Spa treatments are services offered by the spa. Massage
is by far the most popular spa treatment in the United States. It has been
around for thousands of years and has a number of health benefits.
Other popular spa treatments include facial and body
treatments such as salt shine and body wraps. Most spas have a nail salon that
offers spa manicures and pedicures. Some spas, especially in hotels and
resorts, tend to offer exclusive services that can combine several different
treatments, such as a body scrub followed by a massage and a mini facial. Many
day spas are associated with salons that offer additional services such as
haircuts, coloring, styling, and makeup.
Spa treatments are featured on the spa menu, which is
essentially a list of everything the spa has to offer. They are usually grouped
by type of spa treatment, and most resorts list services by name. There are
several categories that you can expect.
Massage
Two of the most popular massages are Swedish massage and
deep tissue massage. Swedish massage usually covers the entire body with firm
movements, but without much deep, concentrated work. Deep tissue massage will
use stronger pressure and will also involve targeted work on, particularly tense
areas.
Another type of massage that is offered on most menus is
aromatherapy massage, which uses essential oils for various purposes, most
often for relaxation. Sometimes oils are created by companies to achieve
different effects and the therapist asks you to smell several different oils
to determine which one you like best.
The hot stone massage is another type of massage that can be
found on most spa menus. A hot stone massage uses softly rounded basalt stones,
heated in water and retaining heat well. The heat helps warm up the muscles and
is very relaxing. The therapist uses stones as an extension of your arm and may
also place them on your stomach, arms, or back. Done correctly, hot stone
massage is great, but it is a special skill that not all therapists have, so
the quality can vary greatly. If you don't like the way you are feeling, you
can always ask the therapist to massage you with his hands and apply hot
stones.
Most spas also have a couples massage parlor where you
can get any of the above massages accompanied by a loved one next to you.
Special massages
After you try a basic massage, you can move on to the
different types of massage that may or may not be available, such as Thai
massage or reflexology. They also require specialized training and may not be
available everywhere.
Sports massage is great if you are dealing with pain or
limitations from your favorite activities. If you are pregnant you need a
prenatal massage because there are special training, techniques, precautions, and equipment for the mom-to-be.
Sometimes the spa offers a "personal massage"
with a fancy name. Quite frankly, any massage should be personalized, but it is
generally said that this massage involves the full range of massage skills of
the therapist, depending on what you need and what you want. This sounds like a
gimmick, but it can be a way to teach a more experienced therapist to master
more techniques.
Face care
Facial treatment is the second most popular spa
procedure. Sometimes there are so many options that it is difficult to decide
whether you want to keep the anti-aging facial, the European facial or the deep
cleanse?
Don't worry too much. Facial treatments consist of the
same basic steps: cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, massage, and mask. The
main difference is which skincare products are used on each face, and most
spas have at least two lines. One could be more active, for example,
Hydropeptide. Another could be more natural, like the Eminence line from
Hungary, which smells delicious.
For guidance, ask the front desk staff for assistance. In
addition, a beautician will examine your skin and recommend suitable facial
cosmetics, even if you ordered them under a different name.
Body treatments
Body treatments are an underrated spa service because
people tend to think they can do it themselves at home. Of course, you can, but
it won't be as comprehensive, effective, or relaxing. A basic body scrub
exfoliates the outermost dead skin cells with a salt scrub (harder), sugar
scrub (softer), or another scrub such as coffee beans or fruit enzymes that
gently loosen cell-to-cell bonds. This is usually followed by a shower and
application of lotion.
A body scrub can be a stand-alone treatment, but it is
often combined with a body wrap that moisturizes (adds moisture to the skin) or
detoxifies (anything that contains clay, dirt, or algae).
After exfoliating and dusting off the salt or sugar, you
return to the table and lie down to apply cream, clay, mud, or algae. Then you
will be warm and comfortable for about 20 minutes, and hopefully, you will
receive a head massage at the same time.
If it is a moisturizing treatment, the cream should not
be rinsed off. If it's clay, dirt, or algae, return to the shower and then
quickly apply lotion.
Body scrubs and wraps are often used in longer treatments
called rituals or signature treatments.
Remember, the most important thing you can do to enjoy
your spa trip is to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start
date. That way you can check-in, put on your robe, and start relaxing. If the
spa has a sauna, steam room, or hot tub, come even earlier.
