As a Christmas present to one another, me and my man treated ourselves to a spa treatment at the Lilac Rooms at the beautiful Elizabethan Dunston Hall. Despite working in the industry and giving people massages and facials most days, I haven't had a professional treatment as a regular punter for over a year - so it was much needed! When everyone else was moaning about returning to work last week, I didn't mind because I had my massage to look forward to!
I went all out and booked the 85-min hot stone massage and facial for myself, and a back, neck and shoulder massage and facial for him (called '5 steps to heaven' - we wondered what was in store for him...!!).
I was really excited, but also apprehensive. As a therapist, you know only too well how important it is to make the treatment as good and enjoyable as possible - but it also means your expectations are quite high when you're on the receiving end.
I'm happy to report the treatments, therapists and treatment rooms were lovely! There was lots of attention to detail, particularly with my hot stone massage with placing the nice, warm stones in the palms of my hands during the facial and holistically placing gemstones on my various chakra points to promote positivity, healing and emotional energy. I'm not sure whether this worked or not, but I certainly fell into a deep state of relaxation and felt myself drifting off.
Our only complaint? We both agreed we could have done with a little bit more pressure when it came to the massage. Did they check if the massage pressure was ok? Yep. Did we just agree and say 'yes' - yep. Like. Everybody. Does. And I'm a beauty therapist who should know better.....we're so British!!
I went all out and booked the 85-min hot stone massage and facial for myself, and a back, neck and shoulder massage and facial for him (called '5 steps to heaven' - we wondered what was in store for him...!!).
I was really excited, but also apprehensive. As a therapist, you know only too well how important it is to make the treatment as good and enjoyable as possible - but it also means your expectations are quite high when you're on the receiving end.
I'm happy to report the treatments, therapists and treatment rooms were lovely! There was lots of attention to detail, particularly with my hot stone massage with placing the nice, warm stones in the palms of my hands during the facial and holistically placing gemstones on my various chakra points to promote positivity, healing and emotional energy. I'm not sure whether this worked or not, but I certainly fell into a deep state of relaxation and felt myself drifting off.
Our only complaint? We both agreed we could have done with a little bit more pressure when it came to the massage. Did they check if the massage pressure was ok? Yep. Did we just agree and say 'yes' - yep. Like. Everybody. Does. And I'm a beauty therapist who should know better.....we're so British!!
When I'm working in my spa most of our clients say they want 'firm' massage pressure. This is usually down to the fact that their previous massages elsewhere haven't been all that firm (and a little bit because people don't want to appear a wuss if they say they only want a light or medium massage pressure!). When you book a massage and have particular concerns like achey shoulders or lower backache, then you want to walk away feeling like your muscles have been worked on and not just stroked! Beauty therapists aren't trained physios or osteopaths but they can - or rather should if they're any good - be able to apply more pressure, but only if you let them know!! But also be a bit sympathetic, if you want REALLY firm then don't expect too much - it's knackering on therapist's bodies and they can only do their best!
With this experience in mind and working in a spa I thought it might be handy to explain the do's and don'ts of going to a spa! Some of you may be spa connoisseurs, some of you may never have stepped foot in one and feel a bit nervous about it - I'm here to help! Because EVERYBODY should treat themselves to a massage or a facial or a spa treatment at some point in their lives.
With this experience in mind and working in a spa I thought it might be handy to explain the do's and don'ts of going to a spa! Some of you may be spa connoisseurs, some of you may never have stepped foot in one and feel a bit nervous about it - I'm here to help! Because EVERYBODY should treat themselves to a massage or a facial or a spa treatment at some point in their lives.
MY spa guide
- If you're booking a treatment at a spa don't presume you'll have access to the pool and get a gown, towels or slippers. Often these are all extras, unless you've booked a spa day with it all included. Check with the receptionist when booking.
- There are LOTS of spa day deals out there, usually offering a 30-60 min treatment, a lunch or afternoon tea and access to the pool area. It can sometimes be cheaper to book all these things separately. Do your research.
- If you're a couple, best friends or mum and daughter and would like to be in the same treatment room then check if they have a double treatment room. If you're having different treatments then you may want them in separate rooms to avoid being disturbed by the sounds of the other treatment, or person....!
- If it's your first massage or facial and you don't know what to wear or how to lie on the couch then make sure you ask questions - you want to be feeling comfortable and relaxed, not nervous and intimidated! The usual rule is to go down to knickers/boxers whether it's for a back, neck and shoulder massage, or a full-body massage and start face/belly down, putting your head in the bed's head hole. The therapist will give you a few moments to get yourself ready in the treatment room, and again at the end to get changed. They won't stand and watch you!
- Therapists want to maintain your privacy, and will only uncover the parts of the the body they're working on. We have lots of tricks to help you turn over and expose parts of your body without risking your dignity!
- Don't stay silent if you want the massage pressure to be increased or reduced, or if you feel a bit cold - just say - it'll make you and the therapist happier in the long run.
- You can choose whether to chat to your therapist or be silent. If it's a massage or facial then you'll benefit more by not chatting, so that you can focus on the massage movements more. If your therapist is too chatty then just avoid conversation - they'll get the message! (and in all honestly they'll be relieved! It's almost as relaxing for the therapist as it is for the client).
- Tipping isn't obligatory, but it's nice! Your beauty therapist won't be on much more than minimum wage (a bugbear of mine....) earning about 10% of the treatment cost. Treat it like being in a restaurant; if the service and treatment was worth tipping, then do so. Anywhere between 10-20% is appreciated.
- If you're going in for a facial, or even a massage, then it's best not to wear makeup, especially eye makeup. The amount of times I've had thick, waterproof eye makeup to remove before the facial can begin....what's the point! We don't recommend you put makeup on for a minimum of 12 hours after a facial as your pores have been thoroughly cleansed and moisturised and makeup will only clog them.
- If you're on a spa day, make sure you keep an eye on what time your treatment is. Whilst you should be relaxing, the therapists are working to quite a tight schedule and if you're late then your treatment time might be cut down.
- Drinks lots of water after your spa treatments, especially if you're hopping in and out of the sauna, steam room and hot tub. Be careful with this, you may feel a bit light-headed so make sure you sit down and relax.
- Which leads me to to mention making sure you go to the loo before the treatment - there's nothing worse than lying there and needing the loo. Massage can also stimulate the bladder and bowels so don't be surprised if you need the loo afterwards!
Go and treat yourself to a spa day or a spa treatment - it's good fun, relaxing and good for your soul.
I can, of course, recommend Seckford Spa where I work, but otherwise this website will help you find some good local recommendations - https://goodspaguide.co.uk/.
Enjoy!
Laura x
PS. I'll soon be looking for full body massage models at college - at a bargain price - keep an eye on my facebook page.
I can, of course, recommend Seckford Spa where I work, but otherwise this website will help you find some good local recommendations - https://goodspaguide.co.uk/.
Enjoy!
Laura x
PS. I'll soon be looking for full body massage models at college - at a bargain price - keep an eye on my facebook page.
