It’s all lavender-scented massages and rose-petalled foot baths... Until you rip a fart or get accosted by product pushers. Turn down the Enya, tune in to this insider intel and (actually) relax
We humans have been spa-obsessed for ages (Turkish Hammam, Roman baths…). Long enough to know that stock images of hot stone-laden backs, soft smiles and dreamily closed eyes are just that: stock images, not reality. And they don’t quite nail the hilarious irony of the spa experience: something that’s supposed to calm you down can totally weird you out. Especially in 2017, when there are more options than ever. (Day spas! Resort spas! Medi-spas! Gym spas!) And then there are all the stress-y questions: how much to strip? How much to tip? Ugh, what if I get my period the day of my treatment? Somebody, help! Don’t stress, we’re going to quieten all those thought bubbles so you can get your Zen on – for real.
AWK-WARD!
Your most common Qs, on a scale from confusing to cringe-worthy
“Am I supposed to leave a tip?” It’s not a requirement, but your therapist will welcome it, not be insulted. And if you had a particularly blissful experience, it’s a generous way to express your satisfaction. SouthAfricanSpas.co.za recommends anything from 10 percent up. Leave the tip at reception in cash and let the receptionist know who it’s for.
“I got a coupon for a spa and they offer free bubbly. May I indulge?” A glass of bubbly probably won’t hurt, but any more than that might make you more sensitive to pressure during a rubdown. Skip heavy meals and coffee while you’re at it. They’ll just make you less comfortable on the treatment table and dampen your (expensive) experience.
This story is from the September 2017 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
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This story is from the September 2017 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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