Battling with that oh-so-unergonomic chair at home? Or perhaps you’ve been summoned back to the office by anti-remote work policies and are finding the daily commute utterly draining?
In these increasingly turbulent times, it’s only natural to be struggling with stress. Most of us are holding so much tension in our backs, shoulders and heads that we resemble limp, prone puppets barely able to hold ourselves up without the help of someone working the strings.
While some of us have tried turning our bathrooms into private spas, there’s still nothing quite like a day spent at a real, genuine spa, let’s be honest. Spas, the undisputed Queens of all wellness trips, offer the perfect sanctuary for pampering, rest and relaxation. To ensure you go in spa savvy, here are some expertly curated hacks for the best spa day ever.
Take A Tour
When you arrive at your chosen spa day destination, it’s a good idea to ask for a tour of everything and everywhere that’s on offer. Knowledge is power, after all, and it’s most economical for your time and wellbeing to know the ins and outs of all the facilities before you agree on your schedule with the spa team. A short tour presents the ideal opportunity for you to get a feel for the place and plan out your time perfectly.
Ask specifically about any hidden gems – many spas have secluded relaxation areas, meditation spaces, or sensory rooms that aren’t immediately obvious but can elevate your experience significantly.
Call Ahead
Though it might seem a bit fussy, it’s important to call ahead and determine if there are any steps you should take (or rules to follow) before your spa session.
Indeed, using the wrong skin-care product the day before, overeating in advance of a back massage, or not being aware of treatments that have exfoliation or shaving requirements can make or break your relaxing spa day. And let’s face it; not knowing such things tends to result in breaking, not making, it.
Owing to the importance of such foresight, spas will generally call you in advance to complete a small, verbal questionnaire about your expectations of the day, and provide you with some preparatory advice.
For facials, avoid using retinol products 48 hours beforehand. For body treatments, gentle exfoliation the evening before can enhance results. For massages, stay hydrated but avoid heavy meals within two hours of your appointment.
Save On Your Spa Experience
Is there anything more relaxing than knowing you’ve saved yourself a pretty penny while luxuriating at a spa? Thrifty kings and queens, stand up! If you’re keen to enjoy a discount or special offer, then there are some simple ways for you to do so:
- Sign up to mailing lists and newsletters — Many spas send emails offering last minute discounts and cut price sessions to customers who can attend an unbooked slot at short notice.
- Become a regular — Equally, many spa venues reward loyalty with deals and deductions for regular clients.
- Get a Coupon — Sites like Groupon, LivingSocial and Wowcher offer spa deals to users who sign up to their service. All it takes is an email address.
- Alternatively, the dedicated spa website Spa Seekers details deals and packages in your area.
- Consider a package — Many spa venues offer packages to entice new custom, often in the form of a group deal. This might be a ‘hen do’ or ‘stag’ package, a 2-for-1 deal, or an ‘all inclusive’ package that covers the cost of your drinks and food at the venue, too.
- Spa gift card schemes — Many spas offer gift card programmes with added value—buy a £100 spa gift card and receive an additional £20 credit, for instance. These often run during quieter periods and can be a brilliant way to stretch your wellness budget.
Timing Is Everything
If your schedule allows for flexibility, take advantage of off-peak times for a quieter, more affordable experience.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends — children are in school, most people are busy at their places of work, and generally, folk feel less inclined to treat themselves on a Tuesday afternoon, in case it ends up feeling a little too indulgent. But if you can’t treat yourself to a spa day during a dreary week, then when can you?
For an even more tranquil experience, book early morning slots when facilities are freshly cleaned and at their quietest. Alternatively, late afternoon appointments (around 4pm) often mean you can linger into the evening when day guests begin to depart.
Stay Hydrated
Here’s something they don’t always tell you; spas can be thirsty work. That complementary glass of bubbles, time spent in the hot tub, sauna and steam rooms, and hour spent face down without fluids — it’s all too easy to get dehydrated at the spa.
Indeed, saunas and steam rooms make you sweat and even if you don’t realise it, hot tubs do the same (ew), which can cause dehydration. Prolonged spells can even lead to dizziness and nausea, so keep yourself hydrated at all times to mitigate this. Most spas, of course, have complementary water — be sure to take advantage of this. Or, bring a bottle of water with you.
If you are going to partake in bubbles, then it’s recommended you don’t drink before your spa experience as alcohol increases the risk of dehydration massively. Moreover, the booze can decrease your awareness, stability and mood, which can ruin your attempts to get zen and forget your troubles for the day.
Drink at least one glass of water between each heat experience (sauna, steam room, hot tub) and aim for about 500ml per hour during your stay. Some spas offer infused waters with cucumber, lemon or berries—these count towards your hydration goals whilst adding a touch of luxury.
