Visiting a spa for the first time can often feel daunting, but there’s no doubt that you will also feel excited. In this blog, we aim to provide you with all the information you will need to know for your first-time luxury experience. From understanding the etiquette of a spa to what is included in a spa day, you will arrive for your spa day knowing what to do and what not to do.
What To Expect From Your First-Time Spa Day
If this is your first time indulging in a spa experience, you may be wondering what it will be like. Spas are designed to create an ambient and relaxing environment from the moment you step through the doors.
Mood lighting and tranquil music will bring your mind to a place of calm and the scents of the spa products (such as essential oils) will transport your senses away from the outside world and into the quiet calm space.
What to expect from a spa treatment?
You will be warmly welcomed by either a spa receptionist or one of the spa therapists who will take your booking information and offer you some form of hydration, such as lemon water or tea while you fill out any relevant forms.
Once you are ready for your spa treatment you will be guided into a relaxing treatment room. Depending on your chosen treatment may be asked to undress from the waist up and lay face-down on the treatment table between two towels with your back exposed, which the therapist will leave the room for you to do so. This allows the therapist to perform treatments such as a massage or hot stone therapy without obstruction.
If you have chosen a head massage, facial or foot treatment this won’t be necessary.
When the treatment begins you can expect your tension and stress to melt away as the highly trained therapist transports your consciousness into a realm of total relaxation. Your aches and pains will subside as your muscles relax and your mind quiet.
They will verbally check in with you to ensure you are comfortable with the treatment and that the technique or products they are using are to your liking.
Once you leave the treatment room, you will feel as though the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders. Spa treatments have often been described as walking on clouds as your muscles will be relaxed and you will feel loose and light as a feather.
Using Spa Facilities
Before and after your spa treatment you will have access to the facilities at the spa to use at your leisure. Common amenities often include:
- Swimming pools
- Sauna
- Steam rooms
- Jacuzzies
- Showers
When attending spa days, depending on the spa package you chose you may also sit down for a light lunch or afternoon tea in the restaurant. If so you might want to consider bringing some suitable to dine in.
What Should You Bring To The Spa?
The most important part of your spa day is arriving prepared. Packing for a spa day is quite like packing for a beach day. You will want to bring:
- A swimming costume.
- Comfortable shoes
- A reading book or other forms of quiet entertainment
- And depending on the facilities and weather you might require suncream when using outdoor facilities.
What To Wear To A Spa Day?
Your outfit should be casual and comfortable and easy to slip in and out of in the changing rooms. If you plan to use fitness facilities within a spa, then you will need to bring suitable workout gear and a pair of trainers. If you have long hair, then it’s also best to bring a hairband so that you can wear your hair up for when you are having your massage or swimming.
Most spas provide robes, towels and often slippers, although some spas may require you to hire these items for a small fee, so if you would feel more comfortable bringing your own then that is also acceptable.
What Is The Etiquette Of A Spa?
It’s recommended that you arrive at the spa early so that you can get the most out of your visit and you avoid being late for any pre-booked treatments. You often have to fill out paperwork upon your arrival as a newcomer, so you may want to reserve some extra time for this.
Once you have completed this, you will be able to explore the area and make use of the facilities that are included in your spa package. If you do have a treatment, you will want to be cautious of the time as it’s recommended to be in the waiting area for around 15 minutes beforehand. If you are late then this could result in your appointment being rescheduled for a later time in the day, or possibly even cancelled if the spa is busy.
Generally, you should treat a spa with respect. A spa is a place to feel relaxed, so it’s best to keep your voice relatively quiet, leave areas and facilities how you would like to find them, that being said, a spa is still a place to enjoy yourself and have fun with your loved ones.
What Is Included In A Spa Day At Northcote?
If you are looking to treat yourself to a North Devon spa day, there is no better place than Northcote Manor.
Our facilities include a 12.5-metre swimming pool, jacuzzi hot tub, steam room, sauna, and a state-of-the-art gym, along with 3 single and 1 double peaceful treatment rooms. The spa facilities are included within stays as well as our spa days.
We take pride in having a broad selection of Temple Spa products available for our guests to use during treatments and also whilst using the spa facilities. Temple Spa is a luxury British skincare brand, which our spa therapists enjoy using during treatments to reward your skin with outstanding long-term benefits.
You can also enjoy a light lunch in our spa café where a delicious selection of sandwiches, snacks, and hot and cold drinks are served.
The purpose of coming to our spa is to feel that you have had the chance to relax- wind down and feel your stresses ooze away, to escape any of your day-to-day pressures and leave us feeling as though you have been treated to the very highest level of care.
Why not treat yourself to a spa day or even a spa break with a loved one or escape the chaos of daily life for a solitary spa experience?
Whatever you choose, Northcote Manor has the perfect day for you.