So you’ve made the decision to take the weekend to relax at a luxury hotel spa. It’s no small wonder when you consider the plugged-in, techno-wired, high speed, always-on-the-go world we live in. The truth is in some cases a spa getaway may just be more of a necessity than a luxury.
But how does someone who’s never been to a luxury hotel spa go about planning the perfect spa experience? What exactly do you look for? In this article, we will be looking at a few of the things you should consider before you book that relaxing weekend at the spa.
Reputation
To begin with you’ll want to consider the spa’s reputation. Does the spa have a history of providing reputable service to their clients? Is the bulk of their clientele made up of repeat visits? Be sure to ask if their therapists, masseuses and technicians are well trained, licensed professionals. How are the spa’s services priced? Are they competitive? Also, don’t forget to find out if there’s a required length of visit or any other additional costs.
Environment
If at all possible try to take a tour of the luxury hotel spa you are interested in beforehand. When you walk in, are you immediately comfortable and relaxed? Do you feel welcome? Do the surrounding colors, fragrances and sounds calm or stimulate your senses? Is it clean? Keep in mind that it is also a big plus if private rooms for massages and other treatments are provided. The right environment will put you at ease immediately. If you cannot tour the spa in person, you may still be able to get a good idea about the environment by taking a virtual tour online. The luxury hotel’s website should contain a number of photographs and descriptions of the spa and the grounds, which will give you a good idea of what to expect. Still not satisfied? Contact the spa and request any pertinent material they may have.
Staff
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a few choices, you’ll want to evaluate how personable the staff is. This is a good time to call each of the spa receptionists to discuss your plans. During your initial consultation with the spa’s receptionist, look for signs of an “unfriendly” spa. For example, if the receptionist isn’t willing to help or seems to be impatient, chances are the rest of the staff will react in the same manner. No one wants to visit a spa with a cold, impersonal staff that will make their visit uncomfortable. This is the exact opposite of what you’re trying to achieve! While discussing the various spa packages if the receptionist pressures you to purchase more than you’ve requested, chances are you’ll end up paying more than you had planned for the visit. This will also add to your discomfort Hotel spa alsace level, so don’t be afraid to move on to your next choice.
Treatments
A reputable spa should be knowledgeable and keep up with the latest trends. For instance, if you’re not familiar with shiatsu, stone or sports massage, don’t be shy about asking spa personnel to explain the differences. Most luxury spas offer a number of different face and body treatments on their basic menu. The most common of these include facials, waxing, massages, and full body wraps with seaweed, mud or clay. Some of the larger spas may also offer their guests treatments such as acupuncture. It’s also nice to find out if the spa sells the actual products they use. This way you can continue your spa experience at home.
In the final analysis, the focus of any spa should be on relaxation and health. While the luxury hotel spa itself should provide a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, the treatments should be geared not only at relieving stress, but also at promoting health and wellness. The whole experience should blend the essence of wellness and tranquility in a serene and inviting atmosphere. Be sure to keep your personal tastes and needs in mind as well, insuring your first luxury spa experience will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated both inside and out.
This article has been contributed by Louise Revelas-Canham, owner/operator of the popular website A1 Luxury Hotels