Tips for Preparing for a Trip to the Spa

A day at the spa is a great way to treat yourself. There are plenty of options for relaxation, beauty and relief from conditions such as chronic pain. If you're trying to plan a spa day, here are some tips to prepare.

1. Choose Your Spa

There are a few things you should consider when you choose a spa to go to. Make sure it offers the treatments you're interested in and has the facilities and equipment to perform those treatments. Most spas offer mani-pedis, facials and massages, but if you're interested in something more obscure, such as cryotherapy, you may need to shop around. Make sure the staff is licensed and creates a welcoming environment. Also, make sure the spa is clean and well-designed.

2. Get To Know The Staff

Besides being licensed professionals, you also want the staff at a spa to be friendly and welcoming. A spa is a place you go to relax, so the staff should have the appropriate energy for their clients to relax. If you have specific treatments in mind, try to get to know the therapists or estheticians who perform those treatments. If you don't feel comfortable with the staff at one spa, you can shop around until you do.

3. Decide What Treatments To Get

Once you choose the spa and get to know the staff, you should start thinking about what treatments you want to have done. If you want to tackle skin issues like dullness or ache, ask about facial options. If you're looking for something more low-key, you might do well with a mani-pedi. Massages are a common option, and there are many versions from full-body options to massages targeting specific areas of the body. Be sure to let the staff know if you have any medical issues that might impact your treatment decisions when you book. These can be anything from an allergy to a beauty ingredient you need to avoid to wanting the massage therapist to focus on sore joints from arthritis.

4. Prepare Beforehand

Many treatments at a spa involve heat of some kind, so make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your visit. You should also make sure you eat before, but nothing too heavy. Try smoothies with immune or protein supplements, like a green superfoods powder. Additionally, refrain from eating for at least an hour before your appointment. If you're getting a facial, make sure you know what products you normally use so you can tell your esthetician. You should also leave anything you don't need at home, including valuables. While most spas have lockers, it's usually better to be safe than sorry.

5. Arrive Early

Get to the spa at least fifteen minutes early, especially if this is your first visit. Many spas include an intake form for you to fill out so you can list out any concerns or issues you want the staff to focus on during your treatment. Letting the massage therapist know you've got a sinus headache, for example, helps the therapist know where to focus the massage and provide you with the best experience. Early arrival also gives you time to decompress and get settled rather than just getting straight to your treatment. You can take this time to meditate, drink some water or put away your things. It's a good idea to check the website or ask the staff before your spa day about arrival times because some spas do ask clients to arrive earlier than the general fifteen minutes.

The most important thing you can do to prepare for a trip to the spa is to look forward to it and plan to have a fun, relaxing time.