Still working from home and in constant battle with that oh-so-unergonomic chair of yours? Or, you’ve just returned to the office and are finding readjustment particularly trying?
Either way, after all that’s happened over the past couple of years, it’s only natural to be struggling with stress right now. We certainly are. Most of us are still holding in so much tension in our backs, shoulders and heads that we represent limp, prone puppets barely able to hold ourselves up without the help of someone working the strings.
While many of us have tried our hand at turning our bathrooms into a private spa and upgraded our tubs with whirlpool jets to turn them into home jacuzzis, there’s still nothing quite like a day spent at a real, genuine spa.
Now that spas, the undisputed Queen of all wellness trips, are open again, could it be time to treat yourself to a day of pampering, rest and relaxation? After so long without one, you might have forgotten just how to approach such an experience to get the very most out of it. We’re here to help with that; to go in spa savvy, here are some 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 for you to know the ins and outs of all the facilities on offer before you agree on your schedule with the spa team. A short tour of the spa presents the ideal opportunity for you to get a feel for the place and plan out your time perfectly.
CALL AHEAD
The Falls Spa, who offer luxury spa breaks in the Lake District, tell us that 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.
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 a spa’s (or several spa’s) 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 use 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.
WEEKDAYS ARE BEST
A silver lining of recent troubled times is that working hours have become more flexible for many. And this spells good news for spa lovers keen for a quieter, more affordable experience.
If you’re able to give yourself the afternoon off or sneak away from your computer for a few hours, take advantage of the reduced rates and relative calm of spas during the week. It’s seriously the best time to go.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends – kids are in school, other people who (fingers crossed) haven’t read this article 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?
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.
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. Speaking of which…
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!
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.
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…