When investing in a spa day, there are ways you can reap the best returns without breaking the bank. Here are our top tips for stretching your pampering spa-time to the max.
Spa days require a bit of planning and thought; it is all about tailoring your likes and dislikes to the right spa. Perhaps you’re a water baby and long for plenty of places to splash, maybe you crave multiple experience rooms or would prefer a spa with lots of outdoor facilities. Ask yourself what you want to achieve. Is it to relax, have some romantic we-time or detox?
Some spas are best for groups of friends; others are perfect for a wellness de-stress break. Do a bit of research into the spa and its facilities, read reviews and fit the spa to your needs, not the other way around. Although it is always worth finding out about the spa etiquette before you arrive.
If you're visiting a hotel spa, it's worth noting when you can use the spa facilities. Although check in and out at the hotel will be at specific times, you can often use the spa before or after your stay. Put your luggage in the car (or ask the hotel to store it for you) and end your trip on a blissfully high note.
If you’re booked into a day spa experience, arrive on time and stay as long as you possibly can. Give yourself a few extra minutes for an arrival drink, as this is included in many spa days. It helps you to relax after your journey and get your bearings. If you know you can’t manage to spend the whole day there, why not look for afternoon or evening spa packages. They are a great way of fitting some spa time into a busy schedule and some spas stay open until 9 or 10pm.
Take a small bag to the spa with you, as some lockers have very little room. Pack a hairbrush and two bikini bottoms or swimsuits to avoid a damp lunch; spas provide robes and towels - you'll need little else.
Be aware that some spas charge extra for flip-flop - you can always phone beforehand and make sure they provide them for free. Most spas will provide shampoo, conditioner body wash and body lotion, and a select few will have cleanser and moisturisers. If they don’t, you can try the testers in the boutiques.
If you’re indulging in a spa treatment, try and book it in the afternoon. That way you can splash around in the water and explore the heat experiences before your pamper. If you book your spa treatment too early, those luxurious aromatherapy essential oils that cocoon your body and your luxury facial skincare products will get washed off – what a waste. It’s better to leave the products on as long as possible to reap the benefits.
If you have chosen to have a massage, it’s a good idea to spend 20 minutes in the sauna beforehand. It warms and relaxes your muscles preparing them nicely for an even deeper and more relaxing experience. If you’re having a facial ensure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed to save your therapist wasting precious minutes removing your make-up. Use the steam room ahead of your treatment to open your pores.
If you can’t have a treatment at the end of the day, call and see if they have products in the changing rooms. That way, if you take a dip post treatment you know you can treat your skin to some more spa goodies before you head home.
Find a package that includes lunch (check how many courses – Aqua Sana offer two plus a drink), and read our reviews to see if free teas, water and snacks are available. Be aware that a Spa Butler offering you something fizzy in the pool will get you to sign for it or add it to your bill. It’s not all part of the deal, sadly.
Decide what you want to pay for – a glass if fizz is often worth it – and save some cash to tip your therapist, not compulsory but a nice thing to do.
Some of our lovely spas offer packages which are exceptional value for money. We're not talking spa bargain-basements for £20 (that's sooo not us, dahling!). The kind of value we’re talking about is where the quality and quantity of your spa time feels worth every penny … and more.
Scarlet Spy
2nd August 2017
Spy Likes:
Nature-inspired spas, cold water plunges, sound baths, deep tissue massage, delicious food.
Spy Dislikes:
Thin walls in treatment rooms, lounger hoggers, soggy robes, bright lights.
