So you’re visiting Thailand and want to treat yourself to a day out at a Thai massage and spa. What an excellent idea, you should do this as the Land of Smiles has some of the most affordable and world-class spas on the planet. The problem is, you are not sure where to go for your slice of heaven. Do not fret; if you are after a day spa to indulge in some relaxation and beauty therapy, we are here to help with our top five tips to help you in your search. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at how to correctly choose the best spa for your needs and budget.
- Recommendations
There is nothing wrong with looking online and asking around for spa recommendations. But remember that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure! Somebody may tell you that they recently got a gel manicure at a local spa and that they absolutely loved it, or overwhelmingly hated it. Make sure you look at their nails to see how the spa actually performed. For every bad review you hear, you are likely to hear ten positive ones alongside it. So, try not to decide based solely on what you hear, use your eyes too.
- Offerings
If you can, take the time to visit the spa’s website or call them to speak to someone directly and confirm exactly what services they do and do not offer. Most good spas will have a readily available “menu” outlining their services and prices. Note that some exclusive day spas are cagey about their services and pricing, to protect their well-heeled clientele, and won’t be upfront with you over the phone. A full-service day spa is more likely to offer facial, body wrap, laser and botox treatment, whereas a therapeutic massage parlour is a place to go for an oil massage and aromatic steam.
- Pricing
Often people have misconceptions around spa pricing. Don’t choose a Thai massage and spa just because it’s cheap as you’re not likely to get the level of customer service or quality of treatment you are expecting. On the flip side, do not choose a spa just because it’s expensive; your lofty expectations will be hard to match. What you need to do is find a place where you will get the quality service you desire for a price that is reasonable and doesn’t hold any surprises (watch out for added tax and fees).
- Cleanliness
Spas often have clients throughout the day, back-to-back from 9 am to 5 pm, with little to no break in between. So you’ll want to choose a place that has a very high standard of cleanliness. Germs can spread easily in an establishment like this, so make sure they change the sheets and towels and wash the tools between each massage, facial, pedicure, etc. If you find yourself in a dirty room or with an unclean therapist, don’t feel bad about leaving. Say you’ve changed your mind and leave. Better safe than sorry!
- Service
People who have had a great spa experience will often rave about it to anyone who will listen. Why? Because they had great customer service experience. This is a hugely important part of the spa experience. Put it this way; you’re much more likely to enjoy and recommend your spa experience if the place you visited took the time to welcome you, clearly explain their different options, made sure you were comfortable, offered you a drink and magazines, were accommodating of any unusual requests and so forth.