How to Choose a Spa Service

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The world of spas can be confusing. For a lot of people, a spa is just too hard to deal with. There are dozens of treatments to navigate, and there’s a special sort of spa etiquette that must be followed—it can get overwhelming. If you’re someone who’d rather stay home than work out all the details of a 50-minute massage, you’re not alone. But don’t let the complicated process prevent you from benefiting from a spa service. It’s not as hard as it seems. After a brief tutorial on treatments offered at spas, you’ll be able to traverse the spa world like a pro.


The first spa treatment you should know about is the most classic—the massage. Massages come in many forms, but they’re all based on the same principle: touch can be therapeutic. Most massages you’ll find in a spa are centered on gently rubbing the back to relieve tension. Your therapist will alternate different kinds of strokes with different levels of pressure to provide you relief from pain and bring on relaxation. The Swedish massage is a spa service perfect for first-time spa patrons. It’s a gentle-yet-soothing total-body rubdown that focuses on relieving surface-level tension. You’ll come out of a Swedish massage feeling invigorated and calm, but you won’t be sore. Most massages, including Swedish kinds, are sold in half-hour segments.


Another spa service that you’ll find at most every spa-like establishment is the facial. A facial can have multiple purposes depending on a client’s skincare needs. Sometimes, a facial will be used to clarify oily or ruddy faces. This spa service is also good for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in aging skin; it can help treat chronically dry faces too. Of course, some people like getting facials just for the relaxation benefits that come along with them. Most facials are either 25 or 50 minutes long, and, usually, they include a cleansing segment, an exfoliating treatment, a massage or aromatherapy segment and a moisturizing product application. Try a traditional facial—sometimes called a signature facial—for your first time in spa.


Large, upscale establishments may offer additional treatments. An example of common treatment at larger spas is a soaking treatment. With this option, customers soak in a hot bath that’s been filled with a premium mixture of salts, minerals, herbs and essential oils. The combination is meant to promote relaxation and give tired muscles a release. Usually, a soaking treatment is combined with another treatment, like an exfoliating scrub. With this combination, patrons soak in a hot bath for half an hour, and then are rubbed down with a special rough product. Afterward, the customer is shown to a warm shower to rinse off. Although simple, this combination of treatments will leave you feeling fabulous.


There are a few other things you should keep in mind when visiting a spa establishment. First of all, remember to tip your therapist. Ten to twenty percent, depending on the quality level of your service, is standard. Secondly, it’s important to remember to be on time for your treatment. You should arrive about fifteen minutes early so you can change into a plush robe and have time to tour the facility. If you’re late, it’s your loss—time will be reduced from your treatment—so it’s worth it to arrive early. Finally, ask about nudity at the spa before you schedule a treatment. If you’re uncomfortable with nude treatments, get something that can be done with your clothes on; a facial is a good choice.


If you’re well prepared for your spa day, it shouldn’t be hard to get in the groove and soak up some relaxation. Even if you’re still nervous about navigating a spa, don’t fret. The staff at a spa is there to help you, and they’ll be more than happy to guide you in the right direction when choosing a spa service.