Fight Stress & Find Serenity

How to find the right spa for you…
By Dawn Buchanan

 

In today’s fast-paced, hectic world, its great to know that you

can escape the daily grind and treat your body to some well

deserved pampering at a professional day spa. For more

than two decades I have worked as an esthetician, operated

several spas and helped thousands of hard-working clients

relax and get their groove back. A visit to a professional spa

is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Choosing a spa should be

as stress-free as the treatment you will receive once inside.

 

Therefore, I have put together a few tips to follow when choosing a day spa.

 

The most important part of any spa experience is the energy between you and your therapist. You should take a moment before each session begins to chat briefly with your therapist and establish a rapport. Ask any and all questions before, during and after your treatment. There is no such thing as a dumb question.

 

If you sense there is no chemistry or, even worse, you sense a negative vibe, you will be unable to fully unwind and let yourself be pampered, thus defeating the entire purpose of your spa visit.

 

Obviously, you are paying for a professional service. Therefore, you have the right to expect a professional, pleasant, courteous and well-dressed therapist. Ask for a tour before you begin – preferably before you book your appointment – and take a look around the spa. Are all the spaces clean, well kept and properly illuminated? Are the locker room showers clean and sanitary? Observe how other customers are treated.

 

A good therapist will always take cues from you when it comes to conversation. He or she is not your friend and should stay away from prying questions or discussing personal problems, either theirs or yours. Furthermore, a great therapist will always accompany you during body wraps, facials or other treatments, enhancing the service and enduring your safety.

 

There are a few things that rival a good massage when it comes to melting away stress. That said, a professional massage therapist should be very sensitive to your comfort level when it comes to tactile pressure and use of oils or moisturizers. It may seem like an obvious point, but if you start to feel uncomfortable with the way you are being touched during a massage, speak up.

 

Finally, any good esthetician will be prepared to answer your questions regarding skin care and offer suggestions. However, you should never feel pressured to buy a specific product.