Even for the more budget conscious spa visitor, affordable wellness deals are to be had without compromising on quality.
Plan your wellness getaway
Check out deals online. Once you know your destination, check with several Hotels, what spa/hotel packages they are promoting. Sign up with your 3 top Hotel choices to get their e-mail promotions. I have been able to get some great deals, which exceeded what I thought was possible. I booked a Hotel and wellness stay at the ‘Venetian' in Las Vegas and had signed up with them online for specials. They kept on sending me better and better all inclusive type deals and even honored the lower prices after I had booked already.
Find better deals during the week
When you research your flight, check out the super search engine kayak.com. When entering the dates, a window pops up with all dates in a month or 2 week period near your requested departure date with the best prices on each day. Their search covers all airlines. You will find, that better travel deals are available during the week, especially Tuesday - Thursdays. The same holds true for spa treatment prices. Some Spas have a different price structure for weekends and weekdays.
Check whether specials for all inclusive treatment packages are offered at your choice destination
You might find deals when booking several treatments together with your Hotel/Resort stay. Spa Destination Gift Certificates are also worth looking into.
Book your appointment early in the day
Many spas offer water circuits, which are often complimentary. In packages they will be most likely included. Choose an early appointment, I would book the 2. appointment after opening, let's say 10 am for most spas, if they open at 9 am. That enables you to enjoy the water features without being too crowded. Another reason for an early appointment is to catch the therapist at the peak of their performance and not at the end of their day.
Then, after the massage or facial, you will still have plenty of time to go back to the spa and play in the water some more.
Plan your Manicure/Pedicure
as the last in a series of spa services, when booking a package. You don't want to receive your massage after your pedicure! An ideal order of services would be
1. Body Treatment
2. Massage
3. Facial
4. Manicure/Pedicure
If you book a package of several services, take your final shower before your pedicure/manicure, then change into your street clothes, so that your freshly painted nails last.
Communicate your wants and needs with your massage therapist
Let your massage therapist know, if you have any medical conditions, recent injuries, any allergies and also tell them what kind of pressure you prefer. It's helpful to verbalize your expectations and wishes. As a therapist myself I can tell you however not to micro-manage your massage therapist. Let them guide you and show you what they can do, appeal to their professional pride.
Communicate your wants and needs with your facialist
Let your facialist know, if you have problem skin, any contagious skin conditions including cold sores or herpes, most importantly if you have allergies to any product ingredients.
After your massage
Remember that you chose a wellness getaway in order to unwind and relax in the first place. So, after your treatment, take some time, sit down, either in the lounge areas or outdoors if available, or in the quiet solitude of the steam room. Let the massage sink in, feel your body, breathe, relax and enjoy the journey within.