Kids are Back in School…Time to Relax

Whether it is a reward after a long day with clients or an early afternoon of networking, the spa can be a perfect place to connect with associates and mix business with pleasure.

• How much to cover up?  The guidelines are very different when
  you pull out the robes and towels to do business.  Remember that there is a difference
  between comfort and what you’re comfortable with. If you are at the spa
  with clients don’t take any unnecessary risks (i.e. the slipping towel or
  gaping robe).
• You can either tip once (on the total service
  before tax) at the end of the visit or you can tip for each service
  separately as it is completed but you are expected to tip for all
  services. Most people tip once at the end so that they don’t have to carry
  their wallet around and there is only one awkward tipping episode instead
  of three or four. You usually tip 10-15% on the cost of the service or 20%
  if you were really pleased. If a gift certificate does not say, “gratuity
  included” you are expected to tip.
• If you do not feel like having a conversation
  with the service provider let them know. Politely say, “if you don’t mind
  I’m just going to sit here and quietly enjoy the pampering” or “please
  don’t think me rude if I don’t talk while I enjoy the manicure”.   Be honest and not aloof.  Pretending to not hear or not looking up
  from a magazine is rude and unacceptable behaviour.
• If you know you will be arriving late try to call
  in advance and always apologize when you get there. Do not expect to get
  the full-hour you booked if it means the next person with an appointment
  will be kept waiting. But, do expect to be charged for the full appointment
  time.
• Do not expect the serviceperson to provide “a
  little extra” for nothing or to “do you one little favor”. For example, it
  is not reasonable to ask the spa attendant to run across the street and
  grab you a coffee or keep an eye on your 3 year old who had to come along
  or even to bring you the portable phone more than once.
• It is insulting to compare an attendant to
  another. For example to say, “That’s not how Mindy does it!” And if you
  want to request a specific attendant, do so when you make the appointment.
• Keep the noise down to minimum.  If you are developing a relationship
  with a client and it turns in to a real gab fest keep in mind that the
  whole spa needs not be privy.  It is
  rude to speak loudly on your cell phone while other guests are trying to
  enjoy a peaceful, quiet and semi-private service.

Remember to be polite, say please and thank you, make eye contact and treat service providers with respect.  They are trained professionals who shouldn’t have to go to the spa to get over a day of stress with disrespectful clients.  A little too ironic, isn’t it?

Not sure what to look for in a spa? Daily Glow gives tips and guidelines for choosing a quality spa for the most relaxing experience:

Link: http://www.dailyglow.com/tips-on-finding-a-good-day-spa.html