Spa etiquette can be a source of anxiety for first-time spa-goers, but it’s easy once you know a few basics. Here are some basic rules of spa etiquette to help you know what to expect and feel at ease. For more information, here’s a video on spa etiquette.
Turn Off your Cell Phone.
Most spas won’t allow you to bring your cell phone to the spa. You can’t relax if you’re answering calls, checking emails, and texting in the spa — and neither can the person next to you. Sometimes it’s okay to text or check emails while you’re getting a pedicure, but refrain from conversations.
Arrive On Time.
What time that is depends on what kind of spa it is, whether you’ve been before, and what kind of experience you want to have. Ten or 15 minutes can be enough for a basic day spa without amenities like locker rooms, robes, steam and sauna. You may need a few minutes to fill out paperwork the first time. You don’t need to get there too far in advance if all you’re going to do is take your clothes off in the treatment room. Better to get there a little early and relax than to get there late and miss part of your treatment. Get there AT LEAST twenty to thirty minutes sooner. There may be people in front of you, and you need time to fill out paperwork, get a tour of the facilities, change into your robe, and enjoy amenities like a steam room or hot tub. Ask about the amenities when you make your appointment and think about what you would like to experience. If you get there ten minutes before your appointment, you’re just shortchanging yourself. If there’s a shower in the locker room, it’s nice to use it before your treatment. It will freshen you up before your treatment.
Speak Up About What You Want.
When you make a massage appointment, the receptionist will generally ask if you male or female massage therapist. If you don’t have a preference, you are more likely to get a male as many people prefer female therapists. Massage therapists are trained to respect boundaries and use proper draping techniques, so either should be fine. During the massage, feel free to speak up on anything you would like to be different — more pressure, less pressure, quieter music, a blanket if you’re cold, turning the table warmer off. Your comfort is the most important thing, and your therapist is there for you.
The Nudity Question
Massage is usually done nude, but you are covered with a sheet at all times. Only the part of the body being massaged is exposed. If you’re just starting out and know you have some anxieties about being massaged by a stranger, ask the receptionist about treatments where you keep your clothes on, like reflexology or Reiki. You can also try a facial, where you can keep your robe on if you want. Thai Massage is a clothed treatment, but some of the stretching poses are a little advanced for beginners.
Is Talking Allowed?
You can talk during the treatment or be still, as you choose. The therapist should follow your lead. If you’re not talking and the therapist won’t be quiet, you can say something like, “I’m just going to be quiet/rest for a little while.” The therapist will get the hint. In general, try to use a quiet “spa voice” when you talk anywhere in the spa. When the treatment is over, the therapist should bring your robe and lay it across your table. Take it easy getting up as you should be very relaxed by now.
What About Tipping?
This depends on the spa. In day spas, 15-20% is typical. Many spas add on a service fee, not all of which goes to the therapist. If you’d like to give them something extra for exceptional service, you can. If you were given a gift certificate, ask if the tip was included.
Cancelling Your Appointment
Most spas have a 24-hour cancellation policy, and if you left a charge card number, you may be charged. If you know you’re not going to make it, let the spa know as soon as possible. A therapist might have come in just for you, and if you don’t pay, the therapist doesn’t get paid.
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