Who doesn’t need a day (or several) at the spa? The sheer idea of having a mental as well as physical break from the day to day grind is essential to most adults and parents. To be honest, if I won the lottery, I would have at least 1 spa visit a week….along with a live in maid.
Going to the Spa, for me is one of the things I make a priority in order to recharge my batteries. However, scheduling of a massage, price and timing is always a challenge to overcome when working full time and balancing a family. It gets to be very stressful. Did you know that according to the American Psychological Association, that 2 out of 3 adults have experienced higher stress levels due to the Pandemic? WHOA. If that’s not enough to motivate you to get a massage, I’m not sure what is.
Here’s a few tips to finding and scheduling a massage or even a day at the spa:
Locate a reputable spa for your needs
Look for resorts that have an indoor Spa or a location that offers many types of massage and massage therapists. It’s important to find a place that’s within your location as well as budget for your relaxation time. Not all spas are for everyone and I encourage you to try a few and be picky with your needs. Spa Finder is a great resource for locating a great spa.
Find a great masseuse
Just as important as the location itself, is finding a great masseuse. When inquiring at the spa location of your choice, as for recommendations based on the issues you have. Do you need something more relaxing or a deep tissue massage? I often vacillate back and forth depending on my needs and time of year. It’s important to remember that even professional athletes can’t take the pain from a massage now and then. Put your ego aside and find what is right for you and your body. Here are 12 types of massage to consider.
Review your budget and look for a spa membership
Some places such as Massage Envy (a giant spa chain) offer membership programs to fit your needs. You can choose a membership level based on your budget as well as visits per week, month or year. These are definitely great for people in the service industry or those that spend a lot of time on their feet (cue our amazing critical care workers). Travel a lot? The memberships may also let you visit locations in other states and countries.
Schedule your massage, facial or steam at least a month out
Depending on the day, seasonality and type of massage, you have to book in advance. It’s typical to see most spas book at least a month out although you can schedule a massage same day at many locations. Some resorts and spas do charge ahead of time or have a cancellation fee, so make sure you are happy with the day and time of your reservation.
Ask for special discounts and pricing
As a local, I almost always get a discount in spa services and full use to the entire spa the day of my service. This can also work in reverse if you are a visiting out-of-towner. This makes it even easier to spend a full day and take advantage of any other spa amenities free of charge…including the free snacks. As a general rule, I don’t recommend going to a spa unless it has GOOD snacks, but that’s just me. Tea, nuts, fresh fruit and cookies are pretty standard at the spa. Depending on time and location, you may find more or less treats.
Lastly, make sure you are comfortable during the process. Spa staff should be available to answer any questions you may have as well as make you comfortable during the experience. Upon arrival, they should explain what services you are to receive and in most cases provide you with a hella comfy robe and some super sexy spa slippers.
