~ When traveling to a Resort Spa, be sure to book your spa appointment when you book your room, resort and hotel spa appointments fill up very quickly.

~ You have a choice to request either a female or male therapist when you book your treatment. There are no wrong answers so don't be shy to speak up and tell them your gender preference. Some men prefer females, others prefer males. To most spa-goers it doesn't matter, but it's entirely up to the individual.

~ Spas will provide you with a robe and slippers and most spas will supply bathroom amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, hair dryers. Some even go further with things such as razors, mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes and lots of little extras. Just like hotels, spas differ from one to the next so don't hesitate to ask when you book what you need to bring with you.

~ Do you wonder what you are supposed to take off when putting on the robe? Most people take everything off, but it's perfectly O.K. to leave your under garments on if you feel more comfortable. Many spas also offer disposable underwear just for that purpose. You can ask for a pair when you're shown to the locker room. Professional spa therapists are taught special draping techniques and the only part of the body exposed at one time is the part being worked on. You are covered by a combination of sheets and towels. Of course, if you're having a treatment that involves a soak in a whirlpool bath, you'll need to get in without the towels. But, hey, if you want to wear your under garments on you go right ahead, it's totally up to you. Another thing that new spa-goers may not realize is that therapists will usually leave the room to allow you privacy to remove your robe and hop onto the treatment table, and vice versa at the end of the treatment. So relax. Professional therapists do everything in their power to make a client feel comfortable and worry free during a treatment.

~ Let the therapist know about your aches, pains, areas that need attention.

~ Let your therapist know if the water in a therapeutic bath is too hot, the massage pressure is too hard, the wrap is claustrophobic, or anything else that makes you feel uncomfortable. They won't know unless you tell them.

~ Some clients will talk and ask questions during a treatment, others won't. It's up to you to decide what's best for you.

~ Don't worry about falling asleep on the table. It's the ultimate relaxation.

~15% to 20% tip is customary; gratuities can be included, so ask about the tipping policy at time of booking.

~ Allow yourself a little time to relax and enjoy the moments of calm after your treatment. Drinking water or herbal teas will also help flush out toxins.