Whether you\u2019re headed for a single indulgent treatment at a day spa, or a weekend of revitalization, here\u2019 how to ensure your money is well spent. <\/p>\n
ASK BEFORE YOU GO <\/p>\n
Taking time for yourself is a luxury, and you don\u2019t want it to be anything less than perfect. So start out right by settling some basic matters. \u201cWhen you make the appointment, ask questions such as, \u2018Are robes and slippers supplied? Should I bring a swimsuit? What personal amenities are supplied?\u2019\u201d advises Liz Conway, marketing director of Premier Spas of Ontario. \u201cFind out what personal amenities are supplied \u2013 everything from shampoo to toothbrushes and toothpaste in the bathroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
LOOK FOR CREDENTIALS<\/p>\n
One hallmark of a good spa is membership in a national or international spa association. Leading Spas of Canada, for example, is a national association with some 150 members from coast to coast who must adhere to a protocol of standards and practices. \u201cComplaints such as an unkempt facility or an unpleasant experience lead to tough inspections,\u201d says Donna Holton, president of the association. In Canada, Premier Spas of Ontario and Spas Relais Sant\u00e9 in Quebec are the only provincial associations that conduct regular inspections. Members of Premier Spas of Ontario, for example, are inspected a minimum of every 18 months to check on over 80 quality standards \u2013 everything from the size of treatment rooms and staff qualifications to whether the towels are fluffy enough and all of the equipment is in proper working order. . <\/p>\n
Check staff qualifications
\nAsk about the training of the massage therapists. Although training varies from province to province, if massage therapists are registered (that is, they have an RMT designation), it means they have not only received intensive training, but can provide reimbursable receipts for a medical benefits plan <\/p>\n
Arrive a bit early
\nFor a day spa, arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your appointment. That way you can complete the health form, enjoy the amenities and relax. I you are running late, your treatment will still end at the appointed time, but you will leave feeling frazzled and short-changed. <\/p>\n
Fill out the forms
\nReputable spas require clients complete a health assessment form prior to treatment. Some establishments go even further, requiring that therapists sign that they have read it. If you haven\u2019t been asked to complete a form, be sure to tell the therapist or aesthetician about any pre-existing conditions such as recent surgery or diabetes. \u201cThey should also be aware if you have skin allergies that preclude using certain products or any contagious skin conditions such as cold sores or plantar warts,\u201d says Dr. Lili Nasseri of Port Moody B.C. \u201cAnyone with a heart condition should avoid the sauna,\u201d she cautions. <\/p>\n
Turn off your cell phone
\nCome prepared not only to enjoy, but also make the most of the experience. \u201cCheck your worries and your Blackberry at the door,\u201d recommends Kelly Jamieson, manager of Zest Spa at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel in Halifax. <\/p>\n
Get the silent treatment
\nTreatment time is your time. A good massage therapist or aesthetician should put you at ease from the start. Treatment time is your time. Relax and enjoy. Don\u2019t talk a lot, except to tell your therapist whether you prefer light or heavy pressure or if, at ant time, you are uncomfortable. Don\u2019t hesitate to gently but firmly tell a chit chatty employee that you prefer not to talk. Say something as simple as, \u201c I would like to just listen to the music, unless you need to explain a procedure to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Skip the makeup
\nIf you are having a facial avoid wearing makeup (if possible) both before and after. Unless absolutely necessary, don\u2019t wash your hair immediately after a scalp massage. Let the massage oil work its magic for a few hours. <\/p>\n
Extend a day spa visit
\nWith a day spay, find out if there are extras such as a hot tub, swimming pool, sauna or gym and relaxing lounge so you can extend the experience and its benefits. Is there a caf\u00e9 or restaurant should you decide to make a day of it and wish to have lunch? Allow at least half an hour to relax after you\u2019ve finished your treatment(s) so you can melt into a comfy lounge chair with a cup of tea before re-entering the real world. Consider getting a ride home instead of having to cope with stressful city traffic. Or, when planning an out-of-town spa visit, ask whether the spa offers transportation from a train or bus station, to save having to drive. <\/p>\n
Express your thanks \u2013 or not<\/p>\n
While the amount of any tip is up to the individual client, the spa industry norm is15 percent. Most establishments provide gratuity envelopes at the reception desk so you can leave individual envelopes for each employee \u2013 a discreet way to show your appreciation. \u201cIf you have a less than stellar experience, fill out a comment card or bring your concerns to the spa director immediately,\u201d says Audrey Rivest, a marketing and communications representative of the 30-member Spas Relais Sant\u00e9 in Quebec. \u201cYou are there for your personal well being. It is important that everything is just right.\u201d If a spa is a member of an umbrella association, complaints can also be directed to the association. <\/p>\n
Go with someone special
\n\u201cBecause a spa experience is such a wonderful way t de-stress,\u201d says Julie Simcox, spa director at the luxurious Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa in Cambridge, Ont., \u201cenjoy it with someone you love.\u201d <\/p>\n
Best Health April 2009 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Whether you\u2019re headed for a single indulgent treatment at a day spa, or a weekend of revitalization, here\u2019 how to ensure your money is well spent. ASK BEFORE YOU GO Taking time for yourself is a luxury, and you don\u2019t want it to be anything less than perfect. So start out right by settling some […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":209,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/beyondlavenderhill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/191"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/beyondlavenderhill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/beyondlavenderhill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beyondlavenderhill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beyondlavenderhill.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=191"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/beyondlavenderhill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":192,"href":"http:\/\/beyondlavenderhill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/191\/revisions\/192"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beyondlavenderhill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/beyondlavenderhill.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}