My First Trip to the Spa

First of all, I wanted to thank everyone for all of the advice you left on my previous post! All of the tips were incredibly helpful, and I kept all of the information in mind as I set out on my big adventure.

Truly, it was an amazing experience. I’m not the type that really and truly just lets myself relax. I’m usually doing something with my down time, even when I’m watching TV. I’m knitting, I’m surfing the Internet, I’m making lists in my head of other things I could/should/will be doing. So to take an hour of time out of my day for the sole purpose of relaxing was a little out of my comfort zone.

But so, so worth it!

This spa’s facial was definitely more than just a face treatment. It started out with a foot scrub with lotion & sea salt (wow) and during the treatment itself, I was treated to a hand paraffin treatment, as well as a foot massage and upper neck/shoulder massage (while on my back, while the masque was working its magic). The whole thing was fantastic from start to finish.

The best part was I never felt like I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. Scratch that – I never felt dumb because I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. I could tell right away that the goal of everyone on the staff was to make sure the guest (in this case, me) felt comfortable about each step of the experience as it happened. I definitely felt like I could have asked any dumb question and they wouldn’t have thought “Impostor! Poser! Get OUT!”

For the curious: I did undress and wear the provided robe. The robe, while not huge, was stretchy enough to cover me without my feeling uncomfortable (but I knew I could ask for a larger one if needed – thanks for that tip, Repressed Librarian!). I was able to lock my belongings in a locker with a temporary password. While I did not partake of the steam room, sauna, or showers, I think I might next time now that I’m a little more aware of what to expect.

Because, oh, yes, I’m going back. I still have enough money left on the gift certificate to get a massage, and believe you me, I’m going to get one. However, I’m still glad I took the baby step of getting a facial first, because now I’m more than ready for a more intensive massage experience.

Now, because I had these questions, and you might too, here are my tips for your first spa experience:

1. Read these two posts by Doahleigh. She pretty much walks through her first massage, and these posts did help me get over some of my apprehensions.

2. Read these tips that an actual spa published for first-time spa goers. It says exactly what I said above – the folks that work at the spa really, truly want you to have a fantastic experience, and be comfortable the entire time.

3. Get there early. I thought if I got there too early, I’d have too much time on my hands and make myself nervous. But it will take time to change, get oriented, and in my case, sniff all of the complimentary lotions and balms they have sitting out for you to enjoy.

4. Expect that you will have to disrobe for your treatment. But know that you won’t be exposed. In my case, I was on a table that was made up like a bed (bottom sheet, top sheet and blanket) and felt comfortable and modest the whole time-. But by not having to worry about a robe, and the tie and is it tied tight enough and am I flashing the lady? made for a much more relaxing experience all around.

Best part of the day:

Two stories, really. First, the esthetician couldn’t believe I don’t have a regular skin care routine, which I don’t. I rub some water on my face in the shower (but don’t use soap or anything) and I barely remember to wear moisturizer (bad, bad Susan, I know). She just shook her head at me in disbelief.

Second – part of the treatment was an eyebrow shaping. I figured this would be plucking one or two stray hairs. This was actually a waxing, and when I flinched, she said, “Dahling, bea-u-ty is pain.” (She had the best European accent, like, ever). Afterwards, she showed me my brows and said, “Your brows? Were all wrong. I fixed them.”

I think she did OK, but they’re a little thin, maybe?

Yes, I managed to take a self-portrait of myself at the spa. It was just a quick one, in the bathroom on my way out the door, because there were too many people around everywhere else. Hee!

So! That’s the spa experience. I highly recommend it. Definitely.