What to expect when you visit a day spa

Yesterday I spent two blissful hours at a day spa. While there, it occurred to me that this is something I only ever do on ‘special occasions’. 

Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Christmas – they’re all the perfect excuse to leave not so subtle hints that a gift voucher to your day spa of choice would be the ideal gift.  But really, we should be taking time out for ourselves on a regular basis, don’t you think?

I don’t know about you, but the idea of committing to regular day spa visits is very appealing. I mean who wouldn’t want a couple of uninterrupted hours to themselves every 8-12 weeks or so? And if those couple of hours happen to involve a luxurious facial or relaxing massage, that’s ok. I think we’ll cope.

If you haven’t been to a day spa before, don’t worry. I’ll guide you through what to expect when you visit a day spa and after your first visit, the only thing you’ll be wondering is why it took you so long to make an appointment in the first place!

What to expect when you visit a day spa

1. Friendly Staff

The minute you step foot in the day spa door, you will be made to feel so welcome. The staff are there to pamper you and it truly does start from the moment you arrive. 

Any nerves or worries you might have about your first visit will instantly vanish, thanks to the smiling faces and soft voices of the day spa staff.

2. A Quiet Ambiance

There is something instantly calming about the quiet ambiance of a day spa. It’s not library quiet, but it is a bit zen. There’s usually a beautiful aromatherapy based fragrance wafting through the air, sometimes music is softly playing in the background and everything just feels relaxed.

3. Paperwork

You will be asked to fill out a form or two, so do arrive early for your appointment. Don’t panic when you get to the section about your current skin care routine or medication you might be taking. Answer with what you feel comfortable disclosing, but know that the questions are asked so the staff member looking after you has some background information about your skin/health. 

4. Pre-Treatment Pampering

Yes, there will more than likely be pampering before the actual pampering! Most day spas will have a lounge area of some description and you will be invited to spend some pre-treatment time there.

5. Robes and Slippers

Some day spas will ask you to robe and slipper up prior to your treatment. Please don’t worry about this – all shapes and sizes are catered for and you will be able to get changed in complete privacy.

You will be asked to remove all clothing and jewellery, leaving only your underwear on. Depending on your treatment, you might also be asked to remove your bra. 

There will either be a locker for your clothing and jewellery to be stored or it will stay in the treatment room with you. Either way, it will be completely secure during your visit.

6. Amazing Treatments

Whatever treatment you choose for your day spa visit, it will be next level amazing. You can expect your treatment to be peaceful, relaxing and all about you.

Don’t worry about your beauty therapist seeing you robeless – it won’t happen. Complete privacy is given at all times.

7. Post-Treatment Indulgence

Just when you think your treatment is over, you will discover it’s not.

The pampering will usually continue with a little post-treatment indulgence. Depending on how your day spa of choice is set up this could involve

• complimentary access to a heated swimming pool or spa, 
• light refreshments in their lounge area
• your hair washed and blow dried

At this point, your beauty therapist may also have a chat with you about products used during your treatment. There is no obligation to purchase, but the information is helpful and there might be specials or discounted packs on offer which are often worthwhile.

8. Bad Hair

There’s no avoiding this one as scalp massages are often part of most facials or full body massage treatments. While this does feel amazing, it can leave you with an epic bad hair situation. 

There are however a few ways to solve this problem:

1. Visit a day spa with a post-treatment hair salon attached.
2. Ask the therapist to skip the scalp massage – I do this as my curly locks do not cope with being touched and brushing dry curly hair is never an option. Well ok it is, but only if you’re going to an 80’s party and would like to win the Biggest Hair Competition on the night.
3. BYO hair brush and swoop that hair back into a pony tail.

9. Relaxation

Regardless of what face or body treatment you choose, you will leave feeling the most relaxed you have in months. Your skin will feel amazing and you will too. 

Brisbane Day Spas I’ve visited and recommend:

Stephanie’s Vintage Day Spa, Cleveland (photos in above post were taken during yesterday’s visit to Stephanie’s)

One Wybelenna, Brookfield

Harbour Day Spa, Cleveland

Dome Spa Retreat, Marriott Brisbane

Have you visited a day spa before? Do you treat yourself to things or wait for a special occasion?