Spa Hotels.

Spa hotels offer so much to do including Spa treatments, fitness facilities, activities such as golf, tennis, outdoor bowls and even horse riding. If you are planning a stay at a spa hotel then you need your own time to unwind. It’s impossible to do everything offered by spa hotels so these tips below will explain how to best plan your stay. 

Spa hotels get booked 2 – 3 weeks in advance, especially over weekends, so don’t leave booking till the last minute, book in advance and also schedule your body treatments in the Spa. You can fill in the gaps with a session in the gym or country walk or just relaxing by the swimming pool and using the Spa facilities.

Medical requirements – If you have any Medical Requirements then remember to make this perfectly clear on booking both your accommodation and body treatments.

Valuables – There will be a safe in your bedroom to leave any valuable jewellery, so keep your stress levels down by storing all valuables here and don’t bring them to the Spa where they can be forgotten.

Arriving for your treatments – Rule number one……..don’t be late! If you are 10 minutes late your treatments will be shortened by 10 minutes. If you forget to turn up all together then your treatments will be lost. Even though a Spa is a relaxing place they are after all a business and cannot afford to lose precious treatment slots due to guests’ punctuality.

Best to organise yourself so you arrive 10 minutes before your treatments. After your treatments you may not feel like moving as you’ll be so relaxed. It is customary to leave the treatment room with in 5 minutes but you can go and lie down in the Spas relaxation area, usually a darkened room with comfortable loungers and soft music – bliss!

Get to know what’s going on – Spa Hotels have so much to offer you can often come and go and miss out on an awful lot. Best advice is on arrival either asks for a guided tour or take you’re self for a walk through the Spa Hotel to acquaint yourself with the facilities. Wonder in to the Spa and ask at the Spa reception what classes there are and when and where. Also there may be charges for some classes and not others. So to clarify have a good look round, get an idea of what’s going on during your stay at the Spa Hotel and plan accordingly. This will ensure you get the most from your stay.

Therapists – Don’t be shy to ask for a male or female therapist according to your personal choice. Remember if you prefer either a male or female therapist, but the spa fails to ask; don't hesitate to let your choice be known. Also, if you have enjoyed the services of a particular therapist on a prior visit or treatments she gave you on a previous day then don’t be shy to ask for her again. Same goes if you have had an unenjoyable treatment – tell the Spa reception that you don’t wish to have that Therapists again.

Here are 10 Tips how you can get a great Massage at a spa hotel:

1. Breathe

Deep breathing during the massage focuses your mind, enlivens your body, and relaxes you all at the same time.

2. Visualise

As the massage therapists works on tight area or knots, visualise those places unwinding and loosening up.

3. Let Go

Don’t help the therapist lift your arm or turn your head. Therapists call this hanging on. The opposite is letting go.

4. Stop thinking, start being

You think all day long. Massage is a great opportunity to do a “massage meditation” - to focus on the sensations you are experiencing and think about nothing else.

5. No pain, no gain - no way!

Firm, well focused pressure can do wonders for knots and patterns of tension, but how much pain should you experience? Zero.

6. Listen to your emotions

Memories and feelings are buried in your body, and it’s natural that they emerge when you are touched with care, compassion, and gentleness. Relax, breathe, and allow your tears or laughter to come.

7. Blissing out is okay

Sometimes massage makes your feel ecstatic, like you are floating. Enjoy.

8. Clothing is optional

If you are uncomfortable with any kind of skin exposure, stay covered. You can get a perfectly good massage fully clothed.

9. You’re the boss

Just because you are lying down doesn’t mean you have to be submissive. Don’t like the music? Want the room cooler or the pressure deeper? You are in charge!

10. Be grateful

During your massage, be grateful for what you are experiencing in the moment. Afterwards, share your appreciation with the person who gave it to you, and he or she will look forward to the next massage just as much as you will.

Suitable clothing - When considering what clothes to bring the easiest way is to think what you will be doing during your days. You don’t need many cloths on your Health Spa Break. You spend most of the time in your towel robe. You will need appropriate clothing and footwear for the following activities: Swimming, yoga, activity classes, walks, evening meal (casual). Don’t worry too much if you forget anything – essentials are sold in the Spa shop.

Cancellation of you’re booking - Unexpected things often happen which can’t be helped. A word of advice Spas do not like the word “cancel” its advisable that you tell them that you wish to “re book” this way you are less likely to lose any money as they know you are still going to come back and spend your money with them! Each Spa has their own set of terms and conditions it is advisable that you enquire about these at the time of booking.

Shaving - Regardless of male or female its best to shave at least a couple of hours before your treatment.

Eating and drinking - Don’t eat a big lunch and then go for a treatment, you may find it uncomfortable. Most treatments are dehydrating so it’s not a good idea to consume alcohol either. Drink lots of water to re hydrate after your treatments and any classes.

Sharing facilities - Before entering the Spa always shower. If you go in the sauna or steam room best to sit on your towel and its not accepted to shave in the steam room.

Smoking - There are designated areas for smoking, but do not smoke around the hotel spa.

Children - A Health Spa has a minimum age of 16 years old. Hotel Spas may be more suitable if you wish to take your kids. Most Hotel Spas will have crèche so you can still take part in the Spa experience such as body treatments and exercise classes. One other thing – remember that other guests maybe at the Hotel Spa having a break from their own kids, so the last thing they need is yours being loud.

Pets - Some Hotel Spas may allow certain animals; naturally they will not be welcome in the Spa area. If you do take your pet try and keep him/her quiet.

Mobile Phones - Not really welcome in Health Spas or Hotel Spas, remember that guests are there for peace and quiet, leave your mobile in your room and be considerate to the other guests. Conversation Act normal everywhere and when in the Spa area keep the volume to a minimum.

Gratuities - Although you may feel like tipping a therapist its not normal conduct and im sure they would refuse it. On check out most Health Spas will support a nominated charity and would prefer if you made your donation as appropriate.

Use of towels - Even though Hotel Spas will offer unlimited towels use them sparingly as there has to be enough for all guests.