Looking for an escape from the hectic pace of everyday life? How about going somewhere serene, where you are not only pampered but surrounded by muted colors, soft lighting and classical music? A day spa may be your answer.

Going to a day spa is a chance to relieve stress and focus on yourself rather than on the needs of your boss, clients, children or spouse. It can be a fun way to celebrate a birthday with girlfriends, or to get pampered with your wedding party before the big event. Other bonuses include:

• Education. Day spas offer chances to learn about beauty and skin care, meditation, stress-reduction and other issues.
• New products. Many day spas use the latest in hair, nail and skin care products. If you discover a product that you love, the spa may give you a free sample or sell you a supply for home use.
• Pain relief. Some of the massages and heat treatments offered at day spas can ease sore muscles.

Some day spas are located in beauty salons or fitness clubs. They can also be found in hotels, conference centers and resorts. Many day spas stand alone as their own destination.

Types of services
Every spa will have its own menu of services. Massage and other types of body work, facials, manicures, pedicures and beauty makeovers are popular options. Other more exotic services may include:

• Reflexology
• Mud or seaweed baths
• Hydrotherapy (in a whirlpool)
• Sea-salt exfoliation
• Aromatherapy

Also, some spas offer personal fitness trainers, aerobics classes and workshops on nutrition, meditation, yoga and tai chi. Others may provide chiropractic care, acupuncture and other holistic treatments along with massages and facials.

Depending on your budget, you can decide how many services to buy. You can spend an hour or two, a half-day or a full day. Many spas offer services a la carte. Most also offer package deals that might include three different services and lunch, for example. Some offer specialized packages for men, pregnant women, mothers and daughters or smokers.

What to expect
When you arrive, you are typically given a robe, slippers, towel and locker key. After removing your jewelry and clothing and donning a robe, you'll wait in a sitting room (often with comfortable lounge chairs and soft music) until your first appointment. Afterwards, you'll return to the waiting area until your next treatment.

While you are waiting, you may be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire about your:

• Cigarette and alcohol use
• Allergies
• Over-the-counter or prescription drugs (such as Acutane)
• Exercise habits
• Diet
• Skin type
• Any medical or physical limitations you may have.

This information alerts the staff to any services or products that might irritate your skin or otherwise be harmful.  

Before you go

• Check with your doctor. If you are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition (such as high blood pressure, asthma or diabetes), be sure to get medical clearance for the spa services you would like to try.
• Cleanliness is important. You may want to get a referral from a friend or relative who has been to the spa and can vouch for its sanitary conditions. Though rare, unclean practices can lead to infections (especially with manicures or pedicures).
• Avoid peak hours. It is often easier to get an appointment during the week as opposed to weekends.
• Ask about gender. If you'd rather get your massage from a female rather than a male, or vice versa, express your preference when you make your appointment.

If you have discomfort or feel embarrassed at any point during your spa visit, tell a staff person right away so the situation can be fixed.

At the end of your visit, you may want to shower to remove any leftover oils and lotions that could stain your clothes. Day spas typically provide toiletries, hair dryers and other amenities for convenience.

Related Articles Feet First: Healing Through Reflexology Hydrotherapy: How Water Can Heal Massage: The Power of Touch Caregivers: Take Care of Yourself, Too Avoid Infection at the Nail Salon How Stress Affects Your Health Staph and MRSA Infections on Rise in Athletic Settings. How Can You Protect Yourself?

External Sources National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Massage therapy as CAM. . Accessed November 17, 2008 Oregon Board of Cosmetology. What to look for in a nail salon. . Accessed March 05, 2009

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.