SPA 101

Hola!

I'm working in Manhattan today - hosting a graduation fair and while the student traffic is sporadic ( I should've let my staff work this event) I decided to spend some of my down time posting (since I forgot to bring any other work with me...)

I'm still gathering my information on pricing and services for spas but here's a breakdown on some general information - Read Spa 101....

Check a few spas out first. One of the best resources is always word of mouth yet I love this website called www.spafinder.com . Here you'll find all things SPA....Ahhhh...:) You can learn about destination spas, day spa, get gift certificates, and learn all about Spa 101.

Spa 101 Tips

1. My bestie many years ago gave me a great gift which I use to this day. She gave me a spa kit - which included spa sandals, pedicure kit and something else that escapes me at the moment :) I use the sandals the most. A word to the wise - if you don't bring your own slippers (sandals) they will provide them for you. Sometimes I'm squeemish about such things..so this really is a matter of personal preference. They also provide robes and lockers to store your personal items.

2. Do you want to spa in the buff (nude)? This is also a matter of personal taste. The good news - spa folks (called therapists) make you feel at home and are aware of of those who may feel uncomfortable in the nude. You can of course wear undergarments - and some spas even provide you disposable ones! (who knew!) I learned this at my most recent spa trip at the luxurious Borgata Hotel Spa and Casino in Atlantic City.

www.theborgata.com

This is one of the best spas I have even been to! OMG...they provide disposable undergarments, shower caps, deodorant, hair spray....everything a girl needs! I was completely pampered here - and it didn't hurt that I had requested a man - and got the most handsome brutha! :) He was completely professional and it was the best massage ever! The Spa at Borgata is called Spa Toccare - and happened to be voted the Reader's Choice Best Spa for 2010 by Spa Finder - the very link I provided earlier. The great thing here is the spa was also voted the best in the male spa experience as well. So here's to the ladies and gents - go here if you can!!

3. Cell Phones are NO BUENO! Ok so I am addicted to my new IPhone - and a good friend (who I talk to almost everynight) makes fun of me about it....however this is the one place my IPhone doesn't go. Remember this blog is about pampering oneself...sometimes it's really hard NOT to be connected to our very mobile, social network sites oriented world. However, I leave the IPhone in my locker so I have an 60 or 90 minutes(or whatever I purchased) of free uninterruted time.

4. Conversation anyone? Well this also is a matter of personal taste. Do you want conversation while you are relaxing? I find after the introductions some therapists will ask if you want conversation or silence....I prefer silence....and usually fall alsleep if it was good! During this visit I was actully snoring LOL! On a different note, do tell your therapist how you would like your massage. Most ask if the force they use is too much or too little. Let them know.

5. The BIG sell. Here lies a drawback of some spas. After you are finished whatever the service, almost always is the attempted sale of the products that were used during your visit. Funny at Borgata this didn't happen and I was pleasantly surprised. So keep in mind that there maybe a sales pitch at the end. Just say NO - otherewise you could be spending money on products you really don't like or need.

6. Take off your jewelry. This one really annoys me. I have nails (yes they are mine that are silk wrapped) and it's difficult to get the jewelry on and off - however for a full range of motion during the massage it's best to remove it.

7. Bring Pets? NO. Why do some feel the need to bring their pets everywhere?? Not unless the the pets are going to their own spa day...and yes there are spas for pets....

8. Wearing Perfume - Now this one is interesting. I can't say that I've ever thought about it because I wear perfume almost everyday yet it's probably not a good idea to wear perfume to the spa in case the therapist is allergic. Again a matter of personal preference.

More Later...gotta go back to work!
Ciao