Spa Days

lynseydee

My mum and I have decided to go on a spa day. What I haven't told her though is that it will be my treat as a birthday present.

The thing is having never done a spa day before I don't know what to expect or what I need to do to prepare myself for one. I'm thinking I may need a swimming costume but I don't have one and I'm pretty sure my mum doesn't either.

Anyone who has been on a spa day can they let give me some pointers and maybe the best places to look for some good deals?

picnic

iv been to hoar cross hall twice, the first time I only took one swimming costume, I felt this was not enough so took two with me the second time I went. this was because I went in the pool in the morning then did an excersise class (so needed joggers & trainers) then went in the pool again after lunch. they provide towels & toweling robe, but check with the spa to see what they provide.
most of all..... relax and enjoy

ellay864

I've been to a couple of spa days and you definitely need a swimming costume....two is a good idea as you will probably go into the pool at different times. As picnic says most spas provide towels (much fluffier and nicer than mine!!) and robes, some do slippers but others will charge for this and it is a good idea to take something for your feet.
After that it all depends what you plan to do. The spas I've been to include the use of pool and gym facilities and certain exercise classes in the cost of the day so you need to take appropriate clothing, footwear for those. Also make sure you know what you can book when you arrive, and what needs booking in advance.
Treatments (massages, facials etc) are usually priced extra or included as part of a package. Just make sure you check that there's no issues regarding any existing conditions eg pregnancy, breast feeding, skin allergies etc. The spa should inform/ask you about this when you book anything.
I'd advise NOT trying to do too much in terms of gym/classes etc. The first time I went to Hoar Cross was my first ever spa day...I got carried away and tried to do loads, ended up falling asleep in the pilates session at the end of the day and realised I'd have a much more relaxing time if I'd just stayed lounging round the pool more. Made up for that in my next visit lol
Have a great day - you and your mum will love it

Savvy_Sue

I wouldn't panic too much about two swimming costumes: if they don't have a spin dryer, wring them out in a towel and they won't be dripping wet for the next session.

Also you don't need one if you're not planning to get into the pool. Stay in your robe all day ...

lostinrates

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Also you don't need one if you're not planning to get into the pool. Stay in your robe all day ...

you might need one, if there are steam rooms etc.

Only been to one spa day, dh loved it....but the one we went to had a variety of steam rooms/saunas and things that generally involved getting damp or wet, as well as the pool. Although they replaced robes on request, ours got quite wet justbeing worn in between things, so I think going with out a swimming costume would end up being miserable. I was quite self conscious initially, but soon realised the people who looked elegant were those doing less, mainly keeping coiffed heads and made up faces above water just sitting in the pool, and those of us getting steamy in dfferent ways all looked a bit ....drowned.

Savvy_Sue

lostinrates wrote: »

you might need one, if there are steam rooms etc.

True, I guess I wasn't thinking of all the possibilities.

Although DH and I prefer the kind of spa where you DON'T wear costumes in the steam rooms and saunas, towels rule!

Primmer

If you are looking for good deals, then it is worth looking on Lastminute.com as they have a whole section on spa days and occassionally they have £10 spa days although they tend to go pretty quickly.
I have booked 3 different spa days at different places though last minute and have been pleased with all of them.

lynseydee

Primmer wrote: »

If you are looking for good deals, then it is worth looking on Lastminute.com as they have a whole section on spa days and occassionally they have £10 spa days although they tend to go pretty quickly.
I have booked 3 different spa days at different places though last minute and have been pleased with all of them.

I did actually look on Lastminute.com and they have a special on at the moment of 241 so am seriously considering that.

The two places I am considering are:-

http://www.lastminute.com/lmn/pso/catalog/Product.jhtml?POSITION=1&PRODID=845809910&CATID=113573

and

http://www.lastminute.com/lmn/pso/catalog/Product.jhtml?POSITION=1&PRODID=669352631&CATID=106509

The second one is more ideal as my mum lives in Newbury and I would have to pick her up whereas if I picked the Bath one I would have to go from Wiltshire to Newbury then onto Bath and with a 10.00am check in it wouldn't be a very relaxing start to the day :rotfl:

Savvy_Sue

I had a thought about swimming costumes - if you're planning to spend a day in one, go for one of the two piece costumes. I'm NOT talking about a bikini, but a separate bottoms and longer top affair. M&S call them tankinis, you can see what I mean here.

Then, when you need the loo (as you inevitably will with all that water around you), you won't have to struggle with both robe and cossie.