After nearly a decade of working within the spa industry, I’ve developed a lengthy list of indicators that help to deduce the success of any operation. By success, I don’t necessarily mean financial achievement or guest popularity (ironically, some of the most popular spas offer some of the worst experiences), but more so the ability of the spa to provide a pleasing journey to the each visitor. While this certainly is not an exhaustive list of spa “do’s and don’ts,” these key factors will help you when selecting your next spa experience.

Health Inquiry: Spas should require all guests to fill out a brief form noting any health concerns or physical limitations. While this task may seem time-consuming, this information is critical to your well-being. Spas that do not have a formal questionnaire should have therapists verbally inquire as to any health concerns prior to the start of service (such as pregnancy, high blood pressure, conflicting medications, etc.).

Proper Hygiene: As these spaces are utilized by a number of individuals in various states of undress, it’s essential that spa facilities are immaculate and its staff practice appropriate protocols to ensure a sanitary environment. Technicians should wash their hands prior to your service, as they are in constant contact with people throughout the day. Similarly, all utensils used by massage, facial or nail technicians should be properly sanitized. In addition, you should always look for covered or wrapped locker room amenities (i.e. cotton swabs, combs) and utensils for food distribution (i.e. a spoon for nuts or dried fruits).

Maintaining Modesty: The spa environment is a very intimate setting where individuals disrobe and professional technicians provide therapy through touch. As such, it is important to maintain the highest levels of modesty protection throughout the guest experience. All therapists are trained in proper draping techniques and should follow these protocols throughout the service. The guest should always feel comfortable and as though minimum exposure has been achieved.

Comfort Confirmation: We have all experienced a treatment where the therapist’s pressure was too light or too deep, yet we were hesitant to mention the need for adjustment. At a top spa, the therapist should always be aware of a guest’s comfort level and should inquire at least once to ensure all is as desired. The most notable points of comfort are traditionally pressure, temperature, music volume, lighting levels and bolster positioning; each should be confirmed at the beginning stages of your service.

The Incessant Salesman: While it is important for the therapist to educate the guest throughout his or her journey and recommend products
to extend the spa experience, therapists who ceaselessly sell products throughout a treatment are more annoying than helpful. Therapists should sense a guest’s desire for silence or conversation and should adjust
their communications accordingly. When therapists are merely pushing unnecessary product purchases to gain a commission, it’s usually evident and highly frowned upon. It is often preferred to receive a small written prescription from the therapist at the end of the treatment, recommending only a few products of specific benefit.

Aftercare Advice: Spa treatments can be very relaxing, but also highly therapeutic and may alter bodily functions (i.e. increasing circulation or releasing toxins into the bloodstream). Therefore, be conscious of and follow through with the recommended aftercare. Experienced therapists should offer aftercare advice to clients post-service (i.e. drink a lot of water or stay out of the sun).

While there are many facets to the winning spa formula, this information points out a few telltale signs of a well-run operation. Conversely, it can help denote a facility that should be scratched off your list.

Christy Hatzfeld is the founder and principal of Mica Spa Solutions, LLC, providing spa consultancy services to hospitality developers worldwide. She has a master’s degree from the Cornell School of Hotel Administration and has been a senior executive in the spa industry for eight years.