Your spa jargon buster: treatments and terms explained
Fancy a facial but not 100% sure what it involves? Or never heard of microdermabrasion? If you’re not a seasoned spa-goer, the terminology can be pretty daunting.
We explore some of the most popular spa treatments and demystify a few of the common phrases you might hear in a spa, so you can truly relax and enjoy.
What is a spa day?
Let’s start with the basics. A spa day is a pampering experience where you can enjoy the facilities and treatments on offer without needing to stay overnight. It’s an opportunity to relax in a serene and tranquil environment for a few hours.
Spas, like the ones in our hotels, offer a variety of services, including massages, facials, body wraps and nail treatments. The facilities can vary, but they often include swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, gyms and relaxation lounges.
As part of a spa day package, you might also get extras included, such as a glass of fizz or a light lunch.
Popular spa treatments explained
A facial is a treatment for the face that’s designed to boost your complexion. Different types target different skin concerns. Some facials simply apply moisturising products to nourish and hydrate the skin. Others use innovative technology to stimulate collagen production and reduce the signs of ageing.
What does a facial involve? Your therapist will start by cleansing and exