Post-treatment bliss is a wonderful state to be in when you visit a spa. Relaxation is heightened, your body feels a little lighter and your mind is clear. But, as soon as you step foot outside the spa, reality—and the everyday stresses that go along with it—can creep up rather quickly. Here’s what to do to extend some of that spa solace:
1. As soon as you finish your spa service, retreat to a quiet area and continue relaxing so you may reap the full benefits of your experience, says Josie Feria, director of spa operations at Fontainebleau’s Lapis Spa in Miami.
2. The number-one rule when it comes to what to do at the spa: Take advantage of the amenities it offers. “PURE SPA features mindful options that are tailored to each guest´s preference including traditional and touchless therapies,” says Mourad Essafi, general manager of Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets. “PURE SPA also offers treatments not commonly found on Isla Mujeres or mainland Cancun, such as a hammam, where hot steam boosts the immune system and increases circulation in the body releasing toxins. Guests are also invited to create their own ‘pantry’ where they have the option to make body scrubs, bath salts, treatments and more with the provided salts, aromatic herbs, muds, and essential oils.”
Slow Down
3. Don’t rush right back into your frantic lifestyle by immediately grabbing for your phone.
4. Meditate by continuously and silently repeating the same positive reaffirmation or mantra until you shut down all other distracting thoughts, Feria says.
5. If you’re not great at meditating, just be still. “Afterward a spa treatment, take some time to relax and enjoy the post-treatment effects,” recommends Carmel Valley Ranch’s interim Director of Spa, Retail & Recreation, Youliana Roussou. “Sit in a quiet room, breathe deeply, and allow your body to fully absorb the benefits of the treatment.”
Rely on Water (or Don’t)
6. Place an icy towel on your forehead and eyes and dream of a faraway shoreline or green and lush mountaintop through visualization. Make a promise to yourself that soon you’ll make this visualization a reality by taking a long, overdue vacation.
7. Don’t rush to the shower—the products applied during treatments will continue to reap benefits to you for hours after the service, so don’t wash all that fabulous cream or oil off.
8. Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more. “It is important to prioritize hydration post-treatment to replenish hydration levels, flush out toxins released during the treatment, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body´s natural healing process,” Essafi says.
9. Enjoy some light refreshments and don’t load up on alcohol or hard-to-digest foods. “Give your body a rest,” Feria says. The spa staff at Anantara Kihavah Maldives agrees and suggests avoiding heavy meals, caffeine, vigorous exercise, intense activities and sun exposure.
Sleep Tight
10. Think about the spa treatment before you go to bed: “Practice mindfulness and meditation,” says Roussou. “Engage in mindfulness or meditation techniques before bed to further relax your mind and body. This can help you achieve a deeper, more restful sleep and prolong the feeling of tranquility from the spa treatment.”
11. Promise yourself that you won’t be a stranger to wellness and commit to taking better care of yourself from this day forward.
