Whether you're unwinding at a high-end hammam in Morocco, a Japanese onsen, or a traditional European spa, knowing the spa etiquette around the world not only elevates your experience but ensures that you blend in seamlessly with local customs.
Luxury travellers take note, if you’re off to enjoy one of the globe’s top wellness sanctuaries for an indulgent massage, hydrotherapy, rejuvenating facial or body exfoliation ensure you know these unspoken rules:
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1. Punctuality is key
Do – Arrive early to allow time for check-in, changing and mental preparation. Most luxury spas recommend arriving 15-30 minutes before your scheduled treatment.
Don’t – Arrive late. This will obviously impact on your treatment time and disrupt the practitioner’s schedule. With the average spa treatment costing upwards of $250 per hour you don’t want to waste a moment of your relaxation time being late.
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2. Understand the dress code
Do – Ask at the time of booking what the attire is at your spa destination. In some cultures, such as Japan, full nudity is appropriate in onsens (natural hot springs), whereas other spas, particularly in Western countries robes and swimsuits are the norm. In a Thai massage you should wear loose fitting clothing and keep it on. Across Asia it’s also important to change into slippers before entering the spa areas for hygiene reasons.
Don’t – Assume swimwear or your own footwear is always acceptable. In certain European spas, saunas or steam rooms like in Finland or Germany wearing your swimsuit is frowned upon and nudity is normal but remember to bring your towel. If slippers are provided, ensure you change your footwear before entering the spa area. Respecting these norms will help you and others relax without awkwardness.
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3. Shower before treatments
Do – Take a shower at the spa prior to your treatment to help your body unwind and prepare your skin for treatments like scrubs, massages or hot springs. In Korea and Japan washing is expected as you enter bathhouses and onsens. Cleansing beforehand is considered a sign of respect for others and a way to fully engage in the spa experience.
Don’t – Skip this step. On the day of your treatment, it’s also best you leave all make-up, body lotions and strong fragrances off. This saves time in the preparation and allows you to fully enjoy all the benefits of the natural spa experience.
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4. Respect other’s personal space
Do – Be mindful about personal space and keep a respectful distance from others in communal areas such as pools, saunas and steam rooms. Do respect different countries have different rules and gender specific areas, for instance in Turkish Hammams they will usually have separate areas for men and women.
Ask for permission before you take a selfie or pictures of the spa environment if there is a chance others will be in the frame.
Don’t – Initiate conversations with strangers, especially if they seem to be in a meditative or relaxed state. Travellers visit spas to unwind and often prefer solitude over socialisation, unless you’re in Morocco where friendly conversation is welcomed in community spaces like Hammams.
Don’t snap selfies in shared spaces with other guests, in some spas photography or videos are discouraged to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
5. Show gratitude and give feedback
Do – Show gratitude to the staff for their services, in the United States offering a tip can be appropriate. But in other cultures, a simple thank you or leaving a positive review is appreciated.
Always speak up respectfully if something in your treatment isn’t too your liking (e.g. the pressure is too hard in a massage) or let the therapist know before you begin your treatment of any special considerations or injuries.
Don’t – Offer unsolicited criticism. If your unhappy speak up respectfully or go and speak to the spa’s front desk rather than just leaving a harsh review online.
The staff want you to have an enjoyable and relaxing spa experience and most luxury spas and wellness sanctuaries are very accommodating to adapting to the needs of their guests.
Embracing local customs at your wellness destination will deepen your luxury spa experience and ensure you leave with both mind and body feeling refreshed.
Plan your next wellness escape
Now that you’re in the know and feeling ready to be pampered, please get in touch with the Apex Travel powered by TAG luxury travel team who can design you a luxury wellness escape taking in the very best spas globally.
