|
health and beauty |
|
|
|
family and relationships |
|
|
|
business and money |
|
|
|
general topics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spa Etiquette: The New Generation
 Heather Cook, Spa Management.
Heather Cook is a certified Spa Assistant; graduating from Centennial College with high honours, and expertise in the areas of Wellness and Stress Management, Aromatherapy, Body Sciences, Skin and Skincare, and Therapeutic Communication. Recognizing her passion for the Spa Industry she enrolled in the Spa Management program at Elmcrest College. She has worked in the spa industry for the past four years with some of the industry's most respected professionals and is considered an expert and leader in the 'new generation' of young spa professionals.
Greetings Spa-Goers! It’s time for an updated installment of Spa Etiquette, you know, those rules that you find on spa websites and in spa menus. The ones that tell you: arrive on time, don’t be intoxicated, shut your cell off and banish your blackberry, where to find towels and tip your therapist.
You came, you spa’d, you told us what was clear and what needed clarification.
Straight from the mouths of spa employees, here’s what the 2006 spa-goers can do, or continue to do, to ensure that the spa experience is enjoyable for all involved.
The Age Old Question: What Do You Wear in a Massage?
Many versions of ‘spa-etiquette’ will suggest you remove all your clothing for treatments as it makes the job of the therapist easier. I would like to remind you that the spa is first, and foremost, all about you! You should remove your clothing to your comfort level. Many clients go fully nude and are quite comfortable, don’t forget that your practitioner is a trained professional who has been trained not to expose you or make you feel vulnerable, but how much you take off all depends on how comfortable you feel taking it all off! Two things: 1.Your therapist should leave the room while you get undressed and under the sheets. If they don’t appear to be leaving, you have every right to ask them to step outside. 2. You should never feel pressured or urged by your therapist to remove more clothing, if this happens, stop the treatment and speak to a manager.
Draping
Draping is a spa-etiquette buzzword, and we all love a good buzzword, but what exactly is the ‘spa powers-that-be’ referring to?
In fact, draping is a technique used by massage therapists and body workers using the sheet covering you to expose the area of the body they are working on. This means that if you are having your leg massaged, your leg should be the only thing exposed. Try to forgive small slips – sheets tend to have a mind of their own, but do speak up if you feel exposed at any time.
Gentlemen, it’s Alright, We’re Professionals
This isn’t high-school and your therapists are not giggling school girls. We understand that erections happen when you least expect them to. It’s actually not as uncommon as you think and all employees are trained to handle every situation respectfully and discreetly.
“Spa-Voice”
It’s your aural signature, your sound autograph, your fabulous, beautiful, one-of-a-kind voice, and we’re asking you to put it away? We know - we’ve been there too. Next time you go to a spa pay attention to the customer service representatives that check you in and out. Chances are those are not their real voices, but their trained ‘spa voices’. Think of your spa as a library for the soul – others are there to study up on wellness and rejuvenate in peace. Your spa administrative staff are far too polite to ever shush you the way a librarian would, so just take care that your volume is low and your tone is calm.
Just in case, here’s a list of sounds that, if heard, will ensure your customer service representative suffers an immediate anxiety attack: Cell phones, pagers, yelling, hyena -laughing, shrieking, clanging, banging, gum-smacking, heel clicking and shower karaoke.
Change Rooms
This is the part where my clients seemed to have the most trouble. The change room is where you change into your robe. What do you wear under your robe? Whatever it is you are wearing to your treatments (usually nothing, or underwear). Make sure you lock your locker, and take the key with you. They tell you to lock up your valuables, but please, just don’t bring them; you don’t need to impress anyone. We know you’re super-fabulous – you’re spending your heard earned money at a luxurious spa, how much more swank can you get? Leave your bling at home; we don’t want anything to ruin your day.
Cancelling and Lateness
Things come up, this we know better than anyone, but we also have an obligation to our staff to compensate them for the time we promised them would be spent taking care of a client. This is the reason we charge you for cancelling your appointment last-minute – Eduardo has to eat too.
If you are late most spas will do their best to accommodate you as best they can, understand that this may mean your service time is adjusted. Expect to be charged the full amount unless you have worked out an arrangement with the manager – Eduardo will thank you.
Health and Safety
DO NOT LIE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH HISTORY. Your massage therapist/esthetician is there to help you, and will not judge you in any way based on your state of health. It is important to work with as much information as possible to perform a treatment that is both safe and beneficial.
Spas love water, in fact, we came from them, so please be careful when moving around. Nothing puts a damper on a beautiful spa day like a spill on your gluts.
After a good massage you will likely feel light-headed, even dizzy – your massage therapist did not drug you, this reaction is very common. Take time to rest, stay at the spa and relax, and please don’t drive.
If you think Eduardo did a great job leave a gratuity and fill out a comment card.
This is just the tip of the ice berg, but by combining these suggestions with traditional spa etiquette principles, we hope your experience will be even more relaxing, tranquil and most of all, free of confusion.
Other Articles in Beauty and Fashion
 The Best Hair Products (That Really Work!) for Under $10.00!
Skin Care - Adult Acne Treatment
Homemade Facial Mask Recipes
5 DIY Anti-Aging Tactics
Face Lift Without Surgery
The Beautiful Bride To Be – Beauty Tips For The Big Day
Wedding Dress Styles
Spa Etiquette: The New Generation
The Beauty Secret That Won’t Cost You a Dime!
|
|
