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Spa Virgins
Going to a Spa for the first time is slightly surreal. Like a
lot of firsts – first time driving a car, first time on
a plane, first kiss … It remains etched in your memory like
a wonderful dream. Not many people go to the spa regularly. Some
first-timers do so because of an upcoming wedding or trying to
find balance after an emotional or stressful episode in their
lives.
Of course, as a ‘spa virgin’, it is not unusual
to feel nervous and slightly apprehensive. What should you wear,
what should you not wear, what should you bring … Well,
relax, take a deep breath and read our Spa Tips below:
- Do a bit of research before choosing the best spa treatment
for yourself. Visit various spas and make enquiries. Word-of-mouth
recommendations are also a good way to assess a spa.
- Plan on arriving an hour before your appointed treatment
so that you can prepare yourself – mentally and emotionally.
- Shower in warm water – your body will be more receptive
to treatment. Most spas encourage guests to shower, soak, enjoy
the whirlpool, sauna and steam bath … then, shower again
before commencing treatment.
- Visit the toilet – cleanse your system thoroughly.
You don’t want to be interrupted by the call of nature
while in the midst of a relaxing massage.
- Before a hydrotherapy treatment, be sure to drink lots of
water and juice – especially after a sauna or steam bath.
Your body will also be better prepared to go through the detoxification
process – the natural result of most body treatments and
massage.
- Don’t be shy. Talk to your therapist while you are
undergoing treatment. Be open about your health concerns.
- After your treatment … do not rush home immediately.
Relax, explore … You don’t want to enter the real
world so soon after being pampered and undergoing physical and
spiritual cleansing.
- Finally, visit the spa shop. You might want to purchase the
products used on you during your treatment. Or get a souvenir
for your friends and loved ones. Share your experience and,
who knows … you might convert a few skeptics yourself!
| Some spa stories from our readers
and ex-spa virgins (published in SpaAsia March/April 2004): |
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I was led up candle-lit stairs to an equally charming
room where I was told to undress and ring the bell when
ready. This, I have to say, was the one point that my
Canadianess peeked its prudish head and the notion of
being completely naked in front of a total stranger was
just too much for this spa virgin – the panties
stayed on!
Andrea S. Papan, Thailand |
| My first spa experience was ‘total
speechlessness’.
Goh Seok Imm, Malaysia |
| My first time … It didn’t
turn out to be what I’ve anticipated. For not wanting
to spend the extra dollars, I chose a spa at a beauty salon.
When I stepped into the so-called spa, it didn’t even
measure up to a dime! Restricted moving area, four white walls,
a tiny teenie-weenie bathtub and a rest bed that didn’t
even allow me to make a turn!
Penny Woo Tuck Peng,
Malaysia |
| After my massage, I was led to the enormous
tub that contained my husband surrounded by pink rose petals.
We really manages to let go of the bad experience (of his
affair) and stress at the moment at that moment of trying
something new and freeing. We dug deep and found an inner
strength that we didn’t know we had.
Barbara de Nys, Singapore |
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