So.... What the heck is a spa, really?
 

I've always been the type to completely eschew spas - growing up my family wasn't wealthy enough to even consider them, which I guess has carried on with me now that I can consistently afford travel to high-end hotels and destinations.

As a result, I have absolutely no clear idea what goes on inside spas. I only know that you pay money to get some service, such as massages or treatments, but other than that I'm fairly clueless about what goes on and the expected etiquette that one should behave under.

(I'm mainly talking about Hotel spas, if there's any difference between these and independent ones)

Things that I'm curious about: do these spas have open areas or are they a big maze of rooms and hallways? Do people ever see each other or are treatments done in complete privacy? Do spas contain pools, jacuzzis or saunas? Does one generally get stark-naked or keep their clothes on? (Or somewhere in between?) When someone goes in for a treatment or massage, do they shower first and get changed?

Forgive me if these questions seem very obvious, but I realized that I know absolutely nothing about these institutions even though I stay at their attached hotels extremely often. :confused::confused::confused:

There are usually open areas like the rooms where you wait in preparation for treatments (e.g. massages, scrubs, etc.) and the "relaxation rooms" where you can park yourself after treatments. There are often pools, saunas, hot tubs, etc. that are communal, as well as locker/changing rooms. In my experience the womens' and mens' sides of spas are mostly separate, although there are treatment rooms where couples can get a massage together, and things like the pool may be co-ed. Treatment rooms are private. Generally, you change into a robe in the communal locker room (clothes fully off), then get led from there to a treatment room by the person doing the service. During the treatment you may end up partially or fully uncovered, depending on what you're having done and how comfortable you are with being naked.

I grew up in similarly spa-free circumstances and it took me a while to get into the concept, but now I spend a few days at a spa each year. If you go to a destination spa, there will be other things to do besides just getting massages and facials--like hiking or other outdoorsy things, exercise classes, other classes or seminars, etc. Or you can just lie around on lounge chairs and relax (I can't do that :))

A hotel with a pool and a massage bench, which makes the property owner think he can levy a 'spa' surcharge.

In the non-hotel category: A place women, who have husbands drawing a comfortable salary, visits to drive away the boredom.

Your confusion is understandable because, "all of the above" is a fair answer. It all depends on the spa.

I'd describe the average US luxury hotel spa as a cross between a high-end health club (which often offer spa treatments) and a fancy doctor's office (which are often getting more spa-like).
There may be a locker room to change into a robe, (you may choose to have something underneath or often not, depending on services, just ask) which is worn in the usually public waiting area. They will usually offer healthy refreshments (fruit, flavored waters, teas, etc) until you are escorted to whatever room is set up for your treatment, the privacy of which is determined by the level of relaxation and/or intimacy required/paid for. (I've never had a full body massage with any other client in the room, but I usually don't expect the steam rooms to be private.)

Still, many spas try to differentiate themselves in many different ways, and different cultures and subcultures have different rules, so if you're unsure call in advance to discuss your interests and their offerings.

Or a place women who draw their own comfortable salary visit to drive away the stress of drawing that salary, and also to get away from obnoxious men :D

Spas and spa etiquette vary greatly. Much depends on the services and amenities offered. Some are essentially just a common waiting area with individual treatment rooms. Larger spas (like in Vegas) with saunas and cold pools, etc. have separate facilities for men and women. In either case you can usually get "couples treatment" allowing you and your spouse to get a massage or "ritual" together, but it can get very expensive! Most say they are "clothing optional" but people generally wrap themselves with a towel. In most of these places you will look out of place if you walk around starkers or if you wear a bathing suit/shorts everywhere, so the towel is usually the best option. It's always advisable to shower before a treatment.

Europe, especially Germany, can be very different. If you go to Baden-Baden, home of some of the oldest and best spas in the world (IMHO), men and women frequently spa together and everyone is naked. And nobody cares. It's a bit of an adjustment for us Americans, but you get with the program pretty quickly.

My wife and I used to spa much more but we've found that the prices have gotten way out of hand, at least in places such as Vegas and Hawaii. Two massages can easily set you back $400 or more (much more in high-end places like Wynn). Some of the larger spas used to offer "facilities fees" whereby you paid $40 or so for access to the saunas and facilities without getting a treatment or massage, but many have stopped offering that option. But going to a spa can be a great experience that you should try at least once. You can always ask what the clothing etiquette is, and most will give you a quick look around before you commit so you can get an idea of what the place is like.

you have never stayed in a luxury hotel that had spa facilities that were open to hotel guests for no additional fee? if there is additional fee, ask to look before paying.

not all spas have facilities. scope of facilities varies dramatically.

some hotel swimming pools are within the spa area.

There are also luxury hotels that do not permit outsiders to use their spa. Raffles in Singapore is an example.

Many spas have combination or all day packages, sometimes for couples too, that include a light lunch as well as usee of pool, sauna, etc. facilities.

Personally, I think of spas as primarily pseudo medical emphasis (most of the spaas in Germany, which may have qualified medical doctors on staff), primarily cosmetic (waxing, manicure/pedicure, facials, etc., often in free standing locations), and primarily relaxation (antistress and anti-jet lag massages, often in luxury hotels)

depending on where OP lives, could see about tour of local hotel spa facilities

As anyone who lives in New England knows, a Spa is a breakfast/lunch counter that also sells a few basic grocery items.

:D

interesting - i wonder if (kur-ort) connected to (res-ort) >

Queen's Spa in Shenzhen, China has billiards, swimming, massages, massage chairs, tv chairs, ping pong, sleeping rooms, buffets, mahjong, and other things of which I didn't avail myself.

However, I think that's par for the course in that region.

I love spas, but I've never been sure what is acceptable practice for the post-service lounging. They invite you to stay and relax as long as you like. But what is considered reasonable, vs taking advantage/wearing out your welcome?

We like the Caracalla Spa in Baden Baden. Easily found on Google. Can't think of a more relaxing way to spend a day - various pools, steam room, hot baths, sauna. They have a separate section upstairs in which you are not supposed to wear anything (although my wife always keeps her towel on). Incredibly relaxing place.

Given the prices of services in most high-end spas these days, I don't worry about wearing out my welcome...;)