Stick with the essential oils the spa uses in treatments. On tipping: don't assume if gratuity is included that the therapist gets it- they don't always. Ask the therapist discretely if you can- many places will take an included gratuity off your bill if you request it. Then give the tip directly to the therapist.
Spas want their guests to be as comfortable as possible, so non-restrictive garments - such as yoga bottoms, lounge pants, T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies - are encouraged at most resorts. Trainers and sports shoes are often allowed too, but their use is likely to be restricted to dry areas, for hygiene reasons.
General Tipping Guidelines
“If you're at a day spa, it's appropriate to tip 15-20% of the bill”, says Navrajvir Singh, owner of Lakeview and Palm Tree. So if your treatment costed $200, it's appropriate to tip $30. You can go higher and tip $40 if the therapist provided exceptional service.
You do not need to bring a robe and slippers to the spa, most spas will have these ready for you when you arrive. Depending on the treatments you receive throughout your visit, you may also switch to a new robe if it gets dirty or damp.
Even if you are only thinking of getting beauty treatments, you might want to consider taking a comfortable swimsuit with you. Some people are comfortable wearing regular underwear beneath their robe while lounging around at the spa, but if you're not, definitely pack your favorite swimsuit to wear underneath.
Robes and towels are usually provided, but there are a number of items that you should take that you will be grateful for during your stay. Those of you with long locks will also want to make sure you take along a hairband so that you can tie your hair out of the way when swimming or during a massage.
If you're concerned about what to wear under the robe, don't be. Most people are nude under those spa robes, but it's perfectly O.K. to leave your undies on if you feel more comfortable. Many spas also offer disposable underwear just for that purpose. You can ask for a pair when you're shown to the locker room.
The standard hospitality rate for massage tipping is 20 percent. For example, if a massage or body treatment costs $100, a 20 percent tip would be $20.
The widely accepted minimum tip in the industry is 15 percent, Kandalec says, but the most common tip at a nail salon is 20 percent. This is similar to what's expected when tipping at a hair salon, or for a massage or spa treatment.
Ideally, you should aim to time your hot tub sessions to last between 15 and 30 minutes. Depending on the factors at play (i.e., water temperature), you might be able to extend your soak to 45 minutes. Keep in mind that you can always re-enter your hot tub later on!
It is not important to shave before a massage. Your therapist doesn't care or even notice. The only exception to this rule is if you are having Kinesio Taping, then you must do it 24 hours in advance to avoid skin irritation. If less than 24 hours, use clippers only.
As a general rule of thumb, most hot tub sessions last between 15 and 45 minutes. If after 45 minutes you want to keep soaking, we recommend stepping out for a bit to give your body a break. Hydrate, rest and then enter the spa again.
It is most important to shower before you use your hot tub to remove sweat, dead skin cells and personal care products such as cologne and deodorant. This reduces the work required from your hot tub filter and water care system to keep your hot tub water clean and balanced.
For a full-body massage, you can opt to keep your pants on or go completely in the buff. You'll find that most massage therapists are very skilled at protecting your modesty and making you feel comfortable; you'll never have to uncover anything you'd rather not.
– Have a swimsuit just for your hot tub.
Suits you wear to the lake or ocean may have extra minerals or biological agents that you don't want to bring into your hot tub water. They may also accumulate lotion or sunscreen, which will also compromise the quality of water in hot tubs.
Most spa treatments start with a consultation with your therapist (remember that you can choose between a male or female therapist!) where they'll explain what the treatment is about, which techniques will be used or if there's any particular zones you want them to focus on.
Shaving is recommended but please be sure to do so no less than four hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Certain products may irritate newly-shaven skin.
Those who are in the hot tub or lounging nearby may want to take caution if they see the slimy substance. People who are ages 50 and older, have weakened immune systems and/or identify as former smokers should consider not using a hot tub or even sitting near one, says the CDC.