Spa Etiquette: Top Tips to Enjoy a Relaxing Experience 

A Guide to Spa Etiquette: Useful Tips for First-Time and Regular Goers

Going to the spa is the perfect way to pamper yourself and recharge. Whether it’s your first time at the spa or you’ve been a few times, knowing proper spa etiquette can help you make the most of your spa day experience for relaxation and therapeutic benefits.

In this guide, we’ll share spa tips you need to know about before, during, and after your appointment. From what to wear and how to prepare to what to do while you’re at the spa and how much tip you should leave after, we’ll discuss everything you need to know for the best experience.

What to Do Before You Go to the Spa

A successful spa day starts at home. Knowing what to wear and how to get ready for your appointment can help you go into your spa day comfortable and ready to relax.

Book your appointment in advance

Many spas book out far in advance, so you need to book ahead. This also helps you plan accordingly for a relaxing day.

Most spas, like Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver, have the option to book online for a convenient experience. If you have questions before booking, you can always browse the website or call.

Many spas allow you to cancel up to a day or two before your appointment, so you can book an appointment, but there’s flexibility if something comes up.

Find out about spa add-ons

When booking your appointment, see if there are any add-ons you're interested in. 

Spa add-ons usually let you level up the experience at a lower price than if you booked the services separately.

For example, you might get a pedicure and add on a foot mask. Oakwell Beer Spa offers add-ons like a charcuterie box or a CBD bath bomb.

Contact the spa about allergies or medical conditions

If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor to confirm which spa treatments are safe. 

After you book your spa day, call or email to give the spa a heads-up if you have any allergies or medical conditions. This allows them to make any adjustments if needed to ensure you have an excellent experience.

Dress comfortably

What you wear to the spa can set your tone for the experience. You should dress comfortably, and depending on the type of spa you’re visiting, you may wear a bathing suit or fully undress for your spa treatment. 

Check with the spa you're visiting to confirm the standard dress code.

As for shoes, you want to avoid wearing your everyday shoes in the spa room. Most spas will provide you with clean slippers to wear.

Shower before you go to the spa

Depending on the spa you're visiting, you'll either shower at home or at the spa before your treatment(s). 

For most spa appointments, you’ll need to shower at home. Others, like Oakwell Beer Spa, have a shower available for use when you arrive, which is great if you’re coming straight from work or running errands.

Remove skincare products

Going into the spa with clean skin lets you fully reap the benefits, so remove any skincare products beforehand. For example, if you’re because products can clog your pores, treatments like facials are better with a clean slate.
If you’re not somewhere before your appointment where you can remove your products, many spas will remove them for you.

What to Do When You Get to the Spa

Spa etiquette tips for the spa, including arriving early and unplugging, let you fully enjoy the experience and unwind.

Arrive early

Arrive at your appointment 30 minutes to an hour early so you can prep and start the appointment on time. I

Most spas will have you fill out paperwork and review your booked services with you. Some spas may also have skincare products you can check out or beverages for you to enjoy. 

Ask questions

Ask any lingering questions at check-in so you feel fully prepared and ready to relax. It's many people's first time visiting a spa, and no question is too small when it comes to your peace of mind.

Prepare to unplug

One of the best parts about a spa visit is that you get to escape the hustle. While some spas don’t mind you using your phone, others will ask that you stash your cell phone away for your treatments.

Either way, we recommend taking this time offline because research shows limiting your screen time can improve your sleep and physical and psychological health. It’s also considerate of other spa-goers to contribute to a peaceful, quiet environment.

Relax and be present

Silence is rare in today's world, so why not take advantage of it when you can? Most spas create a tranquil environment, making it easy for guests to relax and be present.

Relaxing your body can also help you fully receive spa day benefits, like anxiety and stress relief, improved body aches and pains, and immune system support.

What to Do After Your Spa Day

Wrap up your spa experience the right way to finish feeling great and thanking the team for their services.

Hydrate

Hydration is necessary before, during, and after your spa day. Many spa treatments, like saunas and massage therapy, remove toxins from your body and can cause dehydration, so you need to drink plenty of water.

Leave a tip

Spa tip etiquette varies depending on where you are in the world and what spa you're visiting. Some accept gratuity, some don't, and some include it in the cost of the service. 

Research this before your appointment, or ask spa staff when you arrive.

In the United States, most spas are grateful to receive a gratuity for their hard work and for creating a safe and therapeutic environment for you. You can usually leave your tip to show your appreciation at the end of your services.

Get a good night’s rest

Spa services are known to calm your mind and body, which is why many people go to the spa to improve their sleep.

While most people can go about their day after a spa appointment, we recommend being prepared to relax afterward and enjoy a good night’s rest.

What to Know About Etiquette at Oakwell Beer Spa 

Oakwell Beer Spa is an award-winning day spa in Denver, Colorado. Although we’re unlike traditional spas, we do have similar etiquette. 

All guests get access to a private Beer Therapy™ Room for 90 minutes. This is where you can enjoy Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, an Infrared Sauna, and a cold rain shower. It's entirely private for you and whoever joins you, allowing you to feel entirely comfortable during your spa day and wear whatever you'd like or nothing at all.

And, since we're a taproom and spa combined, be sure to arrive early to learn about and experience the self-serve beer wall. We also serve wine, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages.

At Oakwell Beer Spa, you can enjoy your drink before, during, and after your services. If you need to refill while you're in your Beer Therapy™ Room, we have a ringbell service so we can refill your drink as needed. The only place we ask you not to take your drink is to the relaxation lounge, where you can enjoy a full-body massage in a Zero Gravity Massage chair.

Once you finish with your spa services, check out our Beer Therapy™ Minibar and beer-infused shower products to use in the rain shower. Then, our Vanity Room provides the perfect space for you to get ready if you need to.

For more Oakwell Beer Spa information and tips, check out our FAQ page.

Spa Etiquette: Final Thoughts

We hope you found this article helpful and feel ready to fully enjoy your next spa day. The most essential tips are to book in advance, dress comfortably, arrive early, and be prepared to relax and enjoy your experience.

For the ultimate spa experience where you can relax differently, visit Denver and book an appointment at Oakwell Beer Spa.