Coleraine Chronicle - Features - Spa Novice? Learn How to Look Like a Professional

Features

Spa Novice? Learn How to Look Like a Professional

Monday, 28 March 2011

So, your birthday is coming up and your best friend has decided she wants to take you to her favourite spa. "Oh, lovely!" you say, hoping that the look of dismay doesn't give your true feelings away. You have never been to a spa and have no idea what to do, what to wear, how to act and which parts of you should be plucked and shaved. If the thought of any sort of beauty therapy leaves you cold, then read on for some important tips on how to survive the day and maybe even enjoy yourself.

Preparation
Being ready for your big day is the perfect way to remove some of the scariness from your spa visit. We all know that white towelling robes are hardly the height of ladies fashion, but they do cover a multitude of sins. If you wanted to you could wear the robe the whole day and cover all of your body from head to toe, but there is a good chance you may be expected to strip down to a swimsuit or to just a towel for a massage. In this case you should certainly take the time to shave your legs, apply fake tan and even get a bit of a wax, if required.

What to take
The best thing about spas is that they provide nearly everything you will need for the whole day. Just bring the following so that you are fully prepared:

• A swimsuit
• Fresh clothes
• Toiletries and beauty cosmetics
• A good book to slip into your robe pocket
• Change for the lockers

When you arrive
Most spas will be very good at making you feel relaxed when you walk through the door. They will ask if you have been there before and will give you a quick tour of the facilities so you know where you are going. Then they will take you through your itinerary for the day and direct you to the changing area. You will be given a robe and usually some slippers to wear while you are there.

What your day may be like
Depending on how generous your friend is, your day could be rather full of appointments and opportunities to eat. Generally, if you have a full day planned there will be an appointment before your lunch, one after lunch and one after your afternoon tea. These appointments might include a massage, hydrotherapy, a facial, a manicure or pedicure or even a mud wrap.

When you are not in an appointment you can take advantage of the facilities available. This might include a sauna or steam room, a swimming pool, a juice bar, a cafe or an outdoor sunbathing area. Often your lunch is part of your package price and may be a nice healthy affair designed to make sure you are not too bloated to enjoy the rest of your day.

When you leave
It is quite unusual for a spa to expect people to leave at a certain time. You should be able to stay as long as you like, enjoying the surroundings and relaxing with your friend. However, when the time comes that you have to put down your book, drink your last cup of herbal tea and head for the showers, you can expect this to be a wonderful experience as well.

The bathrooms in spas are designed to be luxurious and will have most shower items supplied. You can take your time, blow-dry your hair, apply makeup and simply pamper yourself.

Finally, you should dump your towels in the hamper (or sometimes you may be asked to hand them in at reception along with your slippers) and go to reception where you might just have a goody bag to take home. This might contain samples of the items you used during your stay and vouchers for future visits and is really designed to get you to buy the full priced versions of the cosmetics you used.

You are unlikely to get out the door without being asked to buy a memento of your day and if you feel so inclined then you should; especially if the nail varnish you chose is to die for! However, there is good chance you will be feeling so dreamy and relaxed that the first thing on your mind will be getting home, pouring a glass of wine and telling your husband all about it. One thing is certain, however; men will never understand the lure of the day spa.