Choosing a day spa that's perfect for you can be difficult. We've found the top tips to help you have the best experience!
A trip to the day spa is a great mini-vacation that's good for the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you're getting a facial, a massage, a manicure, or you're just spending some time in the relaxation area, the staff at these spas work hard to ensure that you leave feeling rested and reinvigorated. So what goes into choosing a day spa? Well, there are five key things to consider!
Check the Service Menu
There isn't some minimum requirement or certification for day spas (though there are usually licensing requirements). Just because a place is called a day spa doesn't mean it's guaranteed to have the same services as the last place you visited, or the specific services that you want. Most day spas have a selection of services listed with prices, which is generally referred to as the menu. Do your research, ask question, peruse the website or stop in and go over the menu before you schedule an appointment. If you're looking for a full-service spa, there are some key services to look for: manicures/pedicures, facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy/sauna, and therapeutic massage. Some spas may offer more advanced services like areas for hydrafacials.
Know Spa Etiquette
If you're a spa first-timer, the spa employees will help guide you through the various services and procedures to let you know what's expected of both you and your service provider. Regardless, it's still a good idea to learn about spa etiquette ahead of time. There are general rules that most spas adhere to, but if you have questions you should call the spa to find out how their staff operates.
It's usually preferred that you remove all your clothing and wear the provided bathrobe for services like massages and body wraps. However, the client's comfort is a spa's primary concern. If you'd feel more comfortable in a swimsuit or undergarments, you should be allowed to make that decision.
Be aware that spa employees have other appointments, so it's important that you arrive on time. Some spas include a gratuity in the base cost of a service, but if they don't it is customary to tip your service provider. You can call ahead to find out how your day spa operates.
Make Sure the Spa is Clean
If performed improperly or in unsanitary conditions, spa treatments could potentially spread germs and bacteria or lead to infections. This is especially true when you consider how many people visit a spa each day. It's definitely a good idea to visit a spa before your appointment. Feel free to ask about their safety and cleanliness procedures and take a tour of the facility. Keep an eye out for good sanitation practices and professional, courteous staff. If something you see doesn't meet your standards or appears to be unsanitary, find a different spa.
Check the Spa's License and Registration
Again, there's no universal code or set of regulations for day spas, but most states have certain licensing requirements for them. These typically require spa owners and often employees to pass background checks, submit the spa to regular health inspections, and ensure that all procedures are performed by trained and licensed professionals. Your state attorney general's website is usually a good place to check for this sort of information, or you can check with the department of regulatory agencies. You can also ask the spa staff about it once you arrive.
Medical spas, which offer more specialized services like injections and fillers, may have stronger licensing requirements. Even if they don't, be sure to ask who performs these more advanced procedures and if there's a doctor on the premises to supervise them. Make sure you also ask how old the spa's equipment is.
Have Realistic Expectations
The primary function of a day spa is to help you relax and feel pampered. Many of the treatments can improve your health and leave you looking your best, but don't go in expecting the fountain of youth. Some spas make some pretty outrageous claims, but chances are your day spa isn't going to cure your cellulite, slim you down in a week, or erase a decade from your face.
Ultimately, your time at the spa should leave you feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and probably eager to go back again. If you do your research and choose the best spa for you, that should be exactly what happens!
