Wellness Travel by Caton Travel

06/27/2024

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06/04/2024

L'Horizon Resort & Spa
Modern, industrial, and vintage charms abound in this storied desert resort.

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Everything you'd expect from a quintessential Palm Springs hotel is here: the desert, the mountains, mid-century architecture, a killer pool, and Hollywood history. The vibe is elegant yet unassuming.

What's the backstory? Dating back to 1952, the property was built by prominent mid-century architect William F. Cody. Today, L'Horizon has been lovingly restored by owner and celebrity interior designer Steve Hermann, who has single-handedly evolved this longtime favorite into one of Palm Springs's most desirable places to rest your head.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Each of the 24 bungalows (and one Residence) feels like its own private oasis. Sleek design combines with comfortable, fluffy bedding for a wonderfully relaxing space. It also helps that you're sleeping on 600 thread-count Frette sheets and showering with Le Labo's famous Santal 33 bath amenities. It's worth noting that the hotel doesn't just pay lip service to mid-century design—you can tell that the owner really knows his stuff and cares, as exemplified by the stack of design books in each room. All of the bungalows are outfitted with fancy tech touches such as Apple TVs, motorized curtains to block out those early morning desert sunrises, Nest thermostats, and iPod speaker systems. It's the look and feel of mid-century but totally integrated with the conveniences of today. If you want to pull out all the stops, opt for The Residence, the original home of Hollywood mogul Jack Wrather. It comes with its own private pool and secluded yard.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? No charge for Wi-Fi. It works everywhere, including the common areas.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? During the day, it's all about grabbing some drinks in the sunshine at the bar and enjoying them poolside. Come nighttime, sleek firepits and a unique al fresco concept make dinner at So-Pa a memorable affair. The menu is eclectic. And, if you prefer to nest in the privacy of your bungalow, you can also have room service delivered to your door.

And the service? It's a fairly small team here, so everyone gets to know your name. This isn't one of those 200-room mega-resorts where the only time you hear from the staff are check-in and check-out. Here, you brush shoulders with them, they walk by you at the pool, and by the end of the stay, it feels less like a hotel and more like you're staying at some funky eccentric friend's mid-century desert escape.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The hotel is walking distance from a number of restaurants and a very short drive into the center of downtown Palm Springs.

Any other hotel features worth noting? While it's perfectly acceptable to soak up that dry desert heat and sun poolside for the duration of your stay, it's kind of nice how connected L'Horizon is to the many things to explore in Palm Springs. Many of the top attractions (such as the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens) are just minutes away. The front desk can also make suggestions about how to do a day trip into Joshua Tree National Park, which is just about one hour's drive away from the property.

What about The Spa? Combining the stunning mountain views with L’Horizon’s mid-century heritage, The Spa is a blend of relaxed elegance, with its white canvas cabanas, serene indoor-outdoor setting, and private outdoor showers. The Spa features four treatment rooms and a relaxing outdoor space. Indulge in massages, facials and body treatments, aromatherapy, and fresh juice bar. The Spa offers an array of services tailored to a balanced wellbeing.

06/02/2024

Harnessing Travel Psychology for Wellness Travel
Travel challenges our minds and bodies in new ways. Breaking us away from daily routines and providing the chance to explore different cultures and ways of life that can help expand our understanding of the world around us.

Travel psychology can be beneficial for all types of travelers, helping them gain insight into their own well-being and recognize areas of growth that can be beneficial for their future. Let’s understand the problems and solutions here:

1. Stress
Picture this: Travel becomes more than a mere getaway; it’s a retreat from everyday stressors, a breather that grants both physical distance and emotional respite. It’s like widening our lens on well-being, gaining a fresh outlook from afar.

Escaping stress: Travel as a breather from daily pressures for physical and emotional distance.
A new perspective: Expanding horizons, gaining fresh insights into our well-being.

2. Mental Block

Every trip is a mental workout; it flexes our minds and bodies in uncharted territories. Breaking free from routines, it’s a crash course in diverse cultures and lifestyles, a boot camp for our understanding of the world.

