Top 7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Spa

The lights are dim. The music is soothing. There is the slightest hint of lavender in the air.

The joy of joys, you are at the spa.

But, as any savvy spa-goer knows, not all spas are created equal. Choosing a spa is one of the most important decisions you can make.

OK, that might be a slight exaggeration. But it is an important decision. You want to know you’re in the best hands possible. From the moment you walk through the door to the moment you float out of it.

Choosing a Spa

So what happens at a spa anyway? Aside from sheer magic, there are some technical aspects.

Spa treatments are non-medical procedures given by licensed professionals. They are primarily aimed at improving your health, helping you relax, and addressing any physical discomfort.

Spa treatments take place at spa resorts, day spas, destination spas, and beauty salons. And there are a TON of options to choose from.

Choosing a spa can seem overwhelming at first, especially when you consider that there are well over 20,000 spas in the United States alone!

But don’t worry. If you follow our suggestions, you are sure to find a reputable spa in no time.

1. Check Out The Spa’s Reviews

You can learn so much about a business by the reviews they do (or don’t) have.

The business’s website will likely only include glowing reviews. You can take them at their word or do a little internet sleuthing. Have a look at what people say on Google or Yelp.

Are our independent reviews consistent with the spa website? Or do you see some red flags?

You can also ask friends and family for recommendations. When someone finds a spa and/or practitioner they adore, they don’t want to keep it a secret. Seeking out references from people you know and trust might be the fastest way to massage bliss.

2. Check-Out Their Service Options

There are so many types of massage therapy. This is truly great news. It means literally everyone can find treatments that work for their specific needs.

Most spas will have an online menu of services offered. As well as prices listed for those services. This makes comparing spa prices quite easy.

If you know your budget for spa indulgences, this step will help you narrow your choices to what fits your budget. Service prices aside, you’ll also need to budget for a 20% tip for your service provider.

Many spas offer discounted rates for spa packages or monthly memberships. You’ll want to ask the receptionist about those kinds of options while you are doing your research.

3. Practitioner Experience

This is a big deal.

Each state has its own laws and requirements for licensure in the healing arts. If a practitioner is licensed, then you know they have been legitimately trained. However, training alone does not a good therapist make!

The longer practitioners have been fine-tuning their trade, the better they will be at it. Start by checking out the spa website staff bios. There you should be able to learn more about who they are, what they specialize in, and how long they have been practicing.

The bond between a wellness practitioner and their clients is special. Someone may be highly skilled but not a good fit for you. Conversely, someone could be very green and knock your socks off.

In the end, you may have to try a few therapists to see who you click the best with.

4. Spa Environment

The aesthetic of a spa can absolutely make or break the whole vibe. But at the same time, what you find aesthetically pleasing might turn someone else off entirely.

You can absolutely drop into most spas to have a look about before you try them. In fact, most places will happily give you a tour of the facilities.

Take note of how you feel when you enter the lobby. Ideally, you feel a wave of calm wash over you. Everything from the colors to the furniture, to the music, even the staff’s demeanor can tell you a lot about a place.

5. Products Used

Quality absolutely matters here, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.

In addition to pricing and service menus, have a look at the products a spa uses. Most places will highlight their products because they stand by them.

Finding a place that uses vegan, organic, or cruelty-free products is definitely a good place to start. It is absolutely acceptable to ask your service provider to walk you through what products they will be using in your treatment and why.

At Mountainside Spa, we use Eminence skincare products, and we think you will love them.

6. Medical Information

Most reputable spas will have you fill out a detailed intake form at your first session. Some will have you fill one out each time you come, others not so much. As long as there is an initial intake form, you have a green light to proceed.

A good intake form will ask you about any health conditions you have, medications you might be taking, your surgical history, and more. This is to help your service provider get an idea of your medical history.

From there, you should expect to have a conversation with your service provider. You will explain what you are looking for from the session, the type of pressure you like, aroma preferences, etc…

7. Hygiene

This is perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a spa. A clean environment is essential.

The furniture should be clean and inviting. Look at the windows and corners; there should be no visible mold, grime, or dirt. All staff members should look well-kempt, dressed in clean clothing.

If you are not satisfied with the level of cleanliness for any reason, you are better off looking for another facility.

Now For The Fun Part

Now that you know what to look for when choosing a spa, the fun can begin!

We are confident that you will find exactly what you need at Mountainside Spa. But we don’t expect you to take our word for it.

Reach out today with your questions or to book a service. Our highly-skilled team of Expert Therapists and Spa Professionals are ready to create a personalized therapeutic experience just for you!