What the Spa Won't Tell You
Planning a trip to the spa might lead you to dream of pampering and relaxation, but what about what the shiny brochures don't tell you? Here are a few things that most spas won't mention unless you flat out ask.Reserving a room doesn't guarantee you a spot in line for services. Some spas are better at managing crowds than others and you'd hate to spend all that money on travel and accommodations only to find you can't get an appointment for that massage you were drooling over in the brochure. Avoid frustration by talking to someone who's been there and by looking at important ratios like the spa's staff to client ratio (the best will be about 1:1) and the guest room to treatment room ratio
(aim for 10:1 or better).
The therapists might not be trained. Thanks to a massive jump in demand over recent years and spotty, lax laws governing the licensing of spa personnel (some states don't require licensing at all) it's getting harder and harder for the spas to find good staff and for the customers to find good service. When in doubt check the laws governing your state or ask the spa if/how their staff are licensed before you book.
The treatments might be dangerous. Although most are harmless enough, some spa treatments can be dangerous if you have certain medical conditions. Simple saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzi's can be dangerous if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, and more complicated and risky treatments like chelatin therapy and hormone replacement are often practiced without the accompanying 'medical spa' designation and training.
If you're dissatisfied there might be very little you can do. Due to a deplorable lack of oversight and legal regulation in the spa industry if you're massaged too roughly or put in a bath that's too hot there might be little you can do other than lodge a complaint. Many spas are under-insured so even if you file suit you might never see any compensation.
The therapists might not be trained. Thanks to a massive jump in demand over recent years and spotty, lax laws governing the licensing of spa personnel (some states don't require licensing at all) it's getting harder and harder for the spas to find good staff and for the customers to find good service. When in doubt check the laws governing your state or ask the spa if/how their staff are licensed before you book.
The treatments might be dangerous. Although most are harmless enough, some spa treatments can be dangerous if you have certain medical conditions. Simple saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzi's can be dangerous if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, and more complicated and risky treatments like chelatin therapy and hormone replacement are often practiced without the accompanying 'medical spa' designation and training.
If you're dissatisfied there might be very little you can do. Due to a deplorable lack of oversight and legal regulation in the spa industry if you're massaged too roughly or put in a bath that's too hot there might be little you can do other than lodge a complaint. Many spas are under-insured so even if you file suit you might never see any compensation.
