The following may vary by location. Please contact the spa directly with any questions regarding specific spa policies and etiquette.
What To Wear
Usually you will be provided with robe and slippers to wear while visiting spas and you will be assigned a locker to store your personal belongings. During your spa treatment, it is recommended that you experience body services without clothing. Spa and wellness 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. Also spa could require that swimming attire be worn in all co-ed whirlpool, sauna, and steam facilities. Clothing is optional in these areas designated by gender.
Spa nudity is a big issue for first-time spa-goers. They're usually anxious about taking their clothes off for a massage by a stranger!
Most spas offer disposable panties for the body treatment. Sometimes they're optional, and sometimes the spa requests you wear them.
Spas may request you wear a swimsuit or disposable briefs during hydrotherapy treatments, which is especially case with men. Women are often allowed to choose, but you have to be comfortable with the idea that the therapist will see everything.
In many European spas however, the nude times or areas are gender specific. The major exceptions are in Germany and Austria. The nude section is referred to as "Textile Frei", and swimsuits are NOT allowed.
Storing Valuables
All lockers will have a security mechanism (such as 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.
Late Arrival Time
Make sure that you arrive at your destination at least 30 minutes in advance. This will give you adequate time to check in and change into your robe and slippers and start relaxing even before the spa. However, if a late arrival is unavoidable, please call to notify the spa receptionist when possible. Arriving late will simply limit the time for your treatment, as spa must complete your service by the designated end-time in order to appropriately accommodate the next guest.
Canceling a Spa Reservation
It is required that all guests using the spa extend a 24-hour cancellation notice. If less than 24-hours notice is given, a service charge may be posted to the credit card number noted at the time of booking.
Spa Treatment Selection
A full menu of spa treatment offerings is listed in spa/wellness hotels. If you feel you would like assistance in choosing a service, we recommend calling the spa directly and speaking to one of their staff members. Also discussion with reception staff can often help you decide between specific types of spa treatment offerings depending on whether your goal is simply relaxation or more therapeutic in nature.
Special Health Consideration
If you have health concerns or are pregnant, please be sure to notify your spa staff when booking your treatment. They should be able to offer guidance as to which treatments will be the most beneficial and those that should be avoided due to physical limitations or sensitivity.
Sauna or Steam Time
Sauna and steam are beneficial facets of the spa hotel 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 time frame.
Alcoholic Beverages and Spas
Do not consume alcohol during or immediately after your spa treatments.
Shaving
Generally, shaving is not recommended prior to any 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.
Personal Preferences
Whether it is the room temperature or the level of massage pressure, please communicate your preferences with the therapist so that he or she can make your time with at wellness center a special experience.
Therapist Gender
Please feel free to request either a male or female therapist for your treatment. However, we would like to note that all therapists are professionally trained and will offer you the highest standard of service with continuous consideration for your comfort level.
Gratuities
Spa staff is dedicated to exceeding your expectations and creating a memorable spa experience. Gratuities for these efforts are greatly appreciated and can be either given directly to the staff member, or extended at the front desk of the spa facility. Standard practice for excellent service ranges from a 10-20% gratuity.
Age Minimum
Usually guests must be at least 18 years of age to experience a spa treatment. If available, spa services are offered to guests of all ages.