Mind-body challenge: Travel as a workout for our mental and physical selves.
Cultural exploration: Discovering new ways of life, broadening our understanding.

3. Identity
Here’s where travel psychology steps in: It’s the compass for all kinds of travelers, guiding them to self-insight and areas primed for growth. It’s not just about the trip; it’s about sculpting a better future self.

Guide to self-discovery: Travel psychology aiding personal insight and future growth.
Mental navigation: Identifying areas for development, paving the way for a better tomorrow.

4. Empathy
Exposure to diverse cultures isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a doorway to empathy and acceptance. It opens our hearts and minds, fostering greater self-awareness and emotional expansion.

Cultural immersion: Catalyst for openness and understanding diverse lifestyles.
Emotional expansion: Developing self-awareness through exposure to new ways of life.

5. Confused
Vacations aren’t just about sipping cocktails on a beach; they’re a mental treasure trove. Travel introduces us to fresh ideas, emotions, and perspectives, enriching us far beyond the surface.

Beyond leisure: Travel as a mental treasure trove for encountering new thoughts and feelings.
Enriching experiences: Introducing novel ideas that broaden our mental horizons.

6. Burnout
Be it for business or pleasure, every trip is an opportunity for emotional growth. Travel broadens our understanding of ourselves and the world, a catalyst for personal development that goes hand in hand with expanding our horizons.

Purposeful travel: Emotional growth through broadening horizons.
Self and world: Understanding intertwined, fostering personal development.

Take the first steps toward a healtier you and call Caton Travel to start planning your wellness journey today!

06/01/2024

In recent years, the surge in wellness travel’s popularity has been remarkable. People increasingly seek avenues to enrich their mental, physical, and emotional well-being, making wellness travel a favored choice.

What is wellness travel?

Generally speaking, wellness travel is travel to improve the overall well being of an individual. With an emphasis on a healthy mind, body and soul, wellness travel offers both domestic and international travelers a diverse variety of foods and activities to achieve their goals. Wellness travel can include any food, activity or experience geared toward improving someone’s overall mental or physical health.

Benefits of Wellness Travel
While wellness travel initially focused on improving the physical wellbeing of guests through fitness, it quickly evolved to include the mind and soul, as well. Benefits of wellness travel include:

Improve Overall Health and Immunity
Increase Happiness
Reduce Stress
Heighten Focus
Personal Growth
Increase Self Awareness
Boost Creativity
Enhance Memory
Spark Lifestyle Changes
Improve Sleep
Encourage Sustainable Practices
Promote Work-Life Balance

04/29/2024

THE CHAA CREEK - Belize

Welcoming guests since 1981, the resort is teeming with life: there’s a stable with 24 impossibly gentle horses, well-marked trails to explore, a butterfly farm, a natural historic center, an organic farm and of course, the Hilltop Spa, overlooking it all.

It’s nearly impossible to not feel at one with nature at Chaa Creek Resort, tucked down a long dirt road near San Ignacio, Belize —about two hours from the airport in Belize City, in the Cayo district. Perhaps it starts upon your arrival, where a perfectly green butterfly chrysalis has been placed in your room (with instructions to release the staggeringly blue creature when it emerges within a day or two). Or maybe it becomes obvious later that night, as the sound of howler monkeys accompanies your slumber.

During your stay at this luxury forest retreat, you can stroll through the peaceful grounds, nestled up against the calm Macal River on 365 lush, rolling acres, eyeing the palm-thatched, white-washed cottages tucked discreetly amongst the trees. (There are a total of 23 cottages, suites, and villas—including Tree Top Villas that are high in the canopy and have their own plunge pool and outdoor shower.) Many of the wooden furnishings may have been made on site at the wood shop, from mahogany trees grown nearby.

Welcoming guests since 1981, the resort is teeming with life: there’s a stable with 24 impossibly gentle horses, well-marked trails to explore (including a rainforest medicine trail), a butterfly farm, a natural historic center, an organic farm (which grows a great deal of the resort’s fresh produce, featured on menus daily) and of course, the Hilltop Spa, overlooking it all.

Aside from your room, there are few completely indoor spaces at Chaa Creek – the bar, lounge and dining areas are all without enclosures, although amply covered and shaded from the sun. The effect is that you feel completely ensconced in the lush surroundings, not set apart in sterile spaces. At the spa, too, your treatment space is entirely private, but often not behind a shut door—just a gently swaying curtain, so you can feel the breeze and hear the birds as you relax.

There are adventures on and off-site to be had: a guided canoe paddle downriver, to the town of San Ignacio; intrepid cave tubing or cave kayaking; leisurely ATV or horseback rides around the property; early morning birdwatching and after-dark wildlife tours; exploring Mayan ruins at Xunantunich, which is mere miles from the border with Guatemala.

But you needn’t go anywhere to feel like you’re exactly in the right place. You can enjoy lounging around at the saltwater infinity pool, which looks out at the treetops and over the meticulously manicured grounds—an opportunity to spot and listen to birds like the Keel Billed Toucan (aka Belize’s national bird) and other wildlife. (Keep an eye out for iguanas, tapirs, and agoutis, as well as various friendly dogs belonging to the property’s owners.)

The Hilltop Spa at Chaa Creek is set above the winding Macal River with a panoramic view of the Maya Mountains and lush Caribbean Rainforest – an extraordinary, peaceful setting enhanced by the background music of tropical birds and gentle rustling of leaves.

Their professional therapists will help you select from a range of treatments to create a personalised Spa experience guaranteed to put you in harmony with the beautiful natural surroundings – and yourself.

Imagine an al fresco massage as you breathe in deliciously fresh, clean air produced by the vast surrounding rainforest.

You’ll find cares and worries slip away into the peace and tranquillity of this timeless environment as our dedicated professionals work their quiet magic.

Over the years, Chaa Creek’s Spa managers have developed a regimen of professional treatments to satisfy anyone, and our therapists will work with you to ensure the most personalised, rewarding experience possible.

You’ll also be happy to know that your Chaa Creek Spa treatments don’t come at a cost to the natural environment.

As with all their operations, the Spa lives in harmony with its natural surroundings with scrupulous attention paid to product selection and waste management.

Their natural, herbal based approach sets an example for sustainable, environmentally friendly spas. Naturally mineral rich mud treatments, herbal wraps and carefully chosen botanicals, sourced as locally as possible, enrich you without depleting the earth.

Pamper yourself with a Chaa Creek Spa experience and see what jungle luxury really feels like – it will be another once-in-a-lifetime Belizean experience.

04/11/2024

SLOATSBURG, N.Y. -- What do Gilded Age glamour, plant-based cuisine and 5:30 a.m. wake-up calls have in common?

They're all part of the experience at The Ranch Hudson Valley, a wellness resort opening here, roughly 45 minutes outside of the Big Apple, later this month.

The 25-room property is the East Coast outpost of The Ranch Malibu, the California-based, cult-favorite resort that opened in 2010 and is known for its highly regimented wellness retreats.

Fans of the original resort can expect to find some key similarities at the Hudson Valley property, where guests can opt for either four- or five-day versions of the brand's signature Ranch program.

As part of the schedule, each day kicks off with an early morning hike of two to four hours, followed by activities like yoga or strength training.

Offered at the retreat are included meals, beverages and a daily 50-minute massage. Additional treatments, including IV therapy, chiropractic treatments and colon hydrotherapy, are available as add-ons. All cuisine at The Ranch Hudson Valley will be vegan, and no alcohol will be served. The property is also TV-free, and the use of electronic devices will be strongly discouraged.

The Ranch Hudson Valley is truly set apart from the California flagship by its setting. Whereas The Ranch Malibu's aesthetic leans more toward modern farmhouse, the Hudson Valley property sits on a 200-acre lakefront estate anchored by a mansion built at the turn of the 20th century for a daughter of famed financier J.P. Morgan.

The property's stone, castlelike facade made for a grand first impression, while the public spaces -- including an opulent double-height staircase and a painstakingly restored, wood-paneled great room -- added to its palatial feel.

The Ranch Hudson Valley may cater primarily to wellness aficionados, but based on the reactions of preview attendees, design and architecture enthusiasts will also find plenty to admire.

For more information, give me a call at (682) 205-1192.

04/03/2024

Royal Caribbean® has proudly partnered with Make-A-Wish® — an incredible organization granting the wishes of children with critical illnesses. And as a Royal Caribbean partner ourselves, this is a cause we believe in, too. Every penny they collect goes directly to
Make-A-Wish. No donation is too small. And when it comes to these deserving children and their families, together, we can turn wishful thinking into steadfast believing.

To make your donation, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/MakeaWish

04/02/2024

I don't know about you, but I love cruising and the relaxation time it brings me!

Norwegian Cruise line offers the ultimate journey to self-care!

NCL's Mandara Spa serves every style of beautify treatment and reinvigorating service, from mani-pedis to immersive salt therapy.

So, you can relax and rejuvinate while island-hopping The Caribbean, soaking in relaxation in the Bahamas, or exploring historic destinations in Europe.

It's not just a cruise -- it's a transformative journey!

Give me a call before April 9th to book your cabin and spa time... and get up to $200 onboard credit. Hurry! This offer won't last long.

03/26/2024

Kilolani Spa is a new luxury spa and wellness destination that blends therapies and practices rooted in traditional Hawaiian culture with timeless rituals and cutting-edge techniques. Horoning the Kilolani, the stargazers of ancient Hawai'i who looked to the skies to navigate their course, Kilolani Spa reflects the tranquility, peace, and stillness of the sky in tune with the natural currents of the world. The spa's programming continuously evolves in tandem with the current anahulu (a 10-day period) and features hand-selected native botanicals, holistic bodywork treatments, and mindfulness practices enhanced by modern wellness innovations.

To enter Kilolani is to step through a portal into a multisensorial decompression zone, where you’re invited to pause, shift perspective, and enter a state of being where wellness thrives. Find peace, ease and comfort in Kilolani’s immersive and grounding environment, where every sense is awakened through artful expressions of the Hawaiian Moon Calendar, Water of Life, Plant Medicine, and Sound Healing.

Ease out of the changing rooms and shift into the vibrant ecosystem of our open-air Hydrothermal Gardens, with a stunning visual vocabulary that references the island’s primal volcanic landscape. This al fresco bathhouse experience creates a high-impact purification and contrast bathing circuit with diverse heating, cooling and hydrotherapy features that stimulate the circulatory system and stabilize the nervous system to invigorate the body, strengthen the immune system, and activate the body’s self-healing power.

Kilolani reframes this timeless multicultural wellness ritual with an unmistakable Hawaiian twist, incorporating indigenous ingredients into product remedies that heighten the experience. Choose a self-directed regime, which takes place communally in the central chamber, or retreat to your own private annex alone or with a significant other for a personalized treatment with our skilled therapists.

Make your way from the Hammam to Kilolani’s outdoor space, where you’ll find the Salt Water Pool, a soothing flotation experience that gives the sensation of floating weightlessly between earth and sky. Take some time to yourself to relax, reflect, reconnect, or socialize in this co-ed environment, or take advantage of the latest innovations in wellness technology to enhance the experience.

Warming light wavelengths are directly absorbed into the body, reducing pain, stiffness, and fatigue, while medical-grade salt inhalation enhances respiratory health, reduces inflammation, and improves skin function.

s you move to the upper level you are invited to relax and regroup solo, in pairs, or socially in the co-ed Reflection Lounge. Featuring natural light, fresh breezes, and inspiring ocean views, this bright series of spaces gives the feeling of an expansive lanai, perfect for transitioning to and from the adjacent treatment rooms.

We invite you to experience healing rejuventation and restoration at Kilolani Spa.

