The Spa (105)De-stress, relax and renew your focus on well-being as we investigate the offerings and appeal of the spa experience.
Deconstruct: Massage Essentials
Printable List: How to Give a Quick Massage
Spa Facts:
- Mankind has sought relief from the pressures of everyday life by going to spas since the first Roman baths in 25 BC.
- Spas fall into three categories: day spa, resort spa and destination spa.
- Males make up 25 percent of all spa customers and that number increases every year.
Choosing a Spa Treatment
- Treatments fall into one of five categories: massage, exfoliation, bath, hydrotherapy and wraps.
- Massage involves manipulation of muscles to improve circulation, reduce stress and help with certain injuries and ailments.
- Exfoliation--via brush, loofah, salt or other means--cleanses the body by removing dead skin.
- Mineral, mud or enzyme baths eliminate toxins, improve circulation and, according to some, give the body a metabolic boost.
- Hydrotherapy or water cures are among the oldest treatments for stress, muscle soreness and poor circulation.
- Wraps cleanse and detoxify the body.
- Combination therapies use elements of all of the above, usually with some kind of philosophical, spiritual or physiological component.
- Some treatments can aggravate existing medical conditions, raise body temperature and cause allergic reactions.
- People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, allergies, skin sensitivities and pregnant women should check with a doctor or spa professional before scheduling an unfamiliar treatment.
Spa Etiquette:
- Arrive on time or early for your appointment.
- Unless directed otherwise, undress completely for body services.
- Be sure to tell your therapist about any trouble areas, and give feedback about your comfort (room temperature, music level, etc.).
- Vacate your treatment room within a reasonable amount of time (5-10 minutes) after completion of your services.
- Know whether or not gratuities are included in your service charge, and tip accordingly (see below for guidelines).
Charges and Tipping:
- Some spas include a tip or pre-set service charge, but most leave the gratuity to your discretion.
- A 15% tip is standard, but you can give more if you're happy with your treatment and the service.
- Keep in mind that no money should change hands inside the treatment room.
- Leave your tip when you settle your final bill.
- If you're not happy with your experience, speak to the owner or manager.
Bringing the Spa Home to You:
- Almost anyone can give a good basic massage. You'll need massage oils and basic instructions. If you don't have a professional massage table, you can use a mat on the floor.
- You can also give yourself other treatments at home, including hot mineral baths and facials.
- Most of the products used in spas are available for purchase, but you can also make your own.
Contact Information:
Bacara Resort and Spa
8301 Hollister Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
805-968-0100
www.bacararesort.com
The Ashram
PO Box 8009
Calabassas, CA 91372
818-222-6900
www.theashram.com
Spa at Chateau Elan
100 Rue Charlemagne
Braselton, GA 30517
678-425-6064
www.chateauelanatlanta.com
Centre for Well-Being at the Phoenician
6000 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
800-888-8234
www.thephoenician.com
Oasis Day Spa
108 16th St.
New York, NY 10003
www.nydayspa.com
Oasis on Park
One Park Ave.
New York, NY 10016
(212) 254-7722
info@nydayspa.com
www.nydayspa.com
Russian & Turkish Baths
268 East 10th St.
New York, NY 10009
(212) 473-8806
www. russianturkishbaths.com
Burke Williams
Multiple locations in Southern Calif.
www.burkewilliamsspa.com
Four Seasons
57 East 57th St.
New York, NY 10022
(212) 758-5700
www. fourseasons.com/newyorkfs
Resources:
Website:
Spafinder.com
Books:
Fodor’s Healthy Escapes
Secrets of the Spas: Pamper and Vitalize Yourself at Home (Life’s Little Luxuries)
by Catherine Bardey
Massage: The Ultimate Illustrated Guide
by Clare Maxwell-Hudson
For more information: Search keyword(s) spas, massage
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