Getting the Most out of your Spa Experience
By: Johnie C. Lim, Body and Sole body massage and foot spa

Planning to go to a spa this holiday? Read first before you relax.

Most people's first spa experience is at a day spa. Whether you spend an hour or a whole day, the tips below will help you get the most out of your visit.

Booking spa appointments

At day spas like Body and Sole, peak hours are often late afternoons and weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), so book as far in advance as possible in order to ensure getting the particular time, day, and therapist you want. It's easiest to accommodate you during off-peak hours, which are often in the mornings and mid-week. If you will be attending the spa with a gift certificate, it is a good idea to mention it so that the spa can advise you of any policy that may affect its use.

Therapists

Some spas in Cebu have only female therapists on staff. At Body and Sole, the policy of same-gender body massage is being religiously observed. . If you have enjoyed the services of a particular therapist on a prior visit, you may request for that person to handle you. Do realize however, that your first choice may not always be available.

Punctuality

Arrive on time or early. Treatment room (and therapist) is generally booked after your session. After a treatment, it's customary to vacate the room within five or ten minutes.

Cancellations

If you must cancel an appointment at a spa, give the spa as much advanced notice as possible. Approximately 24 hours' notice is minimum to cancel a single service, and 48 hours or more is usually required for a package of services.

Attire

Most people come to a spa in very casual attire-something they can easily slip off and put away in small lockers. If modesty is an issue, call the spa in advance to find out its policies and suggestions. Some treatments can be done while you're fully clothed, but others (such as body scrub can be best received in the nude. Facilities such as the sauna may be enjoyed either in a bathing suit or au natural. There are always towels and usually robes and slippers provided in spas that have bathing facilities.

Jewelry

If possible, leave your jewelry at home as you will not need it for your spa visit. If however, you have brought valuables, make certain that they are securely left with the counter personnel or locked in your locker if there is any provided. If you choose instead to take them with you to your treatment, be mindful of not leaving them behind. Based on our experience, many valuables are left in robe pockets or over the sink and frantic searches are stress producing for all involved. Best to let all the sparkle come from you after the treatment!

Communicating your preferences

All aspects of treatment can usually be modified to your taste: amount of light, room temperature, and enjoying the treatment in silence. If you want the therapist to go deeper or be gentler, let him or her know. Also, feel free to ask questions. Your therapist will appreciate knowing your thoughts and clarifying any issues you may have. If any part of your experience is unsatisfactory, first tell the therapist. If the response isn't helpful, ask to speak to a manager.

Medical conditions

If you have any type of medical condition, be sure to mention it when you book an appointment. Certain treatments may not be advisable for you. Also, before your treatment begins, let your therapist know of any medical concerns. Tell the therapist if you're wearing contact lenses before you have a facial, for instance.

Nudity issues

It is never required that you are unclothed in front of anyone in a spa. There are usually places where a person can change (even if it is in a bathroom stall). Towels and robes are generally provided and can keep you continually covered. Therapists are generally well trained in the "art of draping" which means that they leave the treatment room while you get under the sheet on the massage bed, and they keep you covered at all times except for the area of the body they are massaging. They also leave the treatment room before you get up from the bed. If you feel more comfortable, it is also possible for you to wear a swimsuit during your treatment or saunas-though most people prefer to wear nothing under their robes.

Sun and spa going

Try to avoid the sun on the day of treatment and, in some cases, the day after.

Eating and drinking

Try not to eat for at least an hour before a treatment, and avoid the consumption of alcohol on the day of a treatment. Drink plenty of water before and after , especially if heat therapies, such as a sauna or the steam room, are part of your spa experience.

Tips

In many spas, tips are not included in the price of the service but gladly accepted-and expected.

Cell phones

Because the spa environment is supposed to be a tranquil and stress-reducing experience, it's best to leave cell phones at home or turn them off before entering the spa.

Children

Many spas have age restrictions. Children are generally not allowed so that the day spa ambiance remains as relaxing as possible. Teens may be accommodated for certain services or at certain times.

Socializing

When in the relaxation room and elsewhere in the spa, be mindful of others. Keep conversations at a low volume.

Note: The author is available for consultations for entrepreneurs who may want to put up their own spa business. Please call or text 09189171759.

If you would like to submit spa and related articles and know the requirements, email cebuportal [at] gmail.com

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