Fergusbrandon

If you are a first time visitor to a spa it can be worrying to know what to expect when you arrive, how you should conduct yourself and so on. A visit to any spa should be a tranquil and relaxing experience, not one tinged with worry. For this reason we have put together this handy first-timers guide to spa etiquette although as you will no doubt begin to realise, much of what is covered here is mostly common sense.

Use a Spa ‘Voice’

You might find the whole experience exciting, or be visiting in a group of friends and family, but you should try and keep the noise level down. Approach the level of noise in the same way as you would a library and you shouldn’t go too wrong. It is important not to disturb other guests who may be trying to have quiet time. Many spas has designed ‘silent’ zones too so keep an eye out for these and perhaps avoid them if you wish to have a little catch-up with friends during your time at the spa. If you are making too much noise you may be asked to leave, which would certainly put a dampener on your experience!

Don’t mess or splash around in the pools; it won’t go down well with other guests and you may be asked to leave. Keep in mind that many people visit a spa to get away from it all and to find some tranquillity; you may be spoiling their experience if you don’t keep it down.

This point also applies to the use of mobile phones; generally it is frowned upon to use your phone whilst in the spa, as it is considered rude. Not to mention the fact that you are there to unwind and being away from our phones is an ideal way to do that, plus the added risk that you may drop your phone or it may become damaged from the heat and moisture in the air. It is best all round to leave your phone in your locker and only use it in the lobby or reception area of the spa if you need to make a call.

Be Clean

If you have booked to have a treatment, whether that be a facial, a pedicure or a full body massage, it is important that you are clean. Don’t turn up for your appointment sweaty from the sauna, for example. Make sure you factor in plenty of time to shower off before your appointment time. Likewise, take a minute to pop a mint in if your treatment involves a technician getting up close and personal with your face. Nobody wants to be conscious of having bad breath during what is supposed to be a time of ultimate relaxation.

Cover Up

The level of nakedness required is one of the things which can often make spa newcomers feel the most nervous. For the majority of spas, nudity is forbidden outside the confines of a spa hotel room. You will be expected to wear swimwear if you wish to use any leisure facilities such as saunas, swimming pools and jacuzzi etc. At all other times cover up with a robe and wear suitable slippers; many of the best spa hotels in London such as the Montcalm Hotel Spa tend to offer these as complimentary.

In terms of treatments, a practice of ‘draping’ is generally employed. Guests strip down to their underwear or to be completely nude (whatever you are most comfortable with) and then a large towel or sheet is draped over you. The therapist will then carefully move the fabric to expose the part of the body they wish to treat. The aim of this is to ensure the modesty and privacy of the guest at all times and at no point should you feel uncomfortable. Do not hesitate to voice any concerns you have to your therapist as their aim will be to make sure you are as relaxed as possible.

Be On Time

This is particularly important if you have booked a spa treatment. Make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment so that you have ample time to get ready, get showered (see above) and to be relaxed ahead of your treatment. You may be required to complete paperwork if it is your first time visiting the spa and it defeats the point of the treatment if you are rushing last minute not to mention running the risk of missing the appointment altogether.

Likewise, if you find yourself unable to attend your appointment then be sure to cancel with ample notice, at least 24 hours. Bear in mind that a therapist may have attended the spa just to complete your treatment so if you leave it until the day you are meant to attend they could have turned up for nothing, and they probably won’t get paid for their trouble. Many larger spas have cancellation policies which may see you still being partially charged depending on how late you leave your cancellation until; it is worth reading the small print of any booking you make to check this in advance.

Keep the Spa informed

This is important if you have any specific skin or medical condition; check with spa staff when booking treatments whether there are any reasons why you might not be able to have the treatment and keep them aware of any condition you suffer with. This might mean they need to change the products they use or offer you an alternative and more suitable treatment. The last thing you need is to turn up on the day only to discover you can’t actually have the treatment you have booked in for.