Leave treatments to the end: four dos and don'ts of visiting a hotel spa

The Guardian

6 hours ago

Checking into a hotel can feel like such a treat – you get to leave life's stresses behind and have all those annoying tasks, such as making the bed, cleaning up and cooking, taken care of by someone else. Ah, just the thought of it is calming. But how often do we opt for complete relaxation, and treat ourselves to a trip to the hotel spa? It's the ultimate indulgence, and doesn't always need to cost an arm and a leg.
So how can you make the most of your spa experience? Here are all the dos and don'ts you need to know before checking yourself in.
Don't … wear inappropriate swimwearGuests are usually provided with a robe when visiting a spa. But what should you wear underneath? 'Swimwear only, please!' says Faye Dewitt, spa and health club manager at Hilton Bournemouth. 'And it's important to keep outerwear, especially shoes, in the changing room areas only – slippers are usually provided, so make sure you wear them while on the spa grounds.
'We ask all guests to shower before using the facilities and again after using the sauna or steam room. Using the sauna is a great way to help your body sweat out toxins to leave you feel revived, but be sure to shower afterward to rinse off any impurities and maintain cleanliness for yourself and others,' says Dewitt.
Do … be an early birdYes, the early bird catches the worm, but he or she also catches their preferred booking slot for a treatment.
Don't … bring your phoneIt's tempting to take a few #spaselfies to show all your friends how much fun you're having, but you'll get much more out of the experience if you leave your phone in the changing room locker. Plus there's an increasing body of research showing how mobile phones interfere with our ability to relax. One study found that even checking the time on a phone could cause stress.
Do … leave the treatments to the endBut is there a correct order for using the facilities? 'That really depends on your game plan and whether you're working out first,' says Dewitt. 'Some people choose the gym first followed by the pool for a few lengths, and then hit the bubble pool to soothe those sore muscles – before sweating it all out in the steam room or sauna.'
One study into the myriad benefits of sauna bathing found that it can temporarily help you feel less sore, making it the perfect way to end an intense workout. But don't worry if swimming laps isn't your thing. 'Plenty of guests skip the pool entirely,' Dewitt adds. 'They're just here for the hot and cold contrast, to reset and relax.'
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