Some much-needed R&R to combat our crazy schedules is non-negotiable — but a trip to the spa can set you back the big bucks if you go on the reg. Rather than resort to yet another at-home mani/pedi, try these tricks of the trade (straight from industry insiders) to really maximize your return when you go to book a day of bliss.
1. Take advantage of membership programs. Instead of paying à la carte each time you want to get your pampering on, many salons and spas have started offering VIP memberships or loyalty programs. “At Daphne European Skincare & Sugaring Studio in New York City, we have an annual membership for $1,000, so members receive $1,000 in services with 15 percent off all services. There’s also a silver membership that’s a six-month option for $500,” says founder Angela Rosen. “And you can add any body treatment to a facial experience for only $99, instead of paying full price for that service.” Takeaway: Ask how you can save on services for a few months up to a year when booking, in order to save a chunk of change in the long run. (Photo via Getty)
Treatment to Try
French Sudatonic Slimming and Detoxifying Body Wrap ($195 for a 60-minute session or $1,750 for a package of 10 sessions): Sweat it out under an infrared blanket used with Sudatonic creams to flush toxins out of the body, resulting in a notable improvement in skin texture, weight loss, reduction of cellulite, and diminished stretch marks. Did we mention this relaxing wrap burns an average of 1,500 to 3,000 calories? Cardio = done.
2. Read between the fine lines. “When scheduling your appointment, ask about any seasonal packages or locals discounts,” says Candice Betz, spa director at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. “Sometimes not all deals are published online, and often times the reception team will share other goodies — complimentary valet, free Champagne from 3-6 pm, etc.” (Photo via The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe)
Treatment to Try
Tahoe Tree of Life Experience ($285): Restore your body and mind in 75 minutes with an aromatic salt soak in a private tub, before getting a massage with indigenous hot stones found in the Lake Tahoe area. Relaxation at its finest.
3. Make a day of it. Many spas have fitness centers, steam rooms, and saunas that guests can take advantage of (for free) before or after their services. So what would be a 50-minute massage or facial can actually be turned into a few hours (or an entire day) of pure “me time.” Some places — like luxury spa Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo — are also known for their wellness “day packages,” which give you the use of their full circuit (heated seawater pool, panoramic cardio training room overlooking the sea, fitness and aqua gym classes, banya, sentorium, hammam, solarium, and jacuzzi). These amenities are also complimentary if you book a treatment. (Photo via Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo)
Treatment to Try
La Prairie Caviar Lifting and Firming Treatment (60 minutes/$216; 90 minutes/$262): This luxurious face treatment lifts and firms instantly, thanks to caviar beads and a caviar face and eye massage that transforms a dull complexion and provides intense moisture and essential nutrients for silky smooth skin.
4. Act like a local. “When I go to a spa, even if the spa is a local one, I like to experience the services that are unique to that destination, as opposed to the generic massage and body services every spa offers,” says Randy Pierce, director of spa at the Remède Spa at The St. Regis San Francisco. “I find that those services designed to complement the local culture or region tend to have the highest quality products since the formulas used are not likely to be mass produced and available everywhere. Those are the spa services that will leap to the forefront of my memories of that vacation, day of pampering, or whatever occasion brought me there and put a smile on my face. That’s getting a good bang for my buck.” (Photo via Remède Spa)
Treatment to Try
7×7 Hot Oil Massage ($265/week days; $280/weekends): This 75-minute massage is inspired by the 49 square miles of San Francisco and the plants that grow there and in the Bay Area. After the seven energy centers along the spine are anointed with a balancing blend of essential oils and gentle streams of heated oil on each area of the body, rhythmic strokes are used to promote a sense of well-being and serenity. Consider Zen achieved.
5. Take advantage of a complimentary makeup refresh. At The Guerlain Spa at The Plaza Hotel, you can partake in their complimentary “Spa Au Revoir” service, which includes a shoe shine, garment steaming, and makeup refresher with every treatment. Um, best added bonus ever?! That means after one of their cutting-edge facials, a glam team will enhance your glow even further so you can take the city by storm — at no extra cost. (Photo via The Guerlain Spa)
Treatment to Try
The Black Orchid Treatment ($400): This 80-minute facial features Orchidée Impériale Black Cream with Blackimmune technology — the result of 15 years of research from the experts at Guerlain.
6. Book a weekday treatment for the best prices. Instead of cramming a spa treatment into a busy weekend, schedule a treatment at The Sisley Spa at The Carlyle Hotel during the week and take advantage of their “weekday wellness” savings — only $159 for a 50-minute Expert Phyto Aromatic Facial (or Swedish Massage), or $229 for an 80-minute service. (Photo via The Sisley Spa)
Treatment to Try
Expert Phyto‑Aromatic Facial ($200): Known for their phyto-aromatic approach to skincare (through plant-based extracts and oils found in nature), Sisley’s Expert Phyto‑Aromatic Facial is a completely customized experience that targets personal problem areas, diminishes fine lines, and purifies the skin. You’ll exit looking more radiant and fresh than ever.
7. Turn a party into a spa’arty. Instead of tacking on a trip to the spa as part of a girls’ weekend, book a luxury-packed spa’arty at a Well & Being Spa(with locations at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas, and Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa). You’ll get a 60-minute spa treatment, lunch, retail gift, and retail discount, so you can bond with your besties without maxing out your credit card. You can also take advantage of group fitness classes (like vertical wall yoga, violin meditation, or TRX), customized meals (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options), and take-home goodie bags of spa products. (Photo via The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being)
Treatment to Try
Sparkle and Glow Body Polish Treatment ($170): A complete anti-aging solution for the entire body, courtesy of Dr. Harold Lancer’s “The Method.” The treatment begins with a self-warming pure quartz crystal exfoliation, followed by the application of glycolic cleansing gel to open your pores and adjust your pH level. Then you’re ready for his Body Nourish Moisturizer (with 10 percent glycolic acid) to infuse the skin with oxygen for a glowing finish. Get ready to live your best life.
What’s your favorite type of spa treatment? Tweet us @BritandCo!
(Feature photo via Getty)
