Have you ever imagined being pampered in one of the world's top spas? Or have you been thinking about having that rejuvenating facial or relaxing massage at your local day spa? Whether you are going for a single treatment, a spa resort vacation or a complete body overhaul, you need to know how to get the best from your visit.
1. What do you want?
Don't choose a spa before first thinking about exactly what it is you want to take away from your experience. If your idea of heaven is a facial, manicure and pedicure, followed by some relaxation by the swimming pool, then you don't want to go for a spa that focuses on health and fitness regimes. Alternatively, if you are after that leaner, fitter physique, then be realistic about what you might have to do to achieve it. Work out what balance of relaxation, rejuvenation and complete overhaul would really suit you. For that truly unique and exotic experience, the location and the theme of its treatments may be more important to you than the health aspects.
2. Booking your treatments
If you are going for a spa mini-break, always book your treatments well in advance to make sure that the therapists will be available during your stay. For a half day or day spa ask if they have extended treatment times or a package of treatments to get more out of your visit. If you want the flexibility to choose what you want based on how you feel when you arrive, enquire whether you can reserve a block of time instead of a treatment. But be aware that the treatment you want may not be available at short notice.
3. Know what to expect
Before booking a treatment, make sure you get it properly explained to you - as descriptions may not always lead what you expect. Always ask for an experienced therapist and tell him/her exactly what you want from your treatment. If anything makes you uncomfortable, such as having a particular area of your body massaged, say so before the start of the treatment. You may also want to make enquiries about hygiene. Ask what measures the spa takes to avoid infection, for example for pedicures.
4. Anti-ageing and rejuvenation
Although high-quality pampering is a big factor in spas, get the most out of your experience by looking for rejuvenating health and anti-ageing treatments that really deliver results. Some spas offer a one-stop shop for your body maintenance. You'll find specialist advice from dermatologists offering skincare and cellulite treatments to nutritionists advising on weight loss programmes. Spas are also increasingly including medical and dental checks. If you lead a busy life, this is an ideal way to get a complete wellness check for men and women all under one roof.
5. Your own personal spa
You can also get the spa to come to your hotel or resort room. Resorts and hotels now offer spa suites with massage facilities adjoining your bedroom. After treatment from your personal therapist, you can relax in your own personal spa- bathroom.
6. Go in a group
If you're uncomfortable with going on you own, spa suites are a popular way to accommodate several people at the same time for treatments. Go with a group of girlfriends or book some treatments for your business associates. Something special to celebrate perhaps? You can purchase a spa gift certificate for someone and go in a group. Where family groups are welcomed, you can get your kids to learn healthy- eating habits, grooming skills and the importance of living a balanced life, while you are someplace else being pampered.
7. Take it home with you
To really benefit from your spa experience, look for ways in which you can take it home with you. From lessons on lifestyle, healthy eating and stress management to products that extend the experience long after your treatments have ended. Spa decor for the home is also very popular now. Recreate the spa experience in your own bathroom, shower or hot tub, with spa products such as bathrobes, towels and candles.
So indulge yourself in a spa experience. You know you deserve it ...
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