03/21/2024

INDULGE
RELAX • REJUVENATE • REFRESH

RELAX in the heart of the Galley Bay gardens on the edge of the lagoon.
REJUVENATE - enjoy open air treatments with cool breezes and a chorus of birds.
REFRESH your body and mind in a tropical paradise in the Caribbean.

RELAX YOUR BODY • REJUVENATE YOUR MIND • REFRESH YOUR SOUL

Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Antigua

For more information on resort accommodations and spa menu, please call us. 682-205-1192

03/15/2024

Find your path to wellness

Built upon a serene hill in the middle of Bac Ninh City located about a 40-minute drive from the capital city of Hanoi, Vietnam, Senna Wellness Retreat is an all-inclusive resort designed to cater to both solos and families looking to nourish, rest and empower mind, body and soul. The word “Senna” is inspired by the medicinal Vietnamese plant Phan Ta Diep used to detoxify the body. The term “Sen” means “Lotus” which represents purity, self-regeneration and rebirth. Offering an immersive urban wellness experience, Senna Wellness Resort allows guests the opportunity to de-stress, relax and take a pause from their daily lives. With each “wellness journey” tailored to individual guests, inclusive activities such as meditation, yoga and various therapeutic treatments, as well as healthy culinary options, the mission of Senna Wellness Retreat is to help guests embark on a journey of self-discovery touching on all the five pillars of wellness.

Senna offers a wide range of treatments and therapies to heal the mind, body and soul.

03/10/2024

For my Texas friends, the award-winning Miraval Life in Balance Spa draws on its nurturing setting within the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. They lend a personal approach to wellbeing, where humans take care of humans through energy and physical touch.

The healing aroma of jasmine hovers. Light fixtures mimic desert sunlight. Citrine and amethyst crystals radiate energy. A perfect blend of design, service, and experience creates a space of tranquility and healing.

The Life in Balance Spa offers a full range of treatments, including

Body Renewal Rituals (that relax your body and mind with restorative rituals that treat the skin with exfoliating scrubs, nourishing wraps, and more for a healthy glow.

Ayurvedic treatments - This ancient "Science of Self-Healing" is rooted in nature and perfected by the centuries. Expand self-awareness and cultivate your innate state of balance with therapies that treat holistically)

Energy & Eastern treatments - A global gathering of inspiring gifts. From Acupuncture to Vasudhara, Thai Massage to Crystal Energy Work, these healing arts combine ancient traditions with time-honored techniques.

The spa also offers a menu of mother-to-be pampering massage therapy experiences.

We can help you choose the relaxation remedies that are perfect for you.

03/05/2024

March 'Live Well' Retreat - Coeur d'Alene Resort & Spa

Join us Sunday, March 24th to Monday, March 25th for our March Overnight Retreat: Morning Meditation & Detox Dip Retreat! In addition to Spa Services and an Overnight Resort Getaway, this incredible Spa Retreat includes an ‘Evening Relaxation Immersion Class’ and ‘Morning Meditation Class’ led by Anam Cara Healing Center, as well as a Private Detox Dip at the heated Outdoor Infinity Pool.

March Retreat Itinerary

Sunday, March 24th:
• 4-6PM: Kombucha Check-In (CDA Resort Spa)
• 6:30-7:30PM: Evening Relaxation Immersion Class with Anam Cara (CDA Resort)

Monday, March 25th:
• 7:30AM: Group Transportation Departs Resort
• 8-9AM: Morning Meditation & Mind Cleanse with Anam Cara Healing Center (at the Hagadone Event Center)
• 9-11AM: Detox Dip at the Outdoor Infinity Pool
• 11AM: Group Transportation Departs Event Center
• 12PM: Late Guestroom Check-Out
* Note: Guest to book spa service(s) at time of their choice on Sunday or Monday (8AM-8PM)

Brian and I love this resort and look forward to our next relaxation retreat in Coeur d'Alene. Do you golf? Ask about their special golf course!

02/26/2024

Have you considered Los Cabos?

