5 Ways to Maximise Your Spa Experience

The Shamana Spa at Grand Hyatt, Goa.

Boasting 19 suites, a fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, and plunge pools; this spacious hideaway (over 34,000 sq ft) is a world of its own. As the list of treatments runs into a dozen pages, Shamana Spa boggles you with an array of Thai, Balinese and Ayurvedic massages, body wraps, facials and almost anything else you can think of.

After being pampered silly with a Balinese massage, I met the director of spa & recreation, Ram Chatterjee. In the conversation that followed, I discovered that Chatterjee has over 17 years of spa and hospitality experience, and he is also trained in personal fitness programmes from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Nominated as ‘Spa Manager of the Year’ by the Asia Spa Awards in 2011, here are five essential tips he claims will help you make the most of your spa experience.

Also See: Spa Review: So Spa, Sofitel

Spa Review: Arogya Spa & Fitness Centre

R&R in Goa: Spa Treatments We Love

Three Spa Experiences We Can't Wait to Try Out

Spa director Ram Chatterjee (inset) suggests you avoid the consumption of alcohol on the day of a treatment.

Get There Early

Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. This will allow you a stress-free check-in. Many spas require an intake form to be filled out before your scheduled treatment. It also gives you time to change, freshen up or decompress.

Disconnect

Turn off your cell phones. Spas create a soothing, relaxing and mellow environment to help you ease stressed nerves or tension; this can be ruined by the piercing ring of a mobile phone. Take time off from the world outside and disconnect.

Food & Drink

Try not to eat for at least an hour before a spa appointment, and avoid the consumption of alcohol on the day of a treatment. Also, drink plenty of water before and after your treatment.

Speak Up

All aspects of a treatment can be modified to your taste—the amount of light, music selection and volume, room temperature, conversation, etc. If you would like for the pressure of your massage to be adjusted, let your therapist know. Make him or her aware of any medical conditions you might have. Also, feel free to ask questions. If any part of your experience is unsatisfactory, convey it to the therapist. If the response isn't helpful, speak to a manager.

Let It Linger

Don't schedule a physically demanding endeavour after a spa appointment. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea or a light beverage and try to sustain the sense of relaxation as long as possible after you leave.