Two thousand and Zen | Spa Etiquette

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Now that all the festivities are over, and life has (more or less) returned to normal, there is no better time than the present to cash in your Spa gift certificate.

Let’s face it, if you don’t now, it will probably either expire or get lost in the ‘things to do’ for 2010. This is a slow period for Spas, so chances are that you will get your treatment straight up and in order, and may even get a few freebies thrown in.

As fun and relaxing as Spas can be, there are certain things that you ought to know and do as a client that, when practiced, can enhance your experience. As there are a lot of protocols at Spas (most of which aren’t articulated upfront) not knowing what these protocols are can indeed result in you having a lousy experience even at the most high end of Spas.

When next you are making your way to a Spa, especially if you are a first timer, heed the following to ensure the best experience possible. The following goes for both men and women:

1. Figure out what treatment you are going for in advance

Call, stop by or visit the Spa’s website for information on all the treatments and services, and their respective costs before the day you wish to get a treatment done. It will save you time, a whole lot of hassle and you wouldn’t frustrate the person at the front desk while you try to figure out what treatment you want, when your slot time is in 10 minutes. 

2. Reschedule your appointment if you are sick

This is just common courtesy people. Spa therapists work hard at their jobs, and their bread and butter depends on it. They come into contact with a lot of people on a daily basis and that alone can stretch an immune system to the max. Don’t be selfish; ain’t nobody want your germs, that’s just nasty.

If you find yourself coming down with something, call the Spa ahead of time to reschedule your appointment. Please. 

And while you’re at it…

3. Understand the cancellation policy

Spa’s normally have a cancellation policy; one usually has to give at least 24 hours notice before canceling a treatment, otherwise you will still be charged anywhere from half to the full price of the treatment. 

Treatment beds/ rooms in Spas are usually limited so just because you aren’t considerate enough to alert them that you will not be coming in, for whatever reason, doesn’t mean that they should lose money.

Call  or check the Spa’s website for the cancellation policy.

4. Arrive EARLY

Not on time folks, early. I’d say about 15 minutes before your scheduled treatment time.

There is usually a consultation form(s) that needs to be filled out prior to any treatment. This laundry list of questions can range anywhere from your basic contact information to your health and lifestyle choices.

Spa treatments aren’t like Salon (Hair) treatments. In a salon you pay for a service i.e. if you are paying for a colour, cut and blow out service, you pay the same whether your stylist takes 1 hour or 10 hours to complete it. Your stylist can’t exactly stop your service and have you walk out with half your hair coloured and in foils when “ooopps!” your 2 hours are up.

With Spa treatments however, you pay for time. That is to say, if you paid for a 1 hour hot stone massage from 9 am to 10 am, then 9 am – 10 am alone is your time. If you choose to reach for 9 am, spend 15 minutes filling out your consultation forms, and then 5 minutes to change into your robe, understand you will then pay full price for 40 minute (or less) massage. Boo hoo to you.

5. Be honest

Spa therapists aren’t clairvoyant.

They have no idea what’s going on with you or what personal issues you have, neither do they care. This is not to say that they do not want the best for you, nor that they aren’t friendly, loving, caring people. However, although they readily listen and empathize with a lot of people’s personal stuff, they aren’t qualified psychologists, and can’t tell what’s going on with you by what you don’t say.

Spa therapists are there to provide you with the best treatment possible, depending on your specific needs and conditions. 

Depending on your desired service, consultation questions may include, but are not limited to:

- Any previous surgeries, or pregnancies

- Implants, embedded metallic plates,

- Medical conditions e.g. epilepsy, HIV, diabetes, cancer.

- Lifestyle – e.g. Sun exposure, alcohol & water intake, frequency with which you exercise, diet

- Medication you are on or have been on for the past year.

Do be prepared to answer these honestly, as dishonest answers can result in serious complications, especially if you are interested in Medical Spa Treatments such as Chemical Peels, Laser or Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments.

If not it, will be left up to you to deal with any complications that you may develop after a specific medical treatment, because the document that you signed (and quite possibly didn’t read through) waives the Spa and the Spa therapist from all responsibility of possible complications, as a result of you not taking the time to be honest with yourself. 

6. Speak up and ask questions

Bed inclination, lighting and room temperature for example can all be adjusted. Remember you are the client, all this pampering is being done to make you comfortable. Speak up and ask questions about anything that either makes you uncomfortable, that you would like changed, particularly enjoy or would prefer more of. 

If you are at the Spa enjoying a service with a group of friends, treatments to the hands and feet  for example, do remember to use your inside voices out of respect to your fellow ‘Spasians’. Turn off cell phones, or put them on silent – vibration mode is sometimes just as noisy as a ringtone, especially if the phone is vibrating on a wooden or plastic table. 

Be pleasant, especially if you are enjoying your service. Spa therapists know a lot of ways that your treatment may be upgraded, and they are only human; even though there is a protocol for performing services, it is not uncommon for them to throw in a few extras, from massage movements to product samples, to those clients who make their work worthwhile.

7. Avoid perfume/ cologne.

Ladies, this also goes for makeup. Your therapist can remove it, no worries, but taking the time to remove makeup that is caked on, during facial treatments for example, will cut into your treatment time. 

Heavy perfume scents can totally throw off the Zen in a Spa environment.

8. Tip

This entire Spa deal may be a luxury for you, but it’s a livelihood for your Spa Therapist(s).

Most therapists, especially entry level ones, aren’t normally paid much more than minimum wage, and so they depend heavily on tips. TIPS (To Insure Proper Service), is your way of showing appreciation for a service well performed.

Like with all other professions, all therapists aren’t created equal. There are crack-shot doctors and there are crack-shot therapists. To be a great therapist requires unparalleled dedication to what you do, and to the people on whom you work. It’s a job that’s requires stamina, physical strength as well as mental strength to deal with some of you clients who are having a bad day. Mhm… we’ve all dealt with some of those.

So, if you’ve experienced an excellent treatment, or you thought that your Spa therapist really paid attention to detail and did a great job, please tip.

The industry standard is 20%

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Organize yourself accordingly, and move to suit.

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Haiti, I'm Sorry

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Our prayers go out to our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

I’d say that the destruction that has been left in the wake of that tremendous, 7.0 earthquake – tens of thousands dead, and widespread damage of catastrophic proportions, but truth be told, Haiti’s been in a rough patch for more than a minute now and just can’t seem to catch a break.

Impact your world.

This is human suffering. There are many organizations that are working to offer help in various ways to Haiti. Look around you to see what organizations you can partner with to help, based on your resources. It doesn’t have to be monetary, all help counts

***See updated post *** PSA | Aid to Haiti

“Haiti” by David Rudder

Arranged by Pelham Goddard, Haiti Lypsoland, Trinidad & Tobago, 1988

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