Plan a Spa Day

Once you have an idea what you want, ask friends for recommendations and research what's available online. Your options fall into three broad groups:

• Salons and fitness centers offer spa services — such as massages, waxing and facials — individually and in packages.
• Destination spas have the basics and also offer classes — and often food and beverages — that emphasize wellness and personal growth.
• Resort spas offer massages and treatments along with food, alcoholic beverages, and perhaps even golfing, tennis, horseback riding, gambling and other diversions. They might accommodate overnight guests.

As about the qualifications of the people performing the services you want. Massage therapists should be certified, and estheticians should be licensed.

Once you choose a place, book your spa day right away. It's a common frustration for clients to want a certain day, especially when it's for a wedding or birthday, but find that the spa can't accommodate their group.

Figure out whether you want to go alone for a day of quiet relaxation or if you want to invite a friend, spouse, or group. A spa day is a great pre-wedding treat for a bride and her closest friends and family, or for the happy couple. Or it's a luxurious way for sisters and mothers to reconnect. Some spas accommodate children, which is a fun way to spend time with younger daughter, niece or granddaughter.

If you're taking a friend or group, find out how much actual time you can (and want) to spend together. Some services, such as massages, may have to be scheduled separately.

Consider food and drink. Spas attached to salons or fitness centers may not have food available, but might let you have food sent in. Other spas make the cuisine and beverages part of the experience.

Check into specials, discounts and packages for groups. Plan on spending at least $200 for a half-day package and $400 for full spa day packages per person — a chic spa can top $1,000 a person.

Also budget for tipping. It's customary to tip each person who performs a service 15 to 20 percent of the service. Or you can include an overall tip for a day package when you pay at the end of the day. If the owner performs the services, it's customary not to tip.

If in doubt, ask about the spa's tipping policy when booking .

Do a little research on the spa you've selected. If possible, visit to see if the spa looks clean and well-run. Look especially carefully (and sniff) in shower rooms, bathrooms, and waxing and pedicure areas.

Ask if an employee might be working on more than one client at a time. A common spa day complaint is that employees rotate among clients, leaving someone stranded half-clothed or covered in goo alone in a room for longer than expected.

Ask about licensing of individuals and overall licensing of the facility. Ask if the spa is a member of a professional association — it might not be required, but it's a sign that the owners are trying to do a good job and possibly have met some minimum requirements. And, of course, any awards are an excellent sign.

Before your spa day, ask what you should bring. Besides comfortable clothing that you can easily remove, you may want to bring music on a portable player, books and magazines, snacks or your favorite beverages.

Know your medical history and medications. You might be asked to list them on a medical form.

Pack a bag with any cosmetics and hair supplies you may need to freshen up afterward.

If possible, leave your cell phone home, or at least turn it off, and encourage others in your group to do the same. After all, this spa day is for total relaxation!