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Good day, Sandi!
Sandi here again with Spa Secret #4 of Sandi’s “10
Tips to Avoid a Spa Vacation Nightmare.” and it’s
a doosie! Enjoy!
You were so excited to finally get to the spa, that
you just threw your suitcases into the room, jumped
into your bathing suits and flip flops and headed
right to the pool. Oh, the feeling of that pool
is going to be great after that long flight and
the hamburgers you have been hearing about are calling
your name. You can smell the BBQ waft your way,
as you open the doors to the pool area. You turn
the corner and no one is wearing clothes! Surprise!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions that you might
have ahead of time. Many people avoid spas because
they’re not sure what to ask or what might be asked
of them. Remember, this is YOUR spa vacation, so
you deserve to get the experience that you want.
Is there something in the spa that you find is necessary?
Do you want a Jacuzzi tub? Do you care if it is
co-ed or not? Do the majority of the guests wear
a bathing suit?
On that note, there are no hard and fast rules for
bathing suits (except of course in co-ed and outdoor
non-private tubs). Some people just don’t like to
wear them and others can’t bear the thought of NOT
wearing one. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
Just know that, at nice resort spas, you will usually
get a great big, comfy robe to wear right up to
the Jacuzzi, steam or sauna and there are usually
ample towels to use. Most women will take a towel
or two around their body and another to sit on in
the steam and/or sauna room – as the tile can be
quite hot on you bottom side.
Do I have to take all of my clothes off when I have
my treatment? Again, this is up to you. Some massage
treatments require clothing, such as a Watsu massage,
which is performed in a body of water with mild
stretching and kneading of muscles. There are also
Thai or yoga-type massages where the same kind of
stretching is done, but on a padded mat, on the
floor. If you’re looking for a treatment that you
wear clothing, ask if they have special treatments
that will enhance your experience and not make you
feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind that the most common
massages, such as Swedish, usually are performed
sans clothing, but you can always keep any undergarments
on that you wish. Also, if you want a male or female
therapist – say so.
What are their most popular treatments or signature
treatments? Most spas will fax or email you a copy
of their spa treatment menu, which usually will
have a brief description of the treatment.
ASK for the “best” at whatever pressure you like
– and if you like deep massages make sure you ask
for their best deep tissue massage therapist. Sometimes
the person booking the treatments doesn’t know who
gives the best, so have her/him check. Don’t be
afraid to speak up and let the therapist know if
it is too hard or soft, once you are in your treatment.
For more tips, see our article on How
to get the perfect massage.
Spafully,
Sandi
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