:A trip to a spa should be a relaxing, rejuvenating experience, but if you're unsure of spa etiquette, it can be anything but. This guide will teach you how to make reservations, how to tip, what to wear, and much more. But bear in mind, each spa is unique, and you should always call ahead if you are unsure of anything. Also remember there are no "rules" when you go to a spa. Instead use these suggestions as a rough guideline to get the most out of your spa experience.

Reservations Because destination spas are total get-away spa experiences where you often stay for a lengthier period of time (four to ten days are common), it is helpful to plan ahead. Destination spas ask you for an advance deposit and prefer you to make reservations as far in advance as possible (many months) so that they can prepare and schedule programs, treatments, rooms, and other things. However sometimes people need to get away on the spur of the moment, so destination spas can often accommodate a last-minute reservation.

Cancellation If you must cancel a reservation at a destination spa, you will want to do so as far in advance as possible. Cancellation policies vary. However, it is common that a destination spa will apply your deposit to a future visit if you cancel within its stated time period. You could lose your deposit altogether for a last-minute cancellation.

Transportation Destination spas are often located in beautiful scenic environments therefore expect (and enjoy) a drive from a city airport or from your own location. This is usually a good time to begin leaving your cares behind and allowing the destination spa experience to embrace you. Make sure that details of your transportation to the destination spa have been arranged prior to your stay. Some destination spas provide transportation, and others will make recommendations for arriving at your own expense.

Booking appointments When you make your reservation, check with the destination spa about pre-arranging spa appointments or other activities. While it is most relaxing to deal with all of this after you arrive, in some cases some pre-booking is a good idea. Favorite spa treatment times are usually in the late afternoon and mornings are the favorite times for more strenuous activities.

What to pack Daily attire at destination spas is always very casual, which keeps the stress level down. Some spas provide clothing while others suggest you bring basics such as workout clothes, warm up suits, swimsuits, and anything else you may need. Appropriate footwear for exercise and hiking is possibly the most important aspect to get right. White soled shoes are best for any gym activity but hiking shoes with good tread are needed for walking, hiking, and biking programs. Since you usually change several times a day (and laundry service may be limited) make sure to pack enough change of clothes. Makeup is kept to a minimum and perfume is discouraged. Jewelry is best left at home or put in the destination spa's safe.

Evening attire varies from spa to spa. Some destination spas welcome people to meals in their robes, many encourage warm up suits or very casual comfortable clothing, and in a few cases a bit more of a pulled together look happens at dinner or at the last meal together with your group.

Arrival Destination spas are generally experts at hospitality and you will likely be welcomed with open arms and caring people. They are also used to having stressed out, tired, and cranky people arrive. It's best to just flow with the procedures and know that since you are staying for a period of time, everything will be worked out. A site tour is a good idea.

Daily Schedule There are usually myriad things to do at a destination spa, including hikes, exercise classes, spa treatments, education, cooking demonstrations, and more. Take a moment to consider what your goals might be for this experience and plan accordingly. There is always someone who can help you plan (or plan for you) an ideal schedule. Often the planning is preceded by a medical intake. Take this opportunity to try some new things. Be careful about overdoing the first day. Too much exercise or too much sun can negatively affect the rest of your stay. Ease into the schedule gently at the beginning of your stay and be prepared to challenge yourself more toward the end of your destination spa experience.

Meals Every destination spa provides healthy and nutritious meals that leave few people hungry, but their philosophies may vary. Some are vegetarian. Some are vegan. Some serve alcohol and caffeine-many do not. Some limit your intake of food; others offer as much to eat as you wish. While it might be a good idea for you to ask about the eating program before you decide which destination spa to attend, consider that almost any nutrition program at a destination spa will be a healthy-and possibly enlightening-experience.

Spa treatments If you prefer either a male or female therapist, let your choice be known. If you have enjoyed the services of a particular therapist on a prior visit, you may request that person although it may not always be possible to coordinate this. All aspects of treatments can be modified to your taste: amount of light, kind (or absence) of music, room temperature, and whether or not you choose to have a conversation or enjoy the treatment in silence. If you want the therapist to go deeper or be gentler, let him or her know. Also, feel free to ask questions. Your therapist will enjoy knowing your thoughts and clarifying any issues you may have. If any part of your experience is unsatisfactory, first tell the therapist. If the response isn't helpful, speak to a supervisor.

Using shared facilities Before entering a soaking pool, a swimming pool, or a whirlpool, always shower. When enjoying the sauna or steam, always sit on your towel and wear the plastic shoes provided by the spa. You will find that customs vary in terms of wearing or not wearing a swimsuit in the wet facilities. Most enjoy these wet rooms in the nude with a wrapped towel, but if modesty is an issue, feel free to wear a swimsuit.

Perfume Wearing perfume to exercise classes is frowned upon.

Smoking With improved health as a goal, most destination spas restrict smoking either to the out of doors, or in some cases, do not allow smoking at all on the premises. Destination spas are a great place to quit smoking because of the lessened temptations, the group support, and the nurturing experiences that make the transition much more comfortable.

Children Destination spas are generally for adults only and persons under 16 or 18 (check with the spa) are discouraged from attending unless there is a special emphasis on teens or children or babies at the spa for a short period of time. This is for safety as well as the impact on the comfort and relaxation of others.

Pets Certain types of animals are welcome at some destination spas but should not be brought along to treatments, activities or meals. Be considerate of others by keeping your pet quiet and, in general, let the spa's policies be your guide.

Cell phones Some destination spas recommend you leave cell phones, pagers, laptops and the like at home, while others allow you to stay connected as long as it doesn't interfere with the relaxation of other guests. If you do bring a cell phone, use it only in your room.

Socializing If you go solo to a destination spa (as many guests do), you will find it very easy to meet and connect with other people. Meals can often be arranged at shared tables, activities and evening programs foster interaction, and in general a sense of community is encouraged in a destination spa. Feel free to engage fellow spa goers in conversation, though try to stay away from stressful topics: Guests generally use spa visits as an opportunity to get away from the pressures of everyday life. If, on the other hand, you choose to maintain privacy, that can also be arranged. Though it is easy to form cliques in such surroundings, be considerate of engaging others as getting to know many of your fellow spa-goers is part of emotional wellness. Celebrity guests should be treated just like other guests and not disturbed by requests for autographs or other mementos.

Gratuities Sometimes gratuities are included in the price of your stay at destination spas, but most often they are not. In the U.S., it is customary to tip the people massage therapists, aestheticians, beauty personnel, attendants, and others who provide services. Tips for the wait staff are also common. About 15 percent is customary, though you may of course leave more or less, depending on the quality of the service. Often it is best to leave this at the end of your stay by either giving it directly to the person or leaving in an envelop at the front desk. Those who provide services outside the spa, such as the porter who helps you with your baggage, should also be tipped. Customs for gratuities can be very different in other countries where spa personnel might be offended at the thought of taking a tip. Check ahead.

Eco-awareness Because destination spas are all about the well being of body, mind and spirit, the health of the environment is often a priority. It is common to be asked to help with this goal through recycling, not leaving trash on hikes, and limiting water and towel usage.

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