize their facilities prior to, after or before and after your treatment. Once your treatment has been completed one usually leaves the treatment room after 5 to 10 minutes of further relaxation.

Preferences

Make your preferences known to your therapist throughout the treatment in order to ensure an enjoyable experience. Music volume, massage pressure, room temperature etc. can all be adjusted to make the treatment more pleasurable for you. You may also ask your therapist any questions that you may have about the treatment during the course of the treatment, if you wish.

Food and Drink

Not eating or drinking for half an hour to an hour before your treatment is recommended. Drink water after the treatment to aid in detoxing and keeping your body from dehydrating. Water should be consumed when using certain facilities such as the sauna and steam room as well. Drinks and snacks are provided free of at a charge at most spas.

Pets

Most spas do not allow pets in the spa for both hygienic and relaxation purposes.

Atmosphere

Please do not speak loudly or make a noise when in the spa in order to allow others to relax and enjoy the spa atmosphere.

Disabled Facilities

Some spas have disabled facilities. Please phone in advance to confirm to avoid disappointment.

Environmental Concerns

When at the spa please be respectful to both other spa goers and the environment and ensure all waste is disposed of within the provided bins. Try also not to use too many of the towels provided in order to aid in lessening the resources used, in turn effecting our environment.

Electronics

Please ensure that all cell phones, gadgets and computers are turned off and left at home or in your locker, in order to ensure a relaxed and calm environment at the spa.

Use of Facilities

Always shower prior to using water based facilities and use a towel and the supplied slippers when sitting in a sauna or steam room for hygienic purposes. Please also ensure that all makeup, perfume etc. is removed prior to using the water based facilities at the spa.

Bookings

It is very advisable to book your treatments in advance in order to avoid disappointment. A number of spas book up very quickly especially during peak periods and weekends.

Alcohol

Most spas do not allow drinking of alcoholic beverages at their spa.

Menstruation

Most treatments are safe during menstruation although one should advise the therapist in order to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the treatment. Waxing as well as water treatments are not recommended during this period of time.