Getting the most from your spa experience
One of the best ways to de-stress is to have a spa day. And if you are one of the thousands of Americans who are doing sta-cations, a spa day is a must.
Here are some tips to make your spa day truly relaxing and enjoyable:
- Choose a spa that offers robes, a relaxation area and refreshments. Ask about packages and specials, so you can get the most for your money.
- Choose a package that includes a facial. They are very relaxing and offer great benefits for your skin.
- Choose to make this a retreat from the stress. Leave your work and your problems at home. Give yourself the gift of 3 or 4 hours away from it all.
- Plan to arrive at the spa at least 30 minutes before your first service, so you can take your time getting your robe, slippers and refreshments. Take in the scenery and the scents. Spas usually smell wonderful!
- Go to the relaxation area. Lie down and close your eyes. Visualize a relaxing picture in your mind (a sunny beach, waves lapping on the shore, a fragrant garden, or a happy place of your choosing) until your first service provider calls you.
- From now until your spa time is over, you want to practice being in the moment.
- Leave your cell phone in the locker or turn it off.
- Take advantage of essential oil aromatherapy upgrades. They are usually inexpensive and uber-relaxing.
- When you get to your first service, clear your mind again. When outside thoughts occur, let them pass over like clouds. Focus on what is happening every moment of your service—every touch, every smell and the relaxing spa music. Service providers usually take cues from the client, but if you get a chatty service provider, tell them that you would like have quiet so you can focus on the service.
- During a facial, you can expect the esthetician to speak during the first 10-15 minutes. This is not idle conversation. They should be giving you the results of their analysis of your skin. After extractions, the esthetician should be quiet until the service is over. Again, you are in charge and can always ask for quiet.
- If you book a massage and facial, have the massage first and ask for a 15- to 30- minute break between the two services. If there is a steam room, then take a steam after your massage. Never steam after a facial, because your skincare is complete and you don’t want to remove the moisturizer.
- Therapists are professionals, make use of whatever advice they give you.
- Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy and do it at least once a season. You deserve it!
