Spas?

[Phoenix]

I know there was a thread awhile back about Spas. I'm considering going to one (need some relaxation!) for a massage and maybe a facial.

Never having been to a spa before, what should I expect? Are you going to be completely covered in oil after a massage? Do you tip the people who provide the services? How much in advance do you typically make appointments?

[pisces2473]

Hey Phoenix! Coll and I went to one a few weeks ago and had a blast.

We got a package deal--mud wrap, massage, facial, mani, and pedi, plus lunch, so the tip was included in the price. While we were waiting to start, I saw women come out and go to the front desk to pay and then they asked for envelopes for the tips for their estheticians/massuses.

You'll have to ask Coll about the scheduling because she did it. As for the massage and oiliness, I was not oily. The massuse only used enough to just keep her hands moving (besides dry hands on dry skin could hurt a bit!). I felt nice and soft, and just plain old RELAXED for once. I wasn't that enthused with the mud wrap--towards the end, I was hot and itchy and couldn't move because I was bundled up, but I did feel soft afterwards. They have you take a shower to get all the mud off of you.

For anyone, if you don't have the money to do a huge day like Coll and I did, get a massage! It's so worth it.

Have fun!

[pisces2473]

And as for what to expect...I'm not sure what you mean. We were greeted very warmly, given robes and tunic-like wraps and flip flops, shown where to change (with lockers for our stuff w/ keys), they had us sit down in a waiting area, told us that there were rice cakes and trail mix and beverages and had us wait for the estheticians.

[TranquilSkye]

i go to spas all the time and haven't had a bad experience yet.
arrive at least 20 minutes early because they need you to fill out a brief form about your medical history and sign a waiver. don't eat a heavy meal before hand or you'll feel weird during your massage.

you can request that the masseuse use lotion instead of oil if you're worried about feeling greasy. they even let you sample them before getting started to find the right feel and scent. you're given a comfy robe to wear and slippers or you can bring your own if you like.

try and schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks in advance and they should be able to fit you in. you always tip the people who work on you (15-20%) and you can have them alter the temperature, music, lighting, etc to your comfort level.

[pisces2473]

They didn't have me fill out any forms, but every spa is different.

And the masseuse talked to me about the oils she had, making sure I wasn't allergic to anything.

[TranquilSkye]

yeah i'm sure some skip the form part, but its in their best interest to. its better to know if someones pregnant or has some injury then to not know and hurt someone.

[Phoenix]

Cool, thanks gals!