Spa Etiquette

These spa etiquette tips are designed to make your trip to any spa a relaxing, rejuvenating experience. This guide will explain how to make reservations, what to wear and what to expect. Spas are designed to be peaceful calm experiences, knowing how to spa will insure that you always have the best experience.

A hot shower can also relax you before your Spa treatment and make it more enjoyable.

Sauna Etiquette
The Sauna aids in detoxification by creating artificial fever. It speeds up circulation and body cell metabolism thereby causing toxic wastes to be expelled through the skin.
Shower both pre and post your Sauna experience. When you go into the sauna room, you should have a supersize bottle of water with you. You may also want to bring in a cool compress for your forehead, and a rolled up towel for under your neck if you choose to lie down.
For best results, wrap yourself in a clean towel and sit or recline in a hot, but not painfully hot, steam room. Gently massage any painful areas. Cool gradually after leaving the Sauna.

Do not wear a bathing suit as the dyes can get into your pores. The wrapped towel covering all private areas is adequate.

To close your pores after a Sauna visit, shower with cold water.

Drink plenty of purified water while in the Sauna. A typical stay should not exceed from five to ten minutes.

There are restrictions on using a steam room such during pregnancy, with high blood pressure and in other situations so check with your Doctor prior to use.

Attire
We provide Spa robes and sandals for your treatments. Some treatments require special attire so ask when you book your service if you need to bring any other attire, change of undergarments. If you are having a pedicure and will be in your resort wear, make sure that your pant legs can be pulled up over your knees and make sure that you have sandals that will allow your toes to fully dry.

Cancellation
To avoid cancellation charges call 24 hours in advance to cancel or make any changes to your current appointments.

Cell Phones
Silence electronic devices before entering the spa.

Children
A spa is a great place to get a little alone time, so it is best not to bring children under the age of 12 unless prior arrangements have been made.

Communicating Your Preferences
Be sure to speak up. All aspects of treatment can be modified to your taste: amount of light, music level, room temperature, and whether or not you choose to have a conversation or enjoy the treatment in silence. During a massage, let the therapist know if the pressure level is what you prefer. During body treatments or facials feel free to ask questions about the products, procedures or expectations of the service. If any part of your experience is unsatisfactory, first tell the therapist. If the response is not helpful, speak to a manager or the owner of the spa, if available.

Conversation
Throughout the spa, locker room area, relaxation room and elsewhere, all conversations should be kept at a low volume.

Eating and Drinking
Drink plenty of water prior to and after all treatments. Food should be consumed at least an hour before a treatment. If exercising or using the sauna, drink a minimal of one glass for every fifteen minutes you indulge.

Environmentally Friendly
Use only the number of towels necessary: washing them uses water and electrical, which are limited resources in some communities.

Exploring the Facility
Feel free to request a facility tour before your treatment. The tour will acquaint you with your surroundings and introduce you to the spa facilities, such as sauna, relaxation room, manicure and pedicure station.

Gender of Therapists
Most spas will rotate and balance which therapists do your treatment. If you prefer either a male or a female therapist, you need to express this at the time you book the service. If this is a return visit to the spa and you have enjoyed the services of a particular therapist on a prior visit, feel free to request that person again.

Gratuities
Gratuities are not included, 18 to 20 percent is customary, but you may of course leave more or less, depending on the quality of the service. Leave the tip at the reception desk when you pay your bill rather than giving it directly to the therapist. If you receive multiple services from different people (a massage therapist, a facial esthetician, etc.), leave a separate tip for each of them.

Medical Conditions or Allergies
Inform the spa of any medical condition or allergic concerns before booking a service so that the right service is provided. Some services may have stipulations on who should receive them. Also, tell the technician if you are wearing contact lenses before you have a facial.

Spa Services and Alcohol May Not Mix
Alcohol should never be consumed prior to a spa appointment. When suns bathing before a service use a proper ph to avoid sunburns. After exfoliation services, sun bathing is not recommended. After a spa service, you should not indulge in heavy physical activity. Check with the spa for their recommendations for approved after spa activities to insure you receive the maximum benefits of your service.

Perfume/Cologne
It is best not to wear perfume or cologne in the spa area or to exercise classes. Some people may be allergic and the scent may take away from the relaxation and comfort of the spa.

Pets
Unless your pet is for guide purposes, pets are best to stay at home. Check with the policies of your spa.

Punctuality
Arrive at least 15-30 minutes early so you can enjoy an unhurried transition into the spa and shower if necessary. Spas start and end all treatments on time. If you are late, your treatment time will be shortened.

Smoking
Our spas are non-smoking establishments.

Using Shared Facilities
Always shower before entering a Jacuzzi, swimming pool, steam room, or sauna. When enjoying the sauna or steam, always sit on your towel and wear the plastic shoes provided by the spa. Women should not shave their legs in the steam room. If you shave in the shower, please place razors in the trash receptacle.

Valuables
Should be left at home or in the Spa’s locker. Most spa treatments will require the removal of jewelry.