How to Make the Most of the Spa

I have a favourite saying when I travel: “It’s not a vacation until I’ve been to the spa.” There are few experiences better suited to helping you relax and enjoy a trip. While there are many ways to approach spa visits while travelling, I have a few tried and true routines that have served me well over the years. 

Ideally, I hit up my first spa at the first destination on the itinerary. I try to visit in the mid-afternoon on the second day, as this gives me one night of sleep, a morning of activity, and lunch. Just as you are thinking about taking a nap, you hit the spa for a jetlag recovery massage. This way, you gently fall into a calm, sleep-like state as all your aches from being squished on the plane fade away. Plus, you get an automatic wakeup call if you fall asleep. I also recommend fitting a half-day experience into your rest and relaxation portion of the trip. Ideally, do as the locals do, such as a hammam and spa in Morocco, Egypt, or Türkiye. Approaching the spa this way gives you some local insight in addition to pampering relaxation. 

Don’t get me wrong: hotel spas are fantastic as well. They often have private relaxation areas with saunas, steam baths, and a hot tub. But they can be pricey. If you are a tad budget conscious, I suggest that you book a local spa, which may not offer the extras, but still provides outstanding services at typically a third to a half the cost. Of course, if you are in any Southeast Asian country, you must book a foot massage, which can start from $10 for a full hour. Near the end of your trip, I tend to incorporate a wind-down spa visit, which fits nicely into the last full day when you’re bummed to be going home. Think of it as a goodbye treat. This is also the perfect time for a facial and body scrub to fully hydrate before getting back on the plane to head home. 

Spas might seem old hat in the modern day, but they remain a reliably wonderful way to recharge while travelling the world.