To not understand spa days

[shivermytimbers]

Just seems like an overpriced way to sit in a swimming costume and then have some cream/ oil slapped on your face/ back. Am I just missing the point? 🤔

Just seems like an overpriced way to sit in a swimming costume and then have some cream/ oil slapped on your face/ back
Could say that about many people's holidays too.
I could sit at home in my swimming costume, try to swim in the bath and get DH or the kids to attempt a massage, but why the hell would I?

I never understood the appeal of a spa until I had small children. Now, I see them as the closest thing I'm going to get to a proper relaxing holiday for years. I'm not too bothered about the treatments, it's the sun loungers, quiet and chance to read a book that I value.

I don't think you're doing it right. I go with a bunch of friends (other knackered Mums from school), we sneak in prosecco and chill out all day, wandering through to the hotel in plush robes for a bite of lunch. It takes a good 2-3hrs to truly relax but after that it's amazingly good for the soul.

I used to think this about haircuts and manicures. Now I really enjoy the experience! Must be getting old...spa days next for me I expect too!

I agree! Everyone always goes on about how great they are or suggesting them and I HATE them. I hate saunas and steam rooms, I don't like people touching me either. I'd rather shopping or a night out or a city break or afternoon tea or a million other things 😂 Different strokes for different folks ey. But I'm glad I'm not the only one!

I have no interest in spa days but to have an excellent massage- can't argue with that.

I felt this way too OP, until I went to Ragdale Hall.... I'm all for spa days now but cannot afford them being a SAHM.

According to MN, spa days are purely for when your dh has been an arse and not pulled his weight around the house/with the kids.

I don't get it either. Walking around in a dressing gown, sipping alcohol, being touched and rubbed by strangers and sweating in a wooden box. Nope not for me.

I love a day at a spa - but only if it's somewhere nice. Chewton Glen is my favourite.

About 3 times a year, I go there with 3 friends for one night and it's just lovely. Really top quality treatments and great food.

I would avoid a spa day at places like Champneys like the plague - cheap, rushed treatments with poor quality products and horrid canteen style food. Cheap but totally not worth it.

I know OP, I'm the same. But I can understand if life is a rollercoaster of rushing around (not nice rushing around, tense-making rushing around), it can feel like a haven.

I also think if you don't have access to any of it regularly, e.g. I have it all at my health club anyway, then it's a special non-everyday activity.

I shall never, ever understand the point of jacuzzis and hot tubs though. Shared baths with leaky gas.

I don't get spa days either. Never been to one and think I would find it boring and stressful. Am planning on wriggling out of an upcoming hen do spa thing.

I'm with you OP.

If I have child-free free time I'd rather go for a bike ride, walk or swim; or an exhibition of the weather is bad.

I loved the aqua sana spa at cp elvedon. Better than woburn.
I loved champneys.
I try and get a back massage and facial every other month. I love it.
If i could afford it id go alot more

Niamh- absolutely love what you described. I would sleep like a baby after that.

It's great to go to a proper spa, no kids for a start. I go in looking and feeling knackered and haggard. Spend a few hours getting pummelled by various jets, steam, sauna, swim a bit, read
, eat lunch in peace, only talk to someone when I have to and snooze away on a heated lounger. Come out looking less haggard, it's like having had a good nights sleep without husband snoring his head off.

I don't see the point in them either...
I couldn't bear to have a massage, and would get bored in a jacuzzi or sauna. I wouldn't mind a nice relaxing swim, I suppose but everything else would just feel like a massive waste of time.
Id much rather go traipsing round museums or stately homes or visiting beautiful gardens etc. That's much more my style.

Yanbu,

not my cup of tea at all... had a facial once and didn't relax at all... felt more like going in for a medical procedure

Buzz I haven't been to Champneys for along time, but when I went the food was excellent and the products lovely.

I've done twilight spa a couple of times, swim, sauna etc, go.for dinner, then back in the pool or hot tub before heading home. It was bliss! Even better with a full day and a treatment booked in.

I've found my people!

My best mates go a couple of times a year and they just don't get why I wont fork out £150 for lounging around all day. I truly don't get it but each to their own.

Oh god- it's akin to a doctor's apptmt to me. I can't think of anything worse than being messed about with by a stranger whilst semi naked, then poncing about in my cossie with my mates. No ta.

mumsnet is the only place I know where spa days are treated with contempt.
IRL everyone I woman I know loves a spa, and actually my DH loves it too. It's a bit of time away from the children to catch up with DH/friends uninterrupted. You can spend as much time as you like in sauna/pool/jacuzzi nattering, and then go and have a half an hour relaxing treatment of your choice, usually followed by lunch or afternoon tea while you chat some more. If you have free time you can grab a book and snooze/read.
I don't see why it's hard to understand, but if it's not your cup of tea then just don't do it.

Yanbu - being touched (shudder), wandering around in your swimsuit while people look and judge, lots of 'assistants' with too much makeup who react with horror when they learn you don't have a 'beauty routine'. Nope - horrible places I can never understand why people choose to go. I have only been forced. I'd rather have a lie in and a bath - same thing really.

No, I'm with you OP.
Had a sauna once, and that was as boring as hell not to mention I hate feeling hot.
I've never had a massage, or a manicure or any other kind of beauty treatment, and don't ever want to try anything like that.
I do love swimming, but a proper swim in a decent size pool, then a shower and home.