Carry A Cotton Tote
We mentioned bringing a bottle of water with you, which sounded cumbersome enough. But bring a whole bag with you into the spa? Really?
Really. In that handy little bag of yours, you can carry a book, a magazine, bottled water and anything else you need to make you happy and relaxed during your spa day. We recommend bringing a snack in your tote, too. It’s important to let all your worries disappear while at a spa, so make sure you don’t go hungry and let tummy rumbles interrupt your relaxing day.
Consider packing some extra essentials: lip balm (heat facilities can dry your lips), hair ties, a small facial spritz for cooling down, and perhaps your own favourite facial oil to apply post-treatment. Many luxury spas provide these items, but having your own trusted products can enhance your experience.
Mind How Much You Eat Beforehand
Many people indulge in a spa experience because of the reputed health benefits; a massage can provide muscular relief, a hot tub may improve circulation, saunas could bring cardiovascular benefits, and the whole thing can most certainly destress mind and body.
However, if you’ve had a big meal just before beginning your spa day, some of those benefits will be wasted, as blood rushes to your digestive system following a meal. If you’ve eaten beforehand, wait at least an hour before using the sauna and longer still if you’re planning on having a massage. If you’re going to snack during the day, keep it light and healthy. Delicious, fresh fruit is often provided; make the most of it!
For optimal treatment results, eat a light, balanced meal approximately 90 minutes before your spa visit—perhaps a small portion of lean protein with vegetables or a nutrient-dense smoothie. This provides energy without the digestive heaviness that can detract from your experience.
Swimsuits & Towels x 2
Spa day connoisseurs swear by doubling up on both their swimsuit and their towel, bringing two of each along. You can’t relax in a wet swimsuit or wet towel, after all. So, take two swimsuits with you and ask the staff for two towels. Simple.
When selecting swimwear, opt for comfort over fashion—this isn’t Instagram, it’s your wellbeing. Dark colours tend to maintain their appearance better after exposure to spa minerals and treatments. For towels, request one for your body and one specifically for your face to maintain hygiene throughout the day.
Communicate With Your Therapist
During your massage or facial treatment, the worst thing you can do is suffer through it, should something feel uncomfortable. If your therapist becomes heavy-handed and applies too much pressure, or if the treatment tickles, don’t just grin and bear it — say something. It’s perfectly acceptable and normal etiquette to say if pressure is too much during a massage, but sometimes, our British reticence means we keep silent.
But that’s not all you should be more vocal about. According to Skift.com, one of the most distracting elements of any spa day is the sometimes irritating music they play. Not everyone can relax to the sound of pan pipes and mating whales, and if it doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to ask for something different, particularly if you’re in a solo treatment room. If you have a favourite spa sound, then ask if you can listen to it while you have your treatment. Perhaps not Slipknot or any DnB, though…
Remember to communicate any specific concerns before your treatment begins: sensitive areas, injuries, pregnancy, or simply areas you’d like them to focus on. Most therapists appreciate guidance—it helps them deliver a better experience tailored precisely to your needs.
Thermal Suite Strategy
The thermal suite—comprising facilities like saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and experience showers—deserves a thoughtful approach to maximise benefits:
Start with the least intense heat (tepidarium or warm pool) and gradually work up to hotter environments like steam rooms and saunas. Between each heat experience, cool down completely—whether through a cold shower, plunge pool, or ice fountain—to stimulate circulation properly.
The ideal sequence: warm room (10-15 minutes), cool down (2-3 minutes), steam room (5-10 minutes), cool down (2-3 minutes), sauna (8-12 minutes), extended cool down (5 minutes). Rest for at least 15 minutes before repeating the cycle, and limit yourself to 2-3 full cycles per visit.
The Art Of Digital Detox
One of the most transformative aspects of a spa day can be disconnecting from technology. While it might feel instinctive to document your experience or check emails, consider committing to a complete digital detox.
Many premium spas now provide secure lockers for mobile devices, encouraging guests to surrender their phones upon arrival. If yours doesn’t, challenge yourself to keep your phone switched off and tucked away. The psychological benefits of disconnecting—even for just a few hours—can significantly enhance your relaxation response and mental rejuvenation.
Bring an actual paper book or magazine rather than an e-reader, and rediscover the pleasure of being unreachable, if only temporarily.
The Bottom Line
With these enhanced strategies in your wellness arsenal, you’re thoroughly prepared for the most restorative, indulgent spa experience possible. Remember that the true luxury of a spa day isn’t just the treatments themselves, but the permission to prioritise yourself completely—something we could all benefit from incorporating into our regular routines. Happy relaxing!
