Top 5: Spa Tips

Massages and other spa treatments are a highlight of many vacations, whether for the need to relax after long flights in cramped seats or simply for the sheer indulgence of being pampered. To maximize the enjoyment and benefits of your next treatment, take note of these top five ways to improve your experience.

Use the Spa Facilities First

Most hotel spas offer facilities containing a combination of steam room, sauna and/or hot tub, if not a complete hydrotherapy circuit, and most will have an attendant to explain the offerings. These not only have additional wellness benefits beyond your treatment, but also serve to prepare your body for the service you’ve chosen. Come an hour early and use them.

Tell Your Therapist About Your Body

Only you know where you are injured, where you hate being touched and where you particularly need to be worked on, but your therapist needs to know, too, so speak up to get the most from your treatment. There’s a reason they ask.

Get Comfortable

Take as much time as you need getting comfortable on the table before your treatment, and again when you turn over (if this is part of your treatment). If you’re not completely comfortable, you’re not going to enjoy the experience and your mental and physical tension will detract from the benefits of the service. Tell your therapist if you need more support, cushioning or a change in temperature at any time.

Speak Up

Never be afraid to speak up during a treatment, no matter how far along, to tell your therapist you need more or less pressure, something hurts or even that you’re not enjoying the treatment and want to change to something else. It’s more common than you think, and it’s completely acceptable.

Hydrate

Don’t guzzle water directly before a treatment or you may need to interrupt it to use the restroom, but don’t spend all day drinking cocktails in the sun first, either. Stay naturally hydrated before a treatment, and drink a bottle of water directly after.