Massage/spa etiquette (for the inexperienced amongst us)

[damekindness]

I've managed to get into middle age without ever going to a spa anywhere similar for treatments. I really like the idea of back/neck massage to help with those random aches and pains and just to relax. Not sure even what sort of massage I should ask for ?

Anyway, one of the things that's stopping me is wondering about how it all works. Do you take all your clothes except for knickers? Do you need to bring anything? What's the etiquette? I realise if I do book and go along and ask they'll obviously be helpful and lovely but I don't want to appear to be a total idiot.

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Hi, there’s nothing to worry about - they will normally give you instructions anyway, and ask you if there are any areas you want them to concentrate on etc. after a few minutes they will ask if the pressure is okay (but you can tell them at any point - too hard, to soft etc.)

If you’re having a full body massage then yes, you take everything but your knickers off and lay down face down. They will give you a towel to cover yourself with and knock to check you are ready before coming back in. If you’re having a back / neck only then they may tell you to leave your pants on.

I always go in my swimming costume as there's usually a sauna/ pool/ hot tub. They usually give you a dressing gown when you arrive, then I stay in that and my swimming costume the whole time. If I'm having a back massage, I might just take the straps off my shoulders. I feel more comfortable that way instead of just pants.

Just a word of warning, I find massage lovely and relaxing but some beauty therapists tend to aggravate general aches and pains rather than improve them!!

I went for a facial and back massage yesterday, bliss. I always have the last appointment of the day so I can go home and continue to relax. I wear lounge trousers and they leave a sarong to cover your back with when you lay down on the bed. When the therapist comes back in she lowers it and tucks into my trousers.

A hot stone massage is probably the one to go for if you have aches and pains and want general relaxation.

The oil generally seeps into your hair. This is fine if you are staying at the spa to use the pool, shower etc. If it is just a massage place with no shower facilities then you will have to get home with oily hair at the top of your neck. (Fine if you are going by car or don't care if you look a bit weird. Not fine if you need to go somewhere else straight afterwards.) This can be minimised if you wear a thick fabric hair band during the massage. Asking the therapist to avoid your hair line never works very well and reduces the benefit of the massage.

I have a regular Thai massage and just wear a sports type thong (defo not a sexy one!).
You lay face down on the table with your arms either like a cactus out to the side or off the table. Then cover yourself up with the towel and you're good to go.
They then reposition the towel throughout the massage to protect your modesty, and when it's time to turn over they hold it up and look away while you roll, then drape it over again.
When you sit up for them to crack your back (Thai only I think) they tie the towel around you so you're still covered.
Occasionally they will tuck the towel into the waistband of your underwear when working on your back so don't be surprised with this!
Also I wear a thong because it means they can really work high into the glutes and outer hip area which I need.

I would recommend a massage specific place if you have one rather than a big chain spa just because they don't tend to try and sell you lotions and potions like the spas do.

I don’t find massages at a spa very good, they tend to be a bit too gentle. I prefer to go to a specialist massage place. At a spa I would have a body treatment like a scrub and wrap and a facial or maybe a head massage. For a massage I wouldn’t worry as they will usually ask if you have had one before snd give you instructions on what to do at each step. Just tell them problem spots and concentrate on relaxing. If it feels painful or uncomfortable at any point though make sure to speak up and tell them as every client has different preferences!

Agree, while spa massages can be very nice, they rarely achieve anything in the way of tackling actual knots. You’d be better off looking for a Thai massage place or a sports/remedial massage place.

Good advice above. Also remove any jewellery you're wearing beforehand (necklace, watch, rings).