Anticipating your spa experience is an exciting time. You may visualize yourself relaxing during a massage or facial, or maybe you focus on the fact that you’ll be away from your computer screen and can close-out the rest of the world. While preparing for your appointment however, you may have some lingering questions like, “How soon should I arrive before my appointment?” or “Should I bring my favorite nail polish to the salon?” These are very common questions that we’re happy to clear up so your next spa experience is stress-free and as enjoyable as possible. Below, find our responses to your most commonly asked spa questions.
How do I prepare for my spa visit?
Depending on the spa services you’ll be receiving, there are a few common ways to prepare for your day of relaxation. Most commonly we advise guests to:
Arrive with a clean face (no makeup) or be prepared to remove it upon arrival.
Avoid putting on perfume or scented lotions, as your fragrance may overpower or clash with essential oils, which may deprive you of their benefit.
When booking your appointment, be clear about what type of service you want and if you have a gender preference of your spa professional.
What should I expect during a massage?
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth massage therapy sessions, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind when preparing for and during your massage:
Undressing is optional. It’s common for guests to be uncomfortable getting completely undressed, and that’s OK! If you choose to leave your undergarments on (underwear and/or bras), your massage therapist is trained to work with clothing on or removed.
Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water prior to and following your massage, as the water will help lend to your muscles opening up during your massage, as well as help alleviate any soreness following your appointment. That said, be hydrated, but don’t go into a massage on a full stomach. Eat a light bite a few hours beforehand, and then plan a larger meal following your massage.
During your appointment, be sure to breath like you’re meditating (deep inhales and exhales) and communicate with your massage therapist. Note if you would like more pressure, less pressure, have places you’d like them to focus on or avoid – you’re the ‘boss’ during the session, so don’t be afraid to communicate your needs.
Make sure you refer to your massage therapist as just that, a massage therapist, as opposed to a masseuse. The term masseuse is often a negative one in the spa world, as it’s associated with “cheap” or unrefined services, and not professionally trained individuals. When referencing your therapist, be cognizant of how you address them and be sure you refer to them as a ‘massage therapist’ – they’ll appreciate the level of respect you bring to their profession.
Should I bring my own nail polish to the salon?
Most spas, including Stonedrift Spa allow you to bring your favorite color of polish. However, it’s not required, and we always encourage guests to browse the selection of polishes available at the spa, as you never know if you’ll find a new favorite.
How soon should I arrive before my spa appointment?
We encourage all of our guests to arrive about 30-ish minutes before their spa appointment for a few reasons. First, Stonedrift Spa (as do most spas) has you complete a few forms before your appointment. Secondly, we want you to have plenty of time to change, and spend a few minutes in a relaxation space. At Stonedrift Spa, we have a modern relaxation room with plenty of relaxation chairs, couches, a fireplace, and water and snacks. Taking time to relax before your treatment is a great way to ease into your spa experience. We also encourage anyone visiting a spa to take time to relax in these spaces following their treatment.
What should I wear to my spa appointment?
Dress as comfortable as possible. Wear athleisure clothing, gym clothes, and if you plan on taking advantage of water experiences, like a hot tub, bring your swimsuit. Outside of clothing, you may want to bring your favorite toiletries, like a toothbrush and deodorant.
Do I need to tip my spa professional? If so, how much?
Yes. Most spa professionals anticipate a tip, and typically a cash tip is preferred. As for the amount you should tip, 15-20% for services is standard. We recommend bringing cash with you and leaving an appropriate tip for your services.
If you have questions about how to prepare for and maximize your spa experience, please let us know. We’re always happy to answer your questions and want to ensure your comfort during every stage of your spa experience.
For more information about Stonedrift Spa, our services, products and more, please visit www.eagleridge.com/galena-spa.
With warmth and wellness,
-Abbi Porter, Spa Director