Spa Tips"Spa Enthusiast" magazine offers these
tips for making the most of your spa visit: - Try to come at off-peak
hours. Your spa experience may be more relaxing and leisurely when you're
there at a less crowded time. - Explore the possibilities. Ask for
a full description of any treatment that sounds intriguing. Be open to experimentation.
That's how you'll find new treatments to enjoy. - Get advice regarding
scheduling. If you plan on having more than one treatment, ask if the spa
has recommendations regarding the order in which you receive them. Choosing the
right sequence may enhance your pleasure. Some facials are more suitable before
a body treatment, and some are more appropriate afterward. Many spas will have
packages that give you the treatments in the most appropriate order. -
Share your personal health history. The spa can help you plan accordingly.
If you have conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or lupus, you should get your
doctor's okay for any treatment you'd like to try. People with high blood pressure
or a heart condition may want to avoid body wraps or any treatment that involves
heat or detoxification. Those with varicose veins may want to avoid heat treatments
to those areas, and people with iodine allergies should avoid marine products
such as seaweed. Pregnant women should avoid essential oils and anything that
could raise body temperature, such as body wraps, saunas/steambaths and Jacuzzis. -
Mention any prescription drugs you are using in order to avoid any services
or products that might irritate your skin or otherwise be harmful. -
Anticipate how the treatment will fit into your other plans. For example,
if you're having a facial treatment that may leave your skin temporarily irritated
or blotchy, you may not want to go to a romantic dinner afterward. -
Allow enough time for your visit. Plan to spend a least 15 minutes sipping
a beverage, relaxing, and chatting or enjoying some solitude. And try not to rush
yourself at the end of your visit. This way you won't have to be concerned if
your visit takes a little longer than you anticipated, and you'll prolong the
pleasure of relaxation. Special considerations for Phuket:-
The person providing treatment may not be fluent in your language. Be sure
that any questions or concerns you have are communicated clearly and understood
before any treatment begins. - Some spa staff, especially at the cheaper,
more informal shops, may have had minimal training in massage and other techniques.
If anything feels uncomfortable, painful or otherwise undesirable, ask to stop
the treatment immediately. | 
