6 Dos and Don’ts You Should Always Follow at the Spa

Whether you’re going to your favorite beach resort or exploring a new-to-you destination, any vacation gives you permission to leave the daily stressors behind to… well, chill. However, if you want to take your well-deserved R&R up a couple of notches, scheduling a spa treatment is a must. 

But just because a hot-stone massage or facial is a complete indulgence doesn’t mean you should abandon proper etiquette. Turns out, there are a few spa faux pas you’re making without even realizing it. To help, we spoke with a few spa insiders to share their biggest dos and don’ts. With any luck, you’ll be able to mind your manners and relax in style.

Jill McNamara Photography

Do Plan Ahead

From a morning mimosa by the pool to taking another lap at your hotel’s continental buffet, vacations offer on-demand indulgence. However, if you want to make the most of your treatment, you may want to plan your day around your appointment. According to Constance McCarthy, spa director at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Resort & Spa, consuming alcohol or heavy meals may make your treatment uncomfortable. 

Ditto for exercising right before you head to the spa. “Muscles may be too fatigued or inflamed for optimal results,” she adds. Instead, she recommends drinking water, enjoying a lighter meal, and relaxing long before your massage or body wrap begins.

Another thing to avoid? Perfumes. “Many guests have sensitivities, and it interferes with aromatherapy,” McCarthy says.

Don’t Shave

Turns out, the spa prep comes long before you step foot inside the facilities. “When it comes to preparing for treatments, don’t shave before body scrubs or body treatments,” says Kathleen McNichols, spa director at Carneros Resort & Spa in Napa, California. “That also goes for men to not shave before facials.”

Though scrubs and serums are meant to buff away dead skin cells—leaving a smooth surface behind—certain formulas can actually leave your skin feeling irritated. To err on the side of caution, stop shaving a few days leading up to your appointment.

Totally forgot? Don’t worry, let your therapist know you recently shaved and they might be able to accommodate a gentler formula.

Jill McNamara Photography

Do Arrive Early

The early bird gets the worm, but they can also make the most of their spa appointment. McCarthy recommends arriving 15 to 30 minutes before your appointment so you can shower, unwind, and enjoy the facilities. Anything later might make your spa day a frantic one. “It cuts into your treatment time and increases stress,” she says.

Don’t Rely on Your Tech

Nowadays, our phones, laptops, and tablets are basically extensions of ourselves, but do they belong in your treatment room? Not exactly. If you prefer to unwind with a podcast or audiobook, bringing your phone and your headphones isn’t exactly rude; however, it can hinder the overall spa experience. “Even vibrations disrupt the serene environment,” McCarthy says. McNichols agrees and says leaving the tech in your designated locker “helps you disconnect and ensures a relaxing environment.”

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Resort and Spa

Do Communicate 

A trip to the spa should be a relaxing, rejuvenating experience—but that can only happen if you speak up. McNichols encourages you to share your pressure preferences, medical conditions, or aches and pains with your therapist. “This will assist your therapist to accommodate your needs,” she says. And if your masseuse is using too much pressure, let them know! After all, they want you to have serene, tense-free treatment.

Don’t Shower Immediately After

We know what you’re thinking: Those hair masks and body lotions might feel soothing in the moment, but they can make you feel a little oily afterward. While it’s tempting to shower as soon as you leave your session, the pros are begging you not to.

“Let the oils and lotions absorb,” McCarthy recommends. “They’ll nourish your skin if you wait a few hours before showering.” While you’re at it, she encourages you to extend those chill vibes with a nap, stretches, or some quiet time.