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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To not understand spa days

97 replies

shivermytimbers · 25/09/2017 18:32

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? 🤔

OP posts:

Notso · 25/09/2017 19:35

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?

EsmesBees · 25/09/2017 19:36

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.

SecretFreebirther · 25/09/2017 19:36

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.

Florence16 · 25/09/2017 19:36

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!

Amanduh · 25/09/2017 19:37

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!

Aroundtheworldandback · 25/09/2017 19:40

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

CarlHickbread · 25/09/2017 19:42

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.

thatdearoctopus · 25/09/2017 19:44

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.

TroysMammy · 25/09/2017 19:44

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.

BuzzKillington · 25/09/2017 19:49

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.

FlowerPot1234 · 25/09/2017 19:49

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.

RaininSummer · 25/09/2017 19:56

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.

BikeRunSki · 25/09/2017 19:56

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.

phoenix1973 · 25/09/2017 19:57

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

smellybeanpole · 25/09/2017 19:57

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

Dishevelled09 · 25/09/2017 20:00

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.

jamdonut · 25/09/2017 20:02

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.

Danceswithwarthogs · 25/09/2017 20:06

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

cardibach · 25/09/2017 20:10

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

katienana · 25/09/2017 20:20

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.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 25/09/2017 20:25

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.

Justgivemesomepeace · 25/09/2017 20:33

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.

tinypop4 · 25/09/2017 20:38

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.

scrappydappydoo · 25/09/2017 20:39

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.

noeffingidea · 25/09/2017 20:46

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.

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