Showing up on time
If you’re running late, you lose – spas often can’t push your appointment back more than 10 minutes. Need an incentive to arrive on time? Many spas have serene relaxation lounges — some even run the full gamut with heat (steam and sauna) and hydrotherapy facilities (hot tubs and fancy showers) — which act as a prelude to get you in the tranquil spa mindset before your service.
Cancellation policies
Be conscious that we need at least a 24-hour cancellation notice. Short-notice cancellations (less than 24 hours) will incur a $35.00 charge, especially if you’ve left your credit card number at booking. Know the spa’s cancellation policies when you book and give as much notice as possible if you change your appointment plans. If you need to re-schedule your appointment, there will be a $35.00 rescheduling fee.
Mind your manners
Your cell phone or BlackBerry should be turned off–and kept off–while in the spa; using either is a huge no-no. Better yet, leave both at home and make Miss Manners proud. In a relaxation room, conversation is fine as long as it’s in a soft tone.
Male or female therapist?
It’s up to you. Spas make every effort to accommodate guest wishes in this regard. Keep in mind that at peak hours, it may be harder to fulfil your request, and that for less-requested treatments, the spa may have only one therapist available. Remember to book in advance; if you are a fan of a particular therapist, chances are someone else is as well.
In the buff
Nudity is probably the aspect of spa-going that causes guests the most anxiety. Let’s be serious–baring it all to someone you’ve just met can feel awkward. But keep in mind that most therapists in the States go to great lengths to maintain guest modesty, stepping out of the treatment room to allow you to disrobe and get comfortable under the sheet on the massage table. If you’re uncomfortable about being in the buff, you don’t have to undress completely; it’s perfectly okay to wear underwear while having a massage. Second, there are select treatments for which spas will often supply disposable undergarments. Though they’ll never make the La Perla catalogue, they do ensure some modesty.
Tips for tipping
Leaving 15 to 20 percent is customary. Tips should be left at the reception desk, which will have gratuity envelopes and pass them along to the therapist (you may want to check with your spa prior to paying, as most permit cash tips only). Received services from more than one therapist? Leave a separate tip for each one. Also, more often than not, spa staff appreciates when the gratuity is left in cash. At a medical spa, tip the facialist, not the medical doctor. Some spas include gratuity in the price, so it’s always best to check before.
Leave these at home
Valuables
Though many spas offer locker facilities, leave jewelry and valuables at home in order to avoid any worries or stress.
Perfume
Because the emphasis should be on relaxation and because others may be allergic, it’s best not to wear perfume to a treatment.
Smoking
For the most part, smoking is not allowed at spas. If it is, there are usually designated areas where you can smoke.
Pets
Unless the spa is designated as “Pet Friendly,” leave pets at home.