Los Cabos has long been admired for its natural beauty, upscale hotels and outdoor activities. Now, the Pacific coast destination as a hotspot for wellness and fitness travel.

Los Cabos is a perfect destination throughout the year — including luxury spa experiences, organic farm-to-table gastronomy, stimulating outdoor activities, natural environments, community-driven sustainability, personalized hospitality, world-class hotel accommodations and more.

Milagro Wellness Spa offers an exfoliation with Copal, which is a clay that revitalizes the skin and purifies the body, bringing balance and complete well-being.

Ask about promotions to this beautiful resort.

02/23/2024

Dominican Republic Replenishment

From the shimmering turquoise waters and silky shores, national parks and marine sanctuaries to championship golf courses, pampering spas and watersports, together with a rich colonial history and the sounds of merengue, the Dominican Republic provides the perfect setting for a revitalizing getaway.

Below is just a sample of the immersive itineraries our Destination Specialists can create.

Depart your home city for your comfortable flight to your Caribbean tropical oasis. With flight time just two and a half hours from Miami to Punta Cana or La Romana, your home away from home awaits. Board your private transfer bound for the coast of La Romana to Casa de Campo where you will spend five peaceful nights in an elite suite. A spectacular 7,000-acre hideaway, bask in spacious luxury with chic interiors, separate dining area and two spectacular balconies, along with championship golf, holistic spa and wellness programs, artisan village, and marina and yacht club.

Immerse in the complete Casa de Campo Vacation Experience featuring all meals and select beverages at resort restaurants or room service, unlimited horseback riding, tennis, and non-motorized watersports, plus one round of s***t shooting. Toast your first evening together in paradise with a special al fresco dinner at Lago Restaurant, complete with views of the stunning landscape and exquisite Dominican cuisine.

Discover beautiful Saona Island aboard a modern catamaran on the Discovery Way Saona Experience. Sail to Saona Island to snorkel in tranquil waters among colorful tropical fish and relax on the beach, including lunch. Then enjoy a thrilling speedboat return and incredible starfish discovery at a natural sea pool.

After a day of play, relax and rejuvenate both your body and spirit at the spa. Utilizing Ayurvedic techniques and local organic ingredients to detoxify, regenerate, and renew, surrender to the healing power of each treatment from hot stone massage and coffee scrubs to green mud body wraps and holistic therapies, leaving you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Breathe in the fresh tropical air as you improve your swing at one of the resort's three championship 18-hole golf courses, offering some of the best golf in the Caribbean. Designed by legendary Pete Dye, the renowned Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links courses have been carefully sculpted from the beautiful coral shores, rugged mountains and rolling hills of the area's landscape, offering a one-of-a-kind golf experience. Then, restore your energy and relax your muscles with a customized golfer's massage at the spa, followed by a casual dining experience at The Beach Club by Le Cirque for unique Caribbean fare.

Journey into the Dominican culture and lifestyle with a guided mountain expedition, that explores all five senses on the Bavaro Runners Safari. Sample raw sugar cane on a plantation, visit a countryside school and tropical home to indulge in coffee and chocolate, and enjoy a horseback ride with a stop for a delicious Dominican lunch. Then, complete your day at the most beautiful beach on the island, Macao, before your return to the resort. Enjoy a nightcap and live music tonight at La Cana, The Beach Club or La Piazzetta.

Following morning yoga, fitness session or inspiring botanical walk, es**rt your partner for some special pampering at the spa with a tropical fruit wrap, sugar exfoliation or relaxing water therapy. Then, enjoy everything the resort has to offer. Play a round of golf on one of the resort's notable golf courses. Snorkel, kayak or paddle board in the tranquil waters or enjoy a leisurely horseback ride through the beautiful landscape.

Tonight, experience a journey of Spanish influences and authentic tastes on the marina at La Casita. As the sun sets on the shimmering Caribbean waters, revel in the captivating surroundings, dining in the open night air on paella, fresh seafood or grilled meats with a delectable post-meal indulgence of coconut flan or chocolate mousse. Take a final walk on the beach, reminiscing on this heavenly getaway as you say farewell to picturesque La Romana.

