The Spa atmosphere is one of tranquility and relaxation. At least, it should be. Stressing over the do’s and don’ts of spa etiquette can cause serious muscle tension; so can the spa patron next to you chatting loudly on their cell phone. To ensure that you and those around you reap the full benefits of the spa experience, we suggest keeping the following etiquette practices in mind. Please remember, each spa is unique and you should always ask if you are unsure of anything.
- Notify the spa of medical conditions. When booking your appointments, please notify the spa concierge of any medical conditions, disabilities, or allergies and remind your therapist at the time of treatment. Also, tell the technician if you are wearing contact lenses before a facial.
- Male or female therapist? Please communicate any requests for a specific therapist or gender of therapist at the time of booking. A spa will make every effort to grant your request, but keep in mind that it will be harder to accommodate your requests when booking last minute or during peak hours. To avoid this, book your treatments as early as possible.
- Show up on time. It’s hard to imagine being late for a date with relaxation, but it happens, and seldom with good results. Often spas can’t hold an appointment longer than 10 minutes past the scheduled time. To mitigate this, seasoned spa goers often arrive an hour or so before treatments, easing into the spa mindset by exploring the sauna, showers, steam room, and relaxation room. At the very least, arrive 15-30 minutes early so you can enjoy an unhurried transition into the spa.
- Spa Hygiene. Everyone wins by practicing good spa hygiene. Always shower before entering a shared spa facility, such as a soaking pool, swimming pool, sauna, or steam room. You should also bring a towel to sit on when enjoying the sauna or steam room and remember to keep your spa sandals on when walking around the facility. Nobody should use the steam room for shaving purposes. Be warned that spa hygiene can vary according to countries. In Austria and Germany, for example, wearing a swimsuit in the sauna is considered unhygienic so save yourself the shock, and ask the spa receptionist if you are visiting a spa while traveling.
- Respect other guests. Remember the Golden Rule? There’s no better place to practice “doing unto others” than the spa. Cell phone use and smoking are activities best left outside the spa, and are often prohibited. For the sake of others, your cell phone should be turned off--and kept off--while in the spa. Other items to leave behind are valuables and pets.
- Disrobing / Spa Nudity. Being nervous about nudity should never get in the way of enjoying a spa visit, and yet it is the aspect that often causes the greatest anxiety. While it is customary for guests to completely disrobe for spa services, you are welcome to wear a swimsuit or undergarments if you prefer. Baring your all to a complete stranger can feel awkward, but keep in mind that professional therapists, especially in the States, are trained to respect your modesty at all times. They will leave the treatment room allowing you to disrobe and settle under the sheets for your massage, and they will drape you discreetly during your treatment to protect your privacy. Some specialty treatments often supply disposable undergarments for you to use. Are they sexy? No. Appreciated? Yes. In unisex steam rooms and saunas it is best to wear a bathing suit or adhere to the policy of the spa, which can vary by country. First and foremost, spas want you to be comfortable with your experience and the boundaries you define as uncomfortable will be respected.
- Conversation. In relaxation rooms, saunas, steam rooms, and elsewhere conversation is fine as long as it’s in a soft tone at a low volume.
- Perfume/Cologne. Refrain from wearing perfume or cologne in the spa area or to any fitness classes. Some people may be allergic and the scent may take away from the relaxation and comfort of the spa.
- Children in the spa: Generally not a good idea. Many folks escape to the spa to enjoy some peace, relaxation, and a quiet atmosphere. Hence, spas often have a policy of not allowing children under the age of 16. Some spas, however, cater to children and offer spa activities suitable for young ones as well as on-site child care. If you are unsure whether the spa you are visiting allows children, please ask to speak with the Spa Concierge.
- Think Green. The spa is the perfect place to practice eco-awareness. Be mindful of how you use the environment around you, taking only what you intend to use. Not sure how many towels you’ll need? Start with one and you can always get more. Anything that has to be washed requires water and electricity, resources that not every community has in ready supply. If your spa experience brings you into nature, please take any trash with you when you leave.
- Cancellation Policies. Always cancel an appointment as soon as possible, as you will often incur a charge when cancelling 24 to 48 hours before a treatment. Ask about the cancellation policy when booking your appointment, especially if you are leaving your credit card number.
- Tipping. It is customary to leave a 15 to 20 percent tip at the reception desk upon the completion of your spa visit. Some spas permit cash only tips and will supply gratuity envelopes for you to use. The spa will see that the tip reaches the proper therapist. Other spas will easily allow you to add your tip to your final credit card charge. If you’ve received services from more than one therapist, please leave a separate tip for each one. At a medical spa, you will tip the facialist and not the medical doctor. Always check before tipping, as some spas have already added gratuity to the treatment price.