It's hard to feel completely liberated from work and family stresses if you're facing a set of new ones, like whether you're overdressed for your massage or undertipping an aesthetician. Sidestep these little land mines so that nothing sabotages your spa experience.
Take It All Off (Or Don't)
You're led into a changing room, handed a robe, and told to undress…um, all the way? For massages and body treatments, ideally you disrobe completely (that means underwear, too). Most spas offer paper panties to wear during body treatments (like scrubs, wraps, or self-tanning)—they don't cover much, but enough to provide a modicum of modesty. "You should undress only to your level of comfort, though," says Bambi Montgomery, owner of Honey Child Salon and Spa in Chicago and Hive in Los Cabos, Mexico. "We have some clients who bring a bathing suit when they're getting a scrub or wrap." You can also request a same-sex therapist when you book your appointment if that makes you feel more at ease. And you'll never be completely exposed. "Massage therapists and aestheticians are well trained in the art of draping, so they'll uncover only areas they're working on," says Lynne Walker McNees, president of the International Spa Association. If getting anywhere close to naked with a stranger (no matter how adept at draping) is not your idea of a relaxing experience—but you still want some spa pampering—consider Thai massage or shiatsu, for which you wear your own loose-fitting clothes. For a facial, take off your bra (or at least lower the straps) before you slip into a robe, so it doesn't interfere with the neck and shoulder massage.
"Do You Want Microdermabrasion with That?"
Spa prices don't always include add-ons (an enzyme peel here, an oxygen blast there) offered during the course of the treatment. When you book a facial (body services, like massages and scrubs, are less likely to involve extras), ask if it's all-inclusive. More and more spas, like Remède (in New York City, San Francisco, and Aspen), let you book time (30, 60, or 90 minutes) and then customize the facial for your skin—with no extra charges for any of the creams or masks they deem appropriate. If you're going to a spa that has a more à la carte menu, describe your skin concerns when you book the appointment, and ask what add-ons (at what prices) the aesthetician might suggest once she sees you. Then decide ahead of time how much more (if anything) you might be willing to tack on to the base price. Once you're in the treatment room and the aesthetician starts prescribing an extra this or that, you can announce up front what your budget is. "Just be forthright and say, 'I want the best for my skin, but this is how much I can spend today,'" says Jaeger.
The Hard Sell
When you go in for a facial (or sometimes a body treatment), you will likely encounter some form of a product pitch—so be prepared. "If the aesthetician starts mentioning products during your service, just say, 'I'm happy to hear your recommendations, but I'm really here to relax, so please save them for the end,'" suggests Ufland. After your service, if you don't want to purchase anything, ask the aesthetician to write down the products she's recommended (if she hasn't done so already), and let her know that you'll think it over. "Once you say you're not interested right now, they shouldn't say another word," says Ufland. "If they push it, I'd tell the spa manager."
The Chatterbox
If an aesthetician is giving you an earful about her family, her friends, her thoughts on global warming, take the most direct route. "Say, 'Actually, it's been a hectic day, and I was really looking forward to just being quiet during the treatment,'" Jaeger suggests.
Where Am I?
To ensure you don't find yourself shuffling down a dimly lit hall alone in your terry robe and slippers, always ask the person who first directs you to the changing room where you're supposed to go afterward. She'll either wait for you outside or give you specific directions on how to get to your next destination.
The Tipping Point
Especially if you've had more than one service, divvying up the tip can be a challenge—which is why spa owners tell us they're happy to take over. "Tell us what percentage you want to tip, and we'll add it to your bill and distribute it to everyone for you," says Olga Lorencin-Northrup, owner of Kinara Spa in Los Angeles. (Your massage therapist or aesthetician will likely be with a new client by the time you're ready to leave, so it wouldn't be possible to hand her a tip in person anyway.) The standard is usually 18 percent, 20 percent if you were particularly impressed with the service. It doesn't hurt to ask whether gratuity is included, though. Some spas, like the Spa at Yellow Creek in Bath, Ohio, include it in the price of the treatment.
FAQs
Always employ good manners - Saying “please” and “thank you” to staff costs nothing, nor does being courteous to other guests. Leave areas and facilities how you would like to find them - While spa staff want you to feel at home and as relaxed as possible, they will not want to clean up after you.
What are the do's and don'ts of a spa? ›
Spa Etiquette: Do's & Dont's
- DO. Let them know you're coming and don't just show up. ...
- DO. Arrive on time! ...
- DO. Leave your jewelry at home. ...
- DO. Remember to take a shower. ...
- DON'T. Be on your phone. ...
- DON'T. Talk loudly with friends. ...
- DON'T. Hide how you feel. ...
- DON'T. Be rude.
Tipping about 20% is customary in the "spa realm," says Taelour Wagler, a licensed massage therapist and owner of The Middle Wellness Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. (That's about how much to tip a hairdresser, too.) Spa experiences are typically focused on relaxation and luxury.
What are the spa rules? ›
Spa Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know
- Arrive on time. It is important to arrive on time for your appointment to avoid inconveniencing other clients. ...
- Book in advance. ...
- Dress appropriately. ...
- Shower before your appointment. ...
- Communicate your needs. ...
- Turn off your phone. ...
- Respect others' privacy. ...
- Tip appropriately.
Ignoring personal hygiene: Out of respect for the spa environment and other guests, it's crucial to maintain proper personal hygiene. Take a shower before any body treatments, and avoid strong perfumes or lotions that may interfere with the spa's ambiance or cause sensitivities for others.
What is normal massage etiquette? ›
1 Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your massage. 2 Put your hair up. 3 Come fresh-faced. 4 Dress down to your comfort level. 5 Take a shower beforehand.
Do you wear anything under your robe in a spa? ›
Just like hotels, spas differ from one to the next so don't hesitate to ask when you book what you need to bring with you. 6. If you're concerned about what to wear under the robe, don't be. Most people are nude under those spa robes, but it's perfectly O.K. to leave your undies on if you feel more comfortable.
Do you strip at a spa? ›
This depends on what treatments you have booked and the facilities you would like to use. In general, you should wear either swimwear or underwear. If your booked treatment requires full or partial nudity, you will be given time to undress before the treatment starts.
What not to wear to the spa? ›
For massages and body treatments, ideally you disrobe completely (that means underwear, too). Most spas offer paper panties to wear during body treatments (like scrubs, wraps, or self-tanning)—they don't cover much, but enough to provide a modicum of modesty.
How much to tip for a $200 massage? ›
The same spa may offer a 90-minute deep-tissue massage for $200, making your tip $40 and your final cost $240. If you feel like the massage therapist went above and beyond in providing excellent or exceptional service, feel free to tip more, up to 25% or 30%, Sokolosky adds.
Tipping is also a way of recognizing a massage therapist's hard and physically demanding work, she says. “When in doubt, tip your massage therapist unless they very specifically say otherwise,” Denney says. But note that some massage therapists will expressly ask you not to tip.
How much clothing do I take off for a massage? ›
Remember, it's your choice, so let your therapist know what you are comfortable with. Many customers opt to remove just the top layer as a nice balance between allowing skin access while maintaining a degree of modesty. If being partially dressed feels comfortable to you, then this is the best option.
What is the most important thing in a spa? ›
Water. Water is one of the most important elements of a spa experience. In a spa, water is used for purifying and cleansing. This is done through steam rooms, saunas, swimming, water treatments, and drinking.
How to use a spa correctly? ›
Follow the correct procedure for your best wellness & Spa experience. Use the services in the following order: First, use the pool, then the whirlpool, then the saunas, and finally enjoy a massage. Never change this procedure! After the massage, just let all its benefits end in the resting room or your hotel room.
Should you shower before going to the spa? ›
Your body has oils, lotions, and dead skin cells that aren't good for your hot tub. Even the deodorant you put on every morning can be bad for the filter you rely on to keep your water fresh and clean. Stopping to take a quick shower before hopping in your hot tub can keep you soaking instead of draining and cleaning.
What do you wear under a robe at a spa? ›
What should I wear underneath my robe? This depends on what treatments you have booked and the facilities you would like to use. In general, you should wear either swimwear or underwear. If your booked treatment requires full or partial nudity, you will be given time to undress before the treatment starts.
What are you supposed to wear to a spa? ›
In general, you should wear swimwear or underwear underneath a robe. You may well spend much of your day switching between the swimming pool, jacuzzi or steam room, so it makes sense to have your swimwear already on.
What is hot tub etiquette? ›
In conclusion, following hot tub etiquette is essential for a pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone. Remember to shower before entering, keep the water clean, be respectful of others, and clean up after yourself. With these tips in mind, you're sure to have a great time soaking in the hot tub!
