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How to behave in spa?
Spa etiquette
Heading for the first time to spa, normally many questions will be running through your head. You will doubt if it would be necessary to shave in advance, how comfortable you would feel being nude while having a massage and etc. Here you will find some guidelines to follow and, from this time on, you will see that the spa etiquette is largely experience-based.
Many people feel embarrassed, if they come to think of being nude in front of their masseuse and that is why they choose taking a facial instead of a massage. In fact, this is a great misconception, because nudity is never a requirement. Usually the spa workers will keep them busy while you are moving naked down under the sheets at the massage table. Moreover, the therapists will keep your body draped, exposing only the area being worked on and nothing more. Finally, nobody will complain if you wish to wear swimming suit or a similar outfit during a massage, allowing access to the areas to be treated.
One of the things you should keep in mind before going to the spa is to avoid eating too much, because when getting a massage your torso will be manipulated with a lot of activity. Leave about an hour beforehand. It is just the opposite about drinking, it is best to drink liquids before, during and after a spa treatment to prevent the body from loosing the fluids through sweat to heat. Thus, the procedures will be more effective, since your skin will not moisten too much before the treatment is done.
While getting a massage, you have to speak up every time you need to. If the therapist exerts too much/little pressure on your body or passes too quickly by a trouble spot, let them know. The massage aims at making you more comfortable and relaxed, not to make you suffer, and the therapist is there to give your body exactly what it needs. Instead of talking you can be quiet and just point, letting the masseuse follow your lead. After the massage, they will usually give you some time before getting up and they will leave, allowing you to put on your cover before moving to the lockers or for the next treatment. You might ask yourself how long you can lie on the table after the massage and the answer is about five minutes, because usually there will be another person coming on your place. If you you need more quiet time, you can use the lounge or meditation room in the spa.
Think in advance about shaving and do it well at least two hours before the treatment, to avoid the excessive sensivity of the skin. In any case, arrive early to give yourself enough time to undress and change into a robe or just prepare for the spa treatments. Moreover, it is advised to get your body warmed up because this way the massage will be more effective. Arriving fifteen minutes earlier will be the best and if the spa has other facilities like sauna, steam bath or whirlpool, you can use them before a treatment.
Noise spoils the relaxing environment, so if you really need to bring your cell phone, ensure it is left on silent to keep the quiet ambience for you and the rest. Likewise, try to speak in normal to low tone when in the hallways and waiting rooms. Bringing children along with you is not forbidden, but do not leave them unattended or ask someone to watch them. Some spas even have rules for age limit, so take them into account if you really need to bring your kids along with you.
Do not hesitate to ask any questions at the front desk, since most probably they have dealt with such a problem with other clients before. Remember also to give honest feedback to your therapist and share any doubts or expectations with him in order to get everything you need from the therapy and feel better about yourself. Making a complaint, you help the spa to improve and they will appreciate it more than a simple appraisal.
A big mistake the newbie spa-goers do is failure to reserve early. It is important to make an appointment in advance, especially if you reserve for peak hours. There might happen that the spa accommodates you without reservation, but it is not a guarantee for the future. Making an appointment early will provide you the chance to pick the appropriate time for you and make the job of the staff easier. The same regards cancellations, do them as soon as possible and respect the time schedule of the spa establishment, since your slot can be filled easily by another customer.
In the end, remember that the goal of going to spa is mainly to relax and get the best of the treatments. Try to concentrate on relaxing your muscles when receiving a massage and enjoy your time at maximum. Let the others take care of you and after a therapy do not rush to another treatment. Only this way you will achieve the goal of the spa treatments and get the necessary effect.
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