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Classification of Spa Types
If you’re wondering why a spa may have some services that aren’t offered at others, it’s because there are different types of spas.
For example, laser, injectables, or fillers are at med spas. If you want to focus on health with amenities such as yoga, look for a wellness spa. And if you want to get a package where you can spend the day and use other services such as saunas, steam rooms, and pools, you should look for a hotel/resort spa.
Please note, there are no official definitions, and this is my personal classifications.
Med Spa/Medi-Spa
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Background: A Med-Spa (short for medical spa) should be managed by a healthcare professional. Be sure to check the med spa is properly licensed and appears clean. There will often be waiver forms to fill out prior to receiving any treatments, and usually has a more clinical feel than a relaxing one.
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Services: Med spas offer services such as toxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin), facial fillers, laser treatments, microneedling, chemical peels, body contouring, and medical-grade facials. These services may require some healing downtime after and the need to avoid the sun for a period of time.
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Best for: Those looking for advanced skincare treatments, anti-aging solutions, or corrective procedures beyond standard facials and massages. Results tend to last longer than superficial facials and creams.
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Where: See this article for an example, click here for CTPost's Top Med Spas in CT
Day Spas and Wellness Spas
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Background: Serene, relaxing environment offering traditional spa treatments. Can find services ranging from 20 minutes to an hour, so you can go on a lunch break or stay longer on a day off. Only a short term visit.
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Services: Massages, facials, body scrubs, manicures/pedicures,
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Best for: Flexibility with time, variety of treatments, and number of guests. You can go by yourself or with a group.
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Where: A Moment Away Spa
Resort and Hotel Spas
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Background: Luxury relaxation with access to high-end spa facilities, often within a resort or hotel. It’s common to see separate areas for men and women.
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Services: Usually the same offerings as day spas, but with added perks like pools, saunas, showers, gyms, steam rooms, and jacuzzis. Often have drink bars with alcohol, healthy juices, and teas.
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Best for: Indulging in relaxation for an extended period of time and booking several treatments.
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Where: Saybrook Point Spa, Water's Edge, G-Spa at Foxwoods
Combination or Other Category
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Some spas offer a combination of these services previously mentioned, or other unique offerings such as:
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Scalp treatments and head spas
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Reflexology and acupuncture
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Yoga
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Salon services
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Infrared saunas
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Cryotherapy
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and more!
SPA ETIQUETTE
At Connecticut Spa Guide, we help you navigate the serene environment of the spa with ease and enhance your overall experience. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, understanding spa etiquette is essential for a relaxing experience. From quiet conversations to proper attire, mastering these subtle nuances will make your spa experience both enjoyable and respectful for all.
Always arrive early
Arriving early is critical, because it will not only allow the spa to have time to set up your treatment room, but at larger spas, there is often a tour of the facility and time needed to get you set up with a locker. If you are late, you may lose time from your treatment.
Hygiene
There are several hygiene considerations before attending a spa. First, be sure to shower before a massage or body treatment. Second, avoid perfumes or lotion. Lastly, you may want to shave prior to your treatment, but not so soon that you experience irritation.
Use your spa voice
Being respectful of the quiet areas of the spa ensures that other patrons can relax and enjoy their spa time just like you. Observing the quiet rules includes not only volume of speech, but also silencing your phone if you must have it on your person, and never conducting cell phone conversations inside the spa areas.
Tipping
Be sure to look for, or ask about, the spa's tipping policy when booking your treatment. Many larger, resort-type spas include gratuity in the price, and usually that will be confirmed on the website. If gratuity, or a "service charge" is not included, tipping 15-20% is standard. Therapists will always welcome an extra cash tip even if gratuity was included if they went above and beyond.
Informing the staff of specific concerns
Be sure to let the staff know about any specific conditions you may have, such as wounds, rashes, or any allergies. This is because they use oils or lotions that could interact with a specific allergy. It's also important to inform of pregnancy. If you are nervous about doing so, a discreet phone call prior to your visit will suffice to inform the staff.
Shared areas
Be mindful of other patrons in shared areas. Try not to block the locker area, hog the hair dryers or mirrors, or take up space in jacuzzis or saunas if there is limited room, to name a few. Be respectful so that everyone can enjoy the facilities. Out of privacy to others, do not record or capture pictures in common areas with other patrons in view.
How to cancel a treatment
If you need to cancel your appointment, please keep in mind that spas are also business, and follow their cancellation policy provided to cancel appointments. A good rule of thumb is at least 24 hours notice.
It's super cute and relaxing to arrive at the spa in a comfy, matching sweat suit set. You'll spa like a #pro.
For Med-Spas, if you're getting any type of facial treatments, injections, or lasers, you'll want to wear a zipper top so you can take it off without scraping against your face.
Don't forget to plan for where you're going AFTER the spa! If you are going out to dinner after, you'll want to pack accordingly as well as bring makeup and hair necessities.
Why disposable underwear??
I recommend either disposable underwear or a change of underwear for those who prefer to not go nude during a massage or body mud mask treatment.
You are guaranteed to get lotion or oils on it during treatment, and then you will need to leave the spa in the same underwear! Therefore bringing a change of undies or disposables will make you #SpaSavvy!
SPA LIKE A PRO - PREPARING FOR YOUR SPA DAY
Are you overwhelmed with what to bring to your first hotel & resort spa experience? Or you were unprepared the first time you went and wish you had a kit ready? Don't worry! I will teach you to avoid #FeauxSPas and you can even shop my top picks! (Get it?)
FAQ
Question: Do I need to leave a tip?
Answer: Most of the time yes, with some exceptions. Gratuity would be expected for most facials, massages, nail treatments, etc. Tips are not expected for med-spa procedures such as laser, filler, toxins, salt rooms, etc. Additionally, many larger spas actually have a service fee included, so you'll want to look at closely at that when you book.
Question: Why don't you have more pictures or videos inside of the spas?
Answer: Most spas have a policy that you sign off on that states pictures and video are not allowed inside the spa areas to protect the privacy of the guests. Some spas even have no cellphone policies inside of the spa. I do appreciate the policy as I would not to be filmed where I am trying to relax.
Question: Can I wear jewelry to the spa?
Answer: Yes you can, but to get the best experience, I would advise against wearing jewelry. You will want to avoid necklaces, especially for massages and facials. Earrings should be okay as long as they are smaller stud earrings. You can wear rings, but many times the spa will provide a jewelry dish because some treatments such as mud wraps and wax will gunk up your rings!
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