How perfect is your spa etiquette?

How to get the best from a spa visit? Rouge helps you relax without getting                    intimidated at a spa
 Are you reluctant to visit a spa? We asked some top spa gurus on what to expect at a spa-in-dulging session. So that you can enjoy the benefits of all that pummelling and pampering, can use your spa experience to pick up tips on coping with stress and on changing your diet.
   
        What are the tips I should keep in mind
It’s very important to fix your appointment in advance. “Spas, especially at hotels/resorts, run on tight schedules and always give preference to their members over walk-ins. so, it is imperative to have a prior appointment. Somebody you might just turn up and find all the sessions booked,” says Ajay Malik, who works at a popular spa. Meanwhile, Kamayani Kanwar, from another spa, says, “while fixing an appointment don’t only plan the time of appointment don’t only pla the time of appointment but also discuss treatment. Also, if you enjoyed the services of a particular therapist on a prior visit, feel free to request for that person.” It is advised to talk about your medical condition before the treatment. An expectant mother should inform the therapist in advance about her condition. “We would recommend customers to walk in 15 minutes prior to their appointment. This will enable them to change into their spa gowns and proceed for their treatment on time, “she adds.

Are there any essentials to carry along?
We’ve had women wonder what clothes they should wear to a spa. Kamayani says, “Spas provide towels, gowns, the best of creams, lotions and shampoos and a separate locker to keep all your jewellery, watches and other essentials. However, always check with a spa if they provide you with these facilities.” Ajay adds, “We provide disposable underwear but as far as cosmetics and toiletries are concerned there are few people who are very particular about their skin and prefer using their own brands. In that case, we advise them to carry their own stuff.”

Too shy to undress?
No woman thinks her body is perfect. So, undressing at a spa is big deal, especially if it’s your first time. But you don’t have anything to worry. You can wrap yourself in a towel. Only the parts that are being massaged will be uncovered or massaged from under the towel. The therapist starts massaging from the back while the towel is still on you. Even when she asks you turn on your back for front body massage, she will cover her face with towel.” Jesper Hougaard, MD of spa makes a point, “You don’t necessarily have to undress unless you are getting a full body massage, for which you’ll be wrapped in a towel.”

Can I have meal before the treatment?
“For a full body massage you have to make sure that the meal has been taken at least two hours in advance.” says kamayani. She goes on to add, “During a massage, therapist work on your body so as to active a full blood circulation by pressing and massaging points. However, having a meal prior to the massage will not have the desired effect.”

Can I speak during the treatment?
Ideally, it is recommended that you should lie down and relax. But, be sure to speak up if you want things to be done differently. Hougaard says, “spa treatment is for relaxation and it’s very important that you are satisfied. So, you should speak up if you want your therapist to give you a deep massage, change the amount of light, kind of music, room temperature, and whether or not you choose to have a conversation or enjoy the treatment in silence. Also, feel free to ask questions.”

Can I tip the therapist?
While most of spas don’t encourage tipping as such, but if you are delighted by a therapist’s work, you might as well tip her. Kamayani says, “ We do not encourage tipping but if  a customer wishes to encourage a therapist, we do not resist either. Otherwise the therapist might feel disheartened.”
Stress can do strange things to you, but a spa can help you get rid of it. “A spa offers you an experience. It provides luxurious treatment in a nice environment, candles and music helps you rejuvenate and relax,” says Hougaard. So, stop snapping at your partner, cursing your officemates. Just chill at a spa!