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Spa Etiquette

A spa experience should be relaxing and rejuvenating, but if you're unsure of spa etiquette, it can be uncomfortable.  While there are no rules when you go to a resort and hotel spa, these suggestions offer a guideline that will help you get the most out of your spa experience.

Advance Booking

As resort and hotel spas often fill up fast, book as far in advance as possible. Some spas can accommodate you if you reserve treatments at check-in; others suggest booking prior to your arrival.  If you can, try reserving a spa treatment during off-peak hours or during the week.  If you do, many spas will give you a discount.

Appropriate Arrival Time

We recommend that you arrive at least 25 minutes before your scheduled spa appointment so that you have time to check in, change, shower, or relax in the spa's steam room, lounge or sauna. At a minimum, we recommend a warm shower and glass of water before your massage and we request that you are ready to be greeted by your therapist 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

Late Arrival

We ask that you arrive at least 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time; however, if a late arrival is unavoidable, please call to notify the spa receptionist when possible.  Most spa treatments end as scheduled as a courtesy to the next guest - so if you arrive late, you will probably forfeit treatment time.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel or reschedule your spa appointment, you should know that most spas follow a 24-hour cancellation policy.  If you fail to call 24 hours in advance, you could be charged in full for your scheduled treatment.

Gratuities

A gratuity of 15% to 20% is customary, but you may leave more or less, depending on the quality of the service. Some spas automatically add a gratuity to your bill, so be sure to ask if gratuities are included. Leave the tip at the reception desk when you pay your bill, rather than giving it directly to the therapist. If you receive multiple services from different people (a massage therapist, a facial aesthetician, etc.), tip each of them separately.

Exploring the Facility

Most resort and hotel spas have more amenities than the average day spa. On arrival at the spa, check out the activity schedule, so you won't miss anything that might be of interest, and ask for a tour prior to your treatment. The tour will acquaint you with your surroundings and introduce you to the spa facilities, such as saunas, steam rooms and relaxation rooms. Generally, their use is complimentary if you are having a treatment.

Therapist Preference

All therapists are professionally trained to offer you the highest standard of service with continuous consideration for your comfort level. However, please feel free to request either a male or female therapist for your spa treatment. Also, if you have enjoyed the services of a particular therapist on a prior visit, feel free to request that person.

Treatment Selection

Sometimes, spa menus can be intimidating if you're unsure of what you want. If you would like assistance in choosing a service, we recommend calling the spa directly and speaking with the receptionist. He or she can often help you decide between specific types of treatment offerings, depending on whether your goal is relaxation or more therapeutic.

Special Health Considerations

If you have any type of medical condition, be sure to mention it when you book an appointment. Certain treatments may not be advisable for you. Also, before your treatment begins, let your therapist or aesthetician know of any medical concerns. Tell the technician if you're wearing contact lenses before you have a facial.

What to Wear

Most spas provide robes and slippers to wear while visiting the facility, as well as an assigned locker to store your personal belongings. During your spa treatment, we recommend that you experience body services without clothing. Our therapists are professionally trained and will ensure a level of comfort by appropriately draping areas of the body that are not a focus of the treatment. We require that swimming attire be worn in all co-ed whirlpool, sauna and steam facilities, but clothing is optional when these facilities are designated by gender.

Quiet, Please

A spa facility is an oasis of serenity, relaxation and rejuvenation. To maintain this tranquil environment, we ask that you are respectful of others' privacy, speak softly, and deactivate any disruptive communication devices, such as cell phones or pagers.

Storing Valuables

Lockers have a key or combination lock, but if you feel more comfortable, we recommend that you leave valuable personal items in the safe in your guest room, or in one of the safe deposit boxes at the front desk of the hotel.

Children

A spa is a great place to get a little alone time, so it's best to not to bring children under 16. During your treatments, you can usually leave small children in the care of a sitter or nanny, or under the supervision of a children's program - both of which many resorts offer. If children are with you, be attentive to their safety as well as their impact on the comfort and relaxation of others.

Sauna or Steam Time

Sauna and steam are beneficial facets of the spa experience, but should always be used in moderation. Proper usage time will vary, but there are some general guidelines that most individuals who are in good health can follow. If looking to warm and relax your muscles, we recommend 12-15 minutes in the dry heat of the sauna. The wet heat of the steam room is effective in opening pores and awakening the respiratory system; for this, we recommend a 5-6 minute timeframe.

Using Facilities

Before entering a soaking pool, swimming pool or whirlpool, always shower. When enjoying the sauna or steam, always sit on your towel and wear the plastic shoes provided by the spa.

Smoking

For the most part, smoking is not allowed at resort and hotel spas. If it is, there are usually designated areas where you can smoke.

Mixing Activities and Spa-Going

Try to avoid the sun on the day of your spa treatment and, in some cases, the day after. Also, don't schedule a physically demanding endeavor after a spa appointment. When in doubt, contact the spa to ask whether it is advisable to engage in a particular activity prior to or after your appointment.

Eating and Drinking

Try not to eat for at least an hour before your spa treatment, and avoid the consumption of alcohol on the day of a treatment. Drink plenty of water before and afterward, especially if you plan to take a fitness class or enjoy heat therapy, such as a sauna or the steam room.

Shaving

To avoid irritation, we highly discourage shaving within 24 hours prior to body treatments or hair removal services. However, it is recommended that men shave prior to a facial treatment at least 2 hours before the scheduled appointment time.

 

Accolades and Testimonials

"In 2008, golf.com established the Green Awards, recognizing ten destinations around the U.S. for their achievement in environmental stewardship. This year, Sunriver Resort was one of three golf destinations added to the list." - More from Destination Hotels & Resorts

"The Winter 2010 issue of Golf Inc. magazine named The Links at Terranea “Development of the Year”" - More from Terranea Resort™




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