What to wear to a spa: Everything you need to pack
Spas offer us a chance to relax and rejuvenate. Get a head start on your stress-free state of mind with the help of our simple packing guide, designed to cover everything you’ll need for the ultimate spa day.
Looking to indulge in a spa treatment? Why not book an indulgent spa day with The QHotels Collection?
Everything you need to pack
Two swimsuits
For many of us, making the most of a spa means spending time in the pool or hot tub. That’s why, packing a spare, dry swimsuit can really make a difference to your spa experience. Forget worrying about one costume to dry and dive back in wearing something clean and comfortable to unwind all over again.
Flip flops/slippers
While a lot of spas will provide you with flip flops, you might want to bring a pair of your own. Wearing comfortable footwear can help you switch off from the stresses and strains of the outside world and a clean pair will help you to feel brand new.
A robe
There’s no better feeling than relaxing in a fluffy robe but not all spas will have one available for you. Why not pack one of your own so you know you can wrap up warm between treatments and dips in the pool? You might be able to pick one out that compliments your swimwear too.
Comfy clothes
Bring the chilled out feeling from your spa treatment to your room with comfy clothes. Slipping into your favourite loungewear or pyjamas cold be just the thing to make you feel even more at home. Forget worrying about keeping up appearances, the spa experience is all about putting yourself first.
Smart casual clothes
There’s something about a spa that brings us back to our best. If a treatment helps you to feel great you might want to dress the part too. Pack that dress you’ve been waiting to give a try, iron that blazer you’ve been saving for a big occasion, the perfect outfit could be the cherry on top of your spa-day shaped cake. What a treat
Sunglasses, suncream and hat
Pack your bag ready for nature’s own spa treatment, the sun’s soothing rays. If your hotel has an outdoor area, a pair of sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat can help you to make the most of the sun’s warm glow. Remember to stay protected at all times and wear sunscreen while you top up on your vitamin d.
Here are some other bits you might want to bring to enjoy the complete spa experience.
A waterproof bag
A waterproof bag is a must-have. Place any books, magazines, mobiles or headphones in a closed case to enjoy all the splashes and spills that come with a spa visit.
Spare contact lenses or glasses
A dip in a pool or a soak in a hot tub is a must. If you wear contacts, the best way to avoid any potential discomfort around water is to remove your lenses completely. Remember to pack an extra set or perhaps a pair of glasses for those times when you’re drying off by the pool.
Spare towel
Spas will normally provide at least one towel, but there’s no harm in bringing one of your own. Depending on the treatments you go for, an extra towel may actually be needed. And there’s nothing like a few home comforts to help you feel truly relaxed.
Hair ties
Long hair and facial hair can get in the way of certain treatments so it’s good to be prepared and have a couple of hair ties at the ready. You’ll not only receive the best treatment possible but keep any lotions or potions out of your hair too.
Water bottle
Spas can be hot and humid places that may dehydrate you. Although water will probably be on offer, it’s a good idea to bring your own bottle to make sure you’re not too parched between pampering sessions.
Toiletries
Sometimes you just want those toiletries you know and love. Make sure you pack your favourites to get that home from home feeling.
Now that you know what’s best to bring to a spa, here are some things you may want to leave at home.
Make up and hair products
While you may love the way you look with make up on, or with your hair gelled, it’s not always conducive to a relaxing spa experience. You may be asked to shower before using the facilities anyway, and any products on your body may interfere with treatments.
Jewellery
Like make up and hair products, jewellery can get in the way of spa treatments. There’s a risk you might lose small and sentimental pieces and chemicals in the water may damage your jewellery or react with materials and affect your skin. It’s best to leave all your jewellery safely stored in your room.
Your phone
Spas are supposed to be tranquil and it can be hard to maintain this atmosphere if you’re constantly on your phone. Even the light from a screen or tapping of your finger can be distracting. If you absolutely need to have your phone with you in the spa, keep it on silent and try to use it as little as possible.
Spa etiquette: The basics you need to know
It’s not just the right space that creates the perfect spa atmosphere, it’s the guests too. Here are three things we can all do to give everyone the best possible spa experience:
Be time aware
Some facilities may have time limits, or there could be a queue to use them. Make sure you don’t spend too much time in one place.
Always shower
It’s best to wash your body when you first arrive at the spa. It’s also good to wash off in the shower after a treatment so you don’t bring oils into the facilities.
Be mindful
Some facilities, like saunas, can be quite small, so make sure you’re not getting in anyone’s personal space.
Only the best is good enough for our guests, which is why we exclusively use high-quality ELEMIS products in our treatments.
We stayed for a 2 night spa break... Our spa treatments were great, the therapists did an amazing job!
The spa facilities were lovely!.. I had a fantastic treatment by Nastasha, the pressure for my back massage was amazing!
The spa treatments left us feeling relaxed and totally de-stressed, thank you Esmie and Dawn. Would definitely stay again.
We had a 2-night spa break with breakfasts, afternoon tea and a dinner... The facilities were good and our spa treatments were great.
Enjoyed our overnight spa break. Lovely food, accommodation, and facilities highly recommend and would return.