by Phyllis Stoller

Tips for Your First Spa Visit

from the Women's Travel Club

Go for at least 4 nights if you want a true perspective.
Arrive at a reasonable hour even if you need to leave work early.
Meet with spa coordinators immediately.
Choose a spa that fits your needs; overseas spas emphasize beauty AND ‘THE WATERS’ rather than exercise, nutrition, etc.
Some spas are really resorts with a few spa facilities.
A good gauge of a spa is the number of professionals on staff.
Does the manicurist also do facials? If so, this is not a true spa.
Read health and fitness magazines for a few months in advance and formulate questions. This is your chance to ask specialists everything: don't forget to have questions for the cook, hairdresser, class instructors, hikers, and nurse.
Have a goal. This helps you to schedule properly and make priorities, i.e., weight loss, stress reduction, learning about new ideas, menopause considerations, etc.
List all the machines from your hometown gym; you can get a trainer to teach you how to use them more effectively.
Figure out how fast you walk so when you join a spa walk you know your level. Instructors will say, "This is the 12 minute mile group" etc.
Before you pack, find out about laundry so you don't over pack. If facilities are not available, buy 9 Hanes Beefy T Shirts to wear on top. They will be cheaper to throw out than most spa laundry services.
Leggings and spandex shorts are easy to pack and to wash in your room.
Do carry some exercise clothes on the plane and wear your sneakers.
If luggage is delayed, you will find the spa store very pricey!
Packing in two small bags increases the chances that one will arrive with you.
Do not overindulge immediately on fresh salad, fruits, or high fiber foods. Ask about ingredients, i.e., some chocolate sauces contain prune nectar. You will pay the price!
Spread your appointments so that your body has a rest from exercise, i.e., book a massage and longer services on the second and fourth days, as you will probably be too tired to continue exercising.
Use your services for information you cannot get in your hometown, i.e., don't waste time on a manicure if the spa offers for the same price a physical trainer or hydrotherapy.
Ask a physical trainer for a short stretch routine to do in your room before you jump into the early morning walk, especially if you are not in great shape.
Bring minimum make-up and no jewelry; most spas are very casual and women wind down quickly. Spas are not a fashion show.
Do bring something from your college or your children’s school especially if you are going alone. Great way to identify new friends from the same background.
Try one new class or lecture each day even if you walk out before the end. These include meditation, tai chi, and alternative health proposals. Try two new services, even picking what you consider "off the wall". Professional spas do not offer services that have no benefit.
Remember you will drink lots of water - get rid of bathroom/locker room qualms. Some spandex girls used to look like you so don't be embarrassed. Never look at the other people in a class; you are there for yourself, not to compete.
Keep an open mind and you will learn not just from the professionals but also from the other guests.

Guatemala Special Trip

Special trip: Join us on a “Travel for a Cause” trip to five-star Turning Stone Resort in Verona NY, for a weekend of spa and Native American experiences like traditional story telling around the fire pit of Skana, The Spa. March 27-30, 2008, $1599 twin and $2199 single. Deposit: $300. To book call The Women’s Travel Club at 800-480-4448 or fill out a booking form on their site: www.womenstravelclub.com. Readers of Womencorp get a free 1 year membership for bookings before Dec. 1, 2008.

Guests will receive a gift bag from KN Karen NeuburgerÒ that includes a comfortable and stylish KN Karen Neuburger sportswear ensemble, perfect for travel, as well as other comfy, cozy products that the lifestyle brand is famous for.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation will receive $200 for each booking, half from The Women's Travel Club and half from KN Karen Neuburger.

More About The Author…

Phyllis Stoller founded The Women's Travel Club during her personal quest to find travel friends. It became more than a unique tour operator but also an advocate for women's travel and safety needs. She has appeared on local and national TV including CNN, The Today Show and Lifetime Television for Women. She writes on the subject of women and travel and has been quoted in newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Chicago Tribune, and magazines such as Travel & Leisure, Working Woman, Time and Newsweek.

Get More Tips, Strategies And Articles About Travel For
Women HERE

Top | Home

		Thursday, 11 March 2010



Find a Trip You'll Love in Just Ten Minutes For WomenCorp Subscribers: A Great Travel Deal! When You Call, Tell Them You Are A WomenCorp Subscriber and We Will Waive The Club Membership Fee!	by Phyllis Stoller Tips for Your First Spa Visit from the Women's Travel Club Go for at least 4 nights if you want a true perspective. Arrive at a reasonable hour even if you need to leave work early. Meet with spa coordinators immediately. Choose a spa that fits your needs; overseas spas emphasize beauty AND ‘THE WATERS’ rather than exercise, nutrition, etc. Some spas are really resorts with a few spa facilities. A good gauge of a spa is the number of professionals on staff. Does the manicurist also do facials? If so, this is not a true spa. Read health and fitness magazines for a few months in advance and formulate questions. This is your chance to ask specialists everything: don't forget to have questions for the cook, hairdresser, class instructors, hikers, and nurse. Have a goal. This helps you to schedule properly and make priorities, i.e., weight loss, stress reduction, learning about new ideas, menopause considerations, etc. List all the machines from your hometown gym; you can get a trainer to teach you how to use them more effectively. Figure out how fast you walk so when you join a spa walk you know your level. Instructors will say, "This is the 12 minute mile group" etc. Before you pack, find out about laundry so you don't over pack. If facilities are not available, buy 9 Hanes Beefy T Shirts to wear on top. They will be cheaper to throw out than most spa laundry services. Leggings and spandex shorts are easy to pack and to wash in your room. Do carry some exercise clothes on the plane and wear your sneakers. If luggage is delayed, you will find the spa store very pricey! Packing in two small bags increases the chances that one will arrive with you. Do not overindulge immediately on fresh salad, fruits, or high fiber foods. Ask about ingredients, i.e., some chocolate sauces contain prune nectar. You will pay the price! Spread your appointments so that your body has a rest from exercise, i.e., book a massage and longer services on the second and fourth days, as you will probably be too tired to continue exercising. Use your services for information you cannot get in your hometown, i.e., don't waste time on a manicure if the spa offers for the same price a physical trainer or hydrotherapy. Ask a physical trainer for a short stretch routine to do in your room before you jump into the early morning walk, especially if you are not in great shape. Bring minimum make-up and no jewelry; most spas are very casual and women wind down quickly. Spas are not a fashion show. Do bring something from your college or your children’s school especially if you are going alone. Great way to identify new friends from the same background. Try one new class or lecture each day even if you walk out before the end. These include meditation, tai chi, and alternative health proposals. Try two new services, even picking what you consider "off the wall". Professional spas do not offer services that have no benefit. Remember you will drink lots of water - get rid of bathroom/locker room qualms. Some spandex girls used to look like you so don't be embarrassed. Never look at the other people in a class; you are there for yourself, not to compete. Keep an open mind and you will learn not just from the professionals but also from the other guests. Special trip: Join us on a “Travel for a Cause” trip to five-star Turning Stone Resort in Verona NY, for a weekend of spa and Native American experiences like traditional story telling around the fire pit of Skana, The Spa. March 27-30, 2008, $1599 twin and $2199 single. Deposit: $300. To book call The Women’s Travel Club at 800-480-4448 or fill out a booking form on their site: www.womenstravelclub.com. Readers of Womencorp get a free 1 year membership for bookings before Dec. 1, 2008. Guests will receive a gift bag from KN Karen NeuburgerÒ that includes a comfortable and stylish KN Karen Neuburger sportswear ensemble, perfect for travel, as well as other comfy, cozy products that the lifestyle brand is famous for. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation will receive $200 for each booking, half from The Women's Travel Club and half from KN Karen Neuburger. More About The Author… Phyllis Stoller founded The Women's Travel Club during her personal quest to find travel friends. It became more than a unique tour operator but also an advocate for women's travel and safety needs. She has appeared on local and national TV including *CNN, The Today Show* and Lifetime Television for Women. She writes on the subject of women and travel and has been quoted in newspapers such as *The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times,* and The Chicago Tribune, and magazines such as *Travel & Leisure, Working Woman, Time* and *Newsweek.* Get More Tips, Strategies And Articles About Travel For Women HERE Top \| Home