All about Day Spas & how they work

Nothing can relieve stress and make you feel human again like a trip to a day spa. The day spa business has grown so fast around the world that it is now almost a necessity that every large hotel or resort to have one.

In the past they were almost exclusively for women but recently it has become in vogue for "couples" to go to spas together and this has driven the demand for better facilities and services for men. Men now make up 25% of spa visitors nationwide.

There are a variety of different types of businesses which use the term "day spa." What used to be called "beauty salons" have started to use the term to make their businesses seem more significant. And there are "medical" spas [Med Spas] which are glamorized doctors' offices at which minor and major cosmetic procedures are performed.

But for our purposes the term "day spa" refers to relaxation facilities that are usually associated with a hotel or resort. Because the term "day spa" is so over-used the spa industry is now referring to these types of spas as Hotel & Resort Spas. Not to be confused with Destination Spas which are usually "package" spas that include meals, lodging and scheduled events such as yoga classes, hiking and sports.

The services and amenities offered by different day spas varies dramatically. Some are geared toward fitness, gyms and sports. While others are "new age" retreats for yoga, spirituality and "healing."

The money maker for most spas is the services that are purchased such as massages, facials and manicures. The list of services goes on and on: mud baths, mummy wraps, hydro therapies, aromatherapies, seaweed scrubs etc. etc. etc.

To give you something to do in between your services
 and/or workout some of the high-end spas have created
 lush and elegant bathhouse-like facilities that can transport
 your state of mind to one of pampered bliss.

They can offer multiple hot tubs and swimming pools set to different temperatures. Some have water jets that can be used to massages back muscles. And tile lounge chairs that are heated from within.

Multiple saunas and steam rooms can be set to different levels of heat and can have lighting effects like twinkling stars.

Complimentary coffee, tea, juices, mixed nuts and fruit.

Grooming stations for everything you need to shave and style your hair as well as lotions, deodorants and mouthwash. Toothbrushes are usually available upon request.

Lockers, bathrobes, flip-flops and towels are all provided.

Most day spas usually offer simple day passes that allow you to use the facilities without having to buy an expensive service. But if you do buy a service such as a facial or massage then the day pass fee is usually waived. Many of the hotel spas are connected to the gym/fitness center and to the hotel's swimming pool. Once you have purchased a day pass or a service you can usually leave and re-enter throughout the day.

Nudity is usually permitted in the male-only areas but sometimes there are facilities that both sexes share and it is expected that you will wear a bathrobe or swimsuit.

Day spas are not the place to intentionally cruise or look for sex but like any locker room situation things sometimes happen.
Boys will be boys.

SpaFinder.com

Also see: Las Vegas Spa Guide & Review

Spa Magazine is a fantastic resource for finding new spas.

SpaMagazine.com

Spa Vocabulary

Service / Treatment: The terms service and treatment are interchangeable and refer to manicure, massage, facial etc.

Technician: The men and women who perform your service or treatment are called "technicians." Sometimes the word "esthetician" is used usually in association with skin treatments such as facials, waxing and body scrubs.

Extractions: This is the polite term for "blackhead" or "pimple" removal. If you have clogged pours and a face full of blackheads left over from puberty be sure to ask for a facial that includes extractions.

Menu: This is spa-lingo for "price list." If you would like to read a list of services the spa has to offer [as well as the prices] ask the attendant for a "menu."

Vichy Shower: [Pronounced Vee-Shee] is a bar of water jets that are used to massage the back and legs. Sometimes Vichy Showers are used to help "clean up" after a body scrub or wrap.

Spas are not like McDonald's and never have standardized menus. They all usually offer the basic manicures, pedicures, waxing, massages and facials; but spas like to maintain a "boutique" atmosphere by giving their services clever names. It is very easy for the flowery and mystical descriptions spas give their services to cross over into self-parody.

So don't feel embarrassed if you have to ask what "Chakra Cleansing Aromatherapy" means or what "Juniper Berry Bath with Wildflower Extracts" is. That is the job of the attendant at the front desk --- to explain what is involved in the services they offer.

If you are going to have a facial treatment do not shave that day. Shaving can cause the facial treatment to sting [like alcohol on a newly shaved face]. And can cause irritation and redness.

If the spa has a steam room use it before your facial. Sweat helps open the pours making extractions easier.

Pedicures for men involve more than just trimming and filing the toenails. They also massage the feet and exfoliate the dry and calloused skin leaving the soles of your feet supple and baby-soft.

Before your pedicure soak in a hot tub or swimming pool to soften the skin on your feet as much as possible.

As much as I like a hairy-chested man, back hair is a big turn-off. Spa waxing services can remove unsightly back and buttocks hair.

Gratuities / Tipping

You wouldn't go into an upscale restaurant, get great service and then stiff the waiter on the tip would you? Always factor into your spa budget a 15% to 20% tip for your technician. Sometimes this gratuity is automatically factored into your bill.