Healthy Living: How to Fully Enjoy A Spa Day
Relaxing is an art, not a virtue.
Dear Alice,
I am sure you know that feeling when you want to have a relaxing day at the spa, when you want to recharge your batteries and leave all of your worries behind you! There is nothing better than a spa day when you want to relax.
Here are my tips for spending a relaxing day at your favorite spa:
- Get up early and be there on time at the opening hours. (Unless you decide to get an evening card. In this case, you should be there just in time when the evening card becomes valid). Like most of the appointments, you should stick to the program, and be there early enough to be able to choose a “good” spot. Most of the spas have a definite number of visitors that they accept (so if this is the case, you should always find a free place), but it is better if you can choose the place that fits better your needs, i.e. next to the window, or maybe next to the indoor pool, in the silent room or in the sauna area, etc.
- Double check that you packed your swimming suit and your slippers. A bathing robe, towels, and a second swimming suit come in handy as well. You should pack all of the items that are important for you, but do not forget the bathing suit and of course your slippers/flip-flops. The bathing robe and a couple of extra towels come in handy as well trust me. You will always enjoy the multitude of indoor/outdoor pools in the spa, and therefore you will need to keep yourself dry while resting on your comfortable chair. And while resting (or even taking a nap), the bathing robe is the “best friend” you could ask for to keep you warm. Most spas will probably provide you with bathing robes, towels, and slippers (if you request them), but you most likely have to pay an extra fee for them. Another useful item is your second swimming suit, since this will keep you dry while resting or reading your favorite book.
- Make sure to take your favorite book and your headphones. Most of the times, your spa day is fully organized, and between massages’ appointments, pools, Jacuzzi or saunas, you will find less or even no time at all for other activities. But sometimes you need a break from all the spa activities, and your favorite book can help you relax even more. Headphones are also useful if you want to listen to your favorite playlist relax music or if you only want to block the noise next to you.
- REMEMBER the order: Swim, Sauna, Massage/Beauty/Treatment, Rest. Whereas you could enjoy the spa areas and utilities in any order you want, it is a good practice to follow the order:
- Swim. Start with taking a bath for like 20-30 minutes. Whether it is in the outdoor/indoor pool, in a Jacuzzi or in the sport pool, start with taking a bath. It will relax your body and will help moisturizing your skin. As a tip, before taking the bath, take a shower and use your favorite sea salt scrub or body scrub. I use a home-made sea salt scrub with lavender flowers, but I also recommend the body lotion scrubs such as The Body-Shop” Body Scrub.
- Sauna. Take a 15-20 minutes break, and then use for 15 minutes each, two of your favorite saunas. Don’t forget to make a 15 minutes break between the saunas’ usage and drink a lot of water in between.
- Enjoy a massage/beauty/treatment. At this point, your skin is fully prepared for “that special treatment”: whether it is a back massage, a full-body massage, or a beauty massage, it is up to you to decide. But you should have one, you definitely deserve it! I usually alternate between beauty and full-body massages.
- Rest. Your body needs to rest from all the water, treatment, and sauna interactions. Therefore you should rest for at least 30-60 minutes before starting a new cycle. Your body needs to regenerate. At this point, it is a good idea to use a body milk or lotion to hydrate your skin. I recommend “The Body-Shop” Body Butter .
- Drink a lot of water and even smoothies, and eat a lot of fruits. You find them everywhere in the restaurants and cafeteria spa areas. This will keep your body hydrated.
- Take your time to know the places in the spa that are best for you. While visiting more and more spas, you will become more and more familiar with the best spa places for you. Just be patient.
- Be silent and do your best to respect the other guests. You should acknowledge that all the other guests which are next to you are also trying to find some time for themselves and their families. They probably try to run away from their busy schedules and worries as well. Therefore it is a sign of common sense to respect the other guests by being silent, having your handy on mute, speaking silently, keep common resting areas free, having a chat with your companion in the cafeteria or the restaurant area, taking the received phone-calls in silence, etc.
- Just relax and enjoy the calmness of your mind. Be grateful for the present moment.
I hope all of these hints will help you make the best out of your day spent at your favorite spa! And do not forget to share your thoughts if you feel like it!
Sincerely yours,
madalina