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Myth Busters

As a former beauty consultant to In Style magazine, BeautyinRI.com founder Becky DiStefano knows her way around a spa. Here she dispels some common misconceptions about these havens of relaxation.

Facing Thayer in ProvidenceMyth: You have to be rich to enjoy a visit to the spa.
Truth: This could not be farther from the truth! Most spas offer a wide range of services within a wide range of prices. In addition, there are “express” services such as pedicures and facials that can be as much as $20 less than the extended versions.

Myth: Inquiring about cleanliness is a faux pas.
Truth: As a customer and guest at a spa, you have the right to ask as many questions as you want in regards to cleanliness and hygiene. A visit to the spa is an intimate experience so you have the right to be in the know. Spa personnel should be forthright and open about how they clean and disinfect their spaces.

Myth: Tipping is optional.
Truth: While the “optional” part is true, it is very bad form not to tip. If you truly experience poor customer service or your treatment was not up to par, speak with a manager rather than exiting without leaving a gratuity. The typical amount for spas is 20 percent but you can tip more if you feel it’s warranted.

Myth: It is perfectly okay to be a few minutes late to an appointment.
Truth: While things happen, it is not a good practice to be late for spa appointments. Most spas book on a time-based schedule, so if you are running late you should call and let the spa know. If you are running more than a few minutes late, you may have to reschedule your service. The best advice is to arrive for your spa appointment fifteen minutes early so you can check in, have a beverage and relax a bit.

Myth: You have to be totally naked when undergoing a treatment or massage.
Truth: Your comfort is of the utmost importance in a spa setting so if going au naturel equals “oh no” for you, never fear. During massages, you will have a robe or blanket to cover the areas that are not being worked on. If you want to keep undergarments on, simply say so and your massage therapist will oblige.

Myth: Anti-aging treatments are gimmicks.
Truth: If these treatments were gimmicks, the trend would not be soaring to new heights. The fact is many treatments alter both how we feel and our appearance. Massage and body wraps can help one look and feel slimmer. While you cannot expect plastic surgery results, spa treatments are a perfect solution because they do not require the commitment of plastic surgery but offer some of the same benefits, albeit short-term, and at a fraction of the cost.

Myth: Relaxation is the only true benefit of going to a spa.
Truth: While spas do offer relaxation, there are many health benefits for services such as massage, yoga and acupuncture. Mud baths and body wraps help you to relax but can also detoxify your body of free radicals, and manicures and pedicures aid in the care of hands and feet.

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- October, 2008

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