Everything You Need to Know for Your First Spa Visit

If you’ve never been to a spa before, you might be unsure of how the experience typically works and what to expect from your time there. In order to help you plan ahead, we put together a helpful guide with everything you need to know for your first spa visit. Read on for information about choosing a spa, deciding what treatments you’re interested in, and some handy tips to help you get the most out of your experience!

Before Booking

When you’re deciding where to book your first spa visit, make sure to check out each spa’s Booksy page, where you can read reviews from past customers and get a sense of the atmosphere. The spa’s Booksy page will also include photos posted by the business owner to help you decide.

If you’re unsure of whether or not you want to book with a specific spa, you can always check their page to see if they offer a tour. Not every spa offers tours, but if they do, it can help you make up your mind. You may also want to look at the spa’s website and their Booksy page to get a sense of the services and treatments offered, especially if you’re interested in trying out a specific treatment during your visit.

Before You Head to the Spa

It’s often a good idea not to eat for at least an hour before a massage, especially if you have a sensitive stomach, according to TripSavvy. The pressure on your back and stomach can make digestion uncomfortable, so be careful about when you plan your pre-spa meals. And make sure to drink plenty of water before you go, especially if you plan to spend time in a sauna or steam room. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to change in and out of, and avoid wearing makeup, especially if you plan to hit the steam room or sauna. Most of all, make sure you’re feeling relaxed, comfortable, and ready for a day of pampering.

When You First Arrive

TripSavvy recommends letting the concierge know it’s your first visit, especially if you have lots of questions about the spa and how the experience works. Staff members will likely be excited to meet a new customer and happy to answer your questions. They can also show you around the spa and explain where to go for each treatment.

Choosing Your First Massage

Swedish massages are a popular choice for first-timers, since they’re one of the gentler forms of massage, according to Healthline. They’re also a safe choice for people who are sensitive to touch or who want to release muscle knots.

A hot stone massage is another option that might be appealing for your first spa visit. It’s similar to a Swedish massage, except heated stones are placed on the client’s body to “ease muscle tension, improve blood flow, [and] alleviate pain,” according to Healthline. For a list of other popular massages that you might want to consult, you can check out this guide. And if you’re looking for a massage therapist who offers a specific type of massage near you, book here.

Working With Your First Massage Therapist

If you’re nervous about taking your clothes off for a massage, you might be comforted to know that you’ll be covered with a towel or a sheet. Typically, the massage therapist will only remove the material while they’re massaging a specific part of your body, so you won’t be exposed in front of anyone else. Once the massage is finished, you’ll be given privacy to put your robe back on and continue with your time at the spa. You can find more information about massage therapists near you here.

How to Choose Your Treatments

The treatments offered will vary by spa, but most day spas offer at least some of the following treatments: facials, body treatments, massages, and aromatherapy, to name a few. When deciding what treatments you’re interested in, consider the experience you’re looking for and the results you hope to leave with. If leaving with a glowing complexion is a top priority, for example, then a facial might be in order. If you want to focus on relaxing or addressing muscle soreness, then a full body massage might be higher on your priority list.

Practice Mindfulness to Get the Most Out of Your Experience

Try to stay as present as possible. It’s easy when you’re unwinding in a sauna to let your mind wander to your to-do list or other day-to-day stresses, but all that does is take away from your experience at the spa. One crucial step before and during your trip is to practice mindfulness. You may want to consider a short guided meditation before you head to the salon to get yourself into the right headspace. And while you’re getting a massage or sitting in the sauna, use grounding techniques to stay present and enhance relaxation.