After a savory breakfast, board your private transfer to the airport for your homebound flight and begin planning your next replenishing getaway.

02/21/2024

How to relax and recharge?

Reconnect with nature. Surrender to the serene beauty of exotic destinations, from secluded tropical islands to tranquil mountain hideaways, where nature's healing power envelops you in serenity and tranquility.

Unforgettable Experiences: Whether you seek adventure or serenity, our curated experiences promise to ignite your spirit and awaken your senses. From sunrise yoga on pristine beaches to immersive cultural excursions, each moment is crafted to inspire and uplift.

Elevate your Well-Being: Embrace a holistic approach to wellness as you embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal. Let go of stress, rejuvinate your body, and nourish your soul as you embark on the ultimate wellness travel experience.

Ready to begin your well-being journey? Contact us today to begin your personalized wellness adventure. Your journey to total rejuvenation awaits.

02/19/2024

Tips for First Time Spa Goers

If you’re new to the spa scene, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your first time:

1. Spas, especially those at hotels and resorts, tend to book up quickly so book your spa visit at the same time as you book your accommodations

2. If you prefer a male or female therapist, state your request when you book your treatment. Don’t be shy. If you’re a female and you prefer a female therapist say so. That goes for men too. Some men prefer females, others prefer males. To most spa-goers it doesn’t matter, but it’s entirely up to the individual.

3. Take the time to arrive early (30 minutes prior at the very least). Certain treatments, massages for instance, require that you fill out a medical questionnaire. You’ll also need time to change and time for a quick tour. You may also want time to enjoy a few of the extras (such as pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation room, gym) before your treatment. The treatment will also be more effective if you allow yourself time to relax and enjoy the entire experience.

4. Spas will provide you with a robe and slippers and most spas will supply bathroom amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, hair dryers. Some even go further with things such as razors, mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes and lots of little extras. Just like hotels, spas differ from one to the next so don’t hesitate to ask when you book what you need to bring with you.

5. Make a trip to the restroom prior to a service. You don’t want the treatment to be interrupted by the call-of-nature.

6. If you’re concerned about what to wear under the robe, don’t be. Most people are n**e under those spa robes, but it’s perfectly O.K. to leave your un**es on if you feel more comfortable. Many spas also offer disposable underwear just for that purpose. You can ask for a pair when you’re shown to the locker room. While some European spas tend to be freer and more casual with nudity, most professional spa therapists are taught special draping techniques and the only part of the body exposed at one time is the part being worked on. So don’t worry about lying there stark naked and feeling exposed because most of the time you’re covered by a combination of sheets and towels. Of course, if you’re having a treatment that involves a soak in a whirlpool bath, you’ll need to get in without the towels. But, hey, if you want to wear your un**es – you go right ahead, it’s totally up to you. Another thing that new spa-goers may not realize is that a therapists will usually leave the room to allow you privacy to remove your robe and hop onto the treatment table, and vice versa at the end of the treatment. So relax. Professional therapists do everything in their power to make a client feel comfortable and worry free during a treatment.

7. Let the therapist know about your aches, pains, areas that need attention.

8. Let your therapist know if the water in a therapeutic bath is too hot, the massage pressure is too hard, the wrap is claustrophobic, or anything else that makes you feel uncomfortable. They won’t know unless you tell them.

9. Some clients will talk and ask questions during a treatment, others won’t. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for you.

10. Don’t worry about falling asleep on the table. It’s the ultimate relaxation.

11. While a 15-20% tip is customary, sometimes, especially if you’re buying a package, gratuities can be included, so ask about the tipping policy at time of booking. Tips can be added to the total on a credit card or placed in small envelopes usually available from the cashier.

12. Following a treatment don’t jump right back into the rat race. Allow yourself a little time to relax and enjoy the moments of calm. Drinking water or herbal teas will also help flush out toxins.