Many people think they can’t afford a spa experience. The truth is: it’s more likely that a spa visit is a luxury you can’t afford to miss. With some 90 percent of doctor’s visits traced back to stress, spas provide a perfect opportunity to relax, to detoxify, and to protect your health.

Choosing Your Spa

If you are a spa neophyte, you might feel more comfortable choosing a small venue where you are less likely to bump into a friend or neighbour.

Look for a “destination spa” at a quaint inn or resort to turn your experience into a mini-vacation. Many spas have unique offerings. For example, you could explore the holistic aspects of grape- and wine-based skincare in wine country or ride horses at a ranch spa that also offers classic approaches to body pampering.

What to Expect

Your chosen spa should be clean and provide a sense of tranquility from the moment you arrive. The receptionist will ask you to fill out a medical form to avoid complications caused by certain procedures. Simple treatments like a pedicure could be a concern for someone with diabetes, for example, and reflexology is not recommended for a woman in her first trimester of pregnancy. Be wary of a spa that does not ask for medical information.

Spa Etiquette

Be open to your spa experience; staff will tell you exactly what to do, where to change your clothing, and how to prepare for your treatment so you don’t have to stress about the details.

Arrive at least ten minutes before your appointment to fill out necessary forms and to prepare for your treatment. Find out in advance how long your treatment will take and organize your day around it. You can’t de-stress if you are anxious about another commitment.

The spa is a quiet zone and the use of cell phones is discouraged. Spa staff try to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for guests by using a subdued “spa voice.” Remember that many adults come to the spa to get a break from the frantic energy of their children, so in the spirit of generosity, leave your own offspring at home.

Most spas pay their staff whether or not you appear for your scheduled treatment, so many establishments charge clients for missed appointments. Determine your spa’s cancellation policy when you book.

Tipping is not mandatory at many spas, but some automatically add a gratuity to the bill. Spa professionals want you to benefit from their offerings and don’t want you to feel that a tip requirement puts their services outside your financial reach.

If you’re ready to step out of your stress-filled life and into some calm and serenity, do yourself a favour and book your own spa experience.

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