24 Jun 2024
If you’re new to spa culture, you’d be forgiven for asking: what is a spa day? If this sounds like you, we’re here to explain what a spa day is like, what you can expect, and how you can maximise your pampering experience.
The main thing to remember is that a spa day should be comfortable, relaxing, and totally indulgent. It’s your special time to immerse yourself in the luxurious surroundings and facilities on offer and come out feeling refreshed, revitalised, and fully rejuvenated. Balancing work and family life can be exhausting. If you’re feeling stressed and in dire need of an escape, nothing beats the pure luxury of a spa day to help you relax and unwind.
If you’ve booked your first-ever spa day or have been invited to one (lucky you!), this blog will explain what to expect from a spa day, covering everything from what to wear to spa etiquette.
From rejuvenating treatments to lazy days at the pool and soothing yoga sessions, spa days provide a sanctuary from the daily grind. With their perfect blend of rest and activity, a spa day allows you to pamper yourself while improving your overall mental and physical wellbeing.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to using a spa’s extensive facilities. You may want to swim a few lengths, relax in a sauna, sit in a hydro pool with massaging jets, or try out one of the many fantastic restaurants on site. Alternatively, you may prefer to treat yourself with a massage, facial, or pedicure, book a session of body treatments, or simply relax your body and mind amid the calm and peaceful surroundings.
Spa days also offer full flexibility, and your itinerary can be tailored to suit your specific needs. Whether it’s a much-needed break you’re seeking, or something a little more energetic, a spa is much more than an exercise in self-care.
Below, we’ll explain what is included in a spa day and why it’s a great way to recharge the batteries with family and friends, or even by yourself.
Most spas have an impressive selection of treatments and facilities. Depending on your preferences and budget, these can be enjoyed as much or as little as you like. A spa day is more that purely a pampering experience, it’s a holistic approach to personal self-care, and every visit is guaranteed to leave you feeling brand new.
Here’s what you can expect from your spa day:
Spa day packages typically include the use of on-site spa facilities offering a variety of physical benefits from their gym and personal training amenities. The treatments on offer like therapeutic massages are designed to improve circulation and flexibility, alleviate muscle tension, and leave your body feeling rejuvenated and invigorated.
Spa facilities often feature:
On-site spa facilities can vary from venue to venue. For example, our facilities at Foxhills also include a vitality pool, Finnish sauna, organic natural pool, deck chairs and bean bags, tennis courts, and walking trails through our beautiful 400-acre Surrey estate.
You’ll often find that a variety of other physical activities are also available on a spa day. You could hire a personal trainer or join a group exercise class. If you’re passionate about ball sports, you could book a tennis lesson, or you may be tempted to grab your clubs and head out for a well-earned round of golf.
While spa packages often include the use of all facilities, there can be extra costs involved for certain treatments and activities. If you’re unsure what your package includes, it’s best to seek advice when you book or arrive at the spa.
Above all else, a relaxing spa day is an easy way to de-stress and calm your mind. You’ll find a wide variety of high-quality spa treatments including soothing massages, calming aromatherapy, facials, and sports therapies delivered by fully trained professional therapists.
You’ll be able to tailor your therapy treatments to your mood, so you can melt away the tension and feel that stress quickly disappear in the serene ambiance of the spa. If you’re looking for a place of sanctuary for stress relief and relaxation, a spa day will leave you rested, calm, and in a tranquil state of mind. Common treatments that you’ll usually find include:
You may discover there are several variations of treatments at your spa destination. For example, from the massage options you could select a back, neck, and shoulder massage, or even a hot stone massage. At Foxhills, we offer almost 50 different treatments plus acupuncture, reiki, and reflexology, all delivered by our professional therapists.
Even a few hours at a spa will allow you to focus on your mental health while you enjoy treatments or a pamper session, or spend time at a yoga cabin where you’ll find a range of classes such Tai Chi, guided meditation, Pilates, and yoga.
Many spas, including Foxhills, offer different spa day packages with numerous treatment options and additional offers. Some of our packages also include dining experiences, a DIY Hammam, and treatment sessions.
Most spas have at least one restaurant on the premises, while others like Foxhills boast a variety of dining options. For instance, guests can choose from three dining rooms in our award-winning The Fox restaurant, or relax at Nineteen, our casual brasserie-inspired bar venue with stunning golf course views.
Depending on the spa package you have, this could be just drinks, a spot of light lunch, afternoon tea, or a full multi-course meal. However, some spa packages may not include any refreshments, and this is something you can check at the booking stage.
If your spa day does include dining, it’s important to consider timings so that you don’t have to rush your meal to make a pre-booked treatment. Luckily, you can avoid this stress at Foxhills as we’ll schedule your entire day for you so that your refreshments, activities, and treatments never clash with your personal appointments. We’ll even present you with an itinerary that allows for plenty of time to leisurely enjoy every moment of your spa day.
When it comes to planning what to wear, comfort and occasion should be top of your priority list. If you’re combining a spa day with a celebration such as hen party or birthday, then dress in something stylish that you’re happy to wear while dining or is suitable for the bar or restaurant straight after your treatments.
Otherwise, the main goal of an outfit should be comfort. If you know you’ll be spending the day in your bathing suit and robe, and you’re happy to stay in this while dining in the spa, just wear something simple that you can easily put on or take off in the changing room.
So, think about clothing that’s most convenient and comfortable for you. This could be a simple slip-on dress, or even a sweatshirt, t-shirt, and jogging pants. It’s important to note that some luxury spas may have a stricter dress code, particularly in the restaurant. If this is the case, be sure to take a formal outfit fit for the occasion.
Etiquette is where spa day newcomers may have concerns, especially when it comes to understanding what is expected and what is unacceptable. Ultimately, guests should not be overwhelmed by spa etiquette, and there are some simple rules to follow that will ensure your visit runs smoothly and without any hitches. These include:
Ultimately, spa days should never be a source of anxiety – the opposite is always true. Spas are designed to be memorable experiences where you can relax and unwind, whether with a group of good friends or on your own. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from enjoying some much-deserved ‘you’ time by immersing yourself in a spa day.
Voted Best Hotel and Spa Facility in the National Fitness Awards 2022, Foxhills has everything you need for the perfect spa day experience. Don’t put off your first spa day visit and contact us today for availability.
