Top 10 tips when visiting a spa! – Week two
Hi-di-hi Sparers! I hope this blog finds you as preened and serene as ever. After such a busy week here at BookaSpa.com I think I’m in serious need of a de-stressing treatment myself…perhaps a hot stone or Indian head massage? Either way, I shall be taking a leaf out of my own book and following this second installment of top 10 tips for visiting a spa…
1) Beat the rush…When booking your spa treatment (especially for weekend appointments) always do so as soon as possible. It is safe to assume that weekend appointments in spas will be extremely limited when booking within two weeks or less, so be prepared to take early morning or late afternoon time slots. Or if you think you may like to add on another treatment but you’ll wait until the day, don’t be surprised if there are not times left, so if you are leaning that way get it pre-booked to avoid disappointment!
2) Have your cake but don’t eat it…yet! Don’t eat immediately before a massage, you will feel sluggish and uncomfortable lying on your tummy during the treatment.
3) Did my eyes deceive me! For the continentally-minded amongst you, remember that spa culture in the UK does not generally welcome nudity in saunas and steam rooms, so remember to wrap up in swimwear or a conceal your modesty in a towel.
4) Ban the tan! If you plan to use the pool or Jacuzzi during your spa visit, do not waste hours the night before laboriously applying fake tan. The chlorine in the pool will strip away all the pigmentation and un-do all of your hard work!
5) It’s a date! Don’t plan your relaxing spa treatments before stressful life events such as moving house or exams, you won’t be able to fully relax and enjoy the benefits. Instead, plan them for afterwards and use them as something to look forward to once you can properly unwind.
6) All hot and bothered… I prefer to use heat and water therapies (such as saunas and Jacuzzis) before my spa treatments rather than afterwards, especially with massage. For one thing the heat will help you de-stress and get in the right frame of mind before your treatment, and by using these facilities afterwards you may feel light-headed and dizzy, as well as stripping away all the lovely essential oils which will still be sinking into your skin.
7) Egg on your face! There is nothing quite like a stimulating facial to eliminate impurities and leave you with a glowing complexion. However, this process of detoxification can sometimes result in an initial breakout before the skin completely clears or very sensitive skin can flare up slightly after using active ingredients. Therefore, make sure you leave at least a week between having a facial and a big event such as your wedding day, so you can make you entrance feeling your confident best.
8) Mummy-to-Be… Expecting a baby is one the most exciting times in a woman’s life, but it can also be one of the most physically exhausting too. The good news is that contrary to popular belief the vast majority of spa treatments are not out of bounds for pregnant women, so you can indulge in a soothing therapy to ease those aches and pains. Manicures, pedicures and facials will be fine, but if you are going to have a massage remember to discuss this in advance with your therapist, who will probably avoid essential oils, use specific pre-natal massage techniques and possibly use a massage chair or specially designed pre-natal massage bed.
9) 5 o’clock shadow… Gents, make sure you arrive cleanly shaven for your facial. By not shaving you will be cheating the lower half of your face out of the treatment as it will not be able to fully absorb any of the products used. Also, the rough texture of your stubble may be a little unpleasant for the therapist when trying to massage the facial skin. If you are worried about wet shaving because you suffer from shaving rash or in-growing hairs, give it a try just this once as these are problems which can be improved upon as a result of your facial treatment.
10) Tootsies...The most irritating spa faux pas has to be cringingly, delicately trying to squeeze you newly polished toes into some winter boots after a pedicure. Although your toes will be touch dry after 10 minutes or so, you can guarantee there will be a fine imprint of your socks in your once-shiny top coat by the time you get home if you wear shoes. Think on and make sure you pop a pair of flip flops in your bag for afterwards, ok so you may be a little chilly on the drive home if it’s winter, but that’s nothing compared to wasting an hour and the best part of £70 on a luxury pedicure only to be smudged 15 minutes later!
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