If you’ve never experienced a spa day before, you might not know quite what’s in store. The following guide explains what typically happens before, during and after your selected spa treatments, and what else you can expect from your special day.
You may also find our ‘Spa Etiquette’ and ‘What to Wear and Take to a Spa’ guides useful.
What happens when I arrive at the spa?
If it is your first time visiting the spa, it is likely you’ll be asked to complete a health questionnaire upon arriving at reception. A member of staff may ask you to remove your shoes and socks and to slip your feet into a pair of slippers while you do this, to encourage you to start relaxing as as soon as possible. You may also be offered some refreshments.
Once you’ve completed the requested forms, you’ll be directed to a changing area so you can shed some clothing and climb into your robe, and then you’ll receive a tour of the spa’s premises and its facilities. Assuming your spa treatments are booked for later on in the day, you’ll then have an hour or two to enjoy the spa’s swimming pool, steam rooms, gym, and/or dining areas*.
Be sure to ask your tour guide when, and where you need to be, in order to avoid missing or delaying any of your treatments. You may need to enter a waiting room 10 minutes before your facial, or back massage, for example.
For advice regarding when to arrive at your chosen spa, please see our Spa Etiquette guide.
What can I expect during my spa treatments?
All good spa treatments start with a consultation. The therapist will ask you questions about the condition of your skin (or body/limb, as applicable) in order to best cater the treatment to your specific needs. The therapist should then talk you through the stages of the treatment, explaining the purpose and benefits of each.
If you’re unsure which garments you need to remove for any treatment, simply ask the therapist. Pedicures and manicures usually require nothing to be removed at all, while you may need to strip down to your underwear - and/or utilise the industry practice of ‘draping’ - for a full body treatment.
To learn about draping - and to discover why fears surrounding nudity at spas are largely unfounded - please see ‘Will I need to get naked during my spa visit?’ within our ‘What to Wear and Take to a Spa’ guide.
During your treatments, you can engage in as much, or as little, conversation with the therapist as you wish. Never be afraid to ask for anything which may make your experience more relaxing or comfortable.
What happens after my treatments are complete?
Once your treatments are complete, you can spend the rest of your spa day using the health and fitness facilities included as part of your package. You can have a dip in the pool, detox in the sauna, unwind in the relaxation room, or get your heart pumping in the gym* - it’s completely up to you.
You may be able to book additional spa treatments for later in the day, depending on the availability of staff and rooms. Booking treatments additional to those included in your selected package in advance of your spa day is strongly advised however, to avoid disappointment and to save money (advance bookings are often, but not always, subject to a discount).
While you’re free to leave the venue at whatever time you’d like, many spas ask their guests to sign out at reception before doing do, for fire safety reasons and to ensure all applicable charges are settled. You may like to explore attractions and sights local to the spa once you have departed - if so, you may find our city guides useful.
What else can I expect from my spa day?
Depending on the package and type of spa selected, you may also receive a free glass of bubbly and/or a light lunch, or dinner, as part of your spa day*. Those who do not have such inclusions can spend an additional sum to enjoy an alcoholic tipple, a classic afternoon tea or a delicious meal at the spa’s bar or restaurant facilities, if present (note: advance reservations may be required - enquire with your selected venue in advance).
Before you leave the spa, you may be asked if you’re interested in buying full size versions of the products used as part of your treatments, or paying to become a full time member if you’re visiting a club spa. In either case, do not feel obligated to part with your cash if you do not wish to - you won’t be the first, or last, guest to refuse these upsells.
*Spa inclusions and itineraries vary - always check individual package listings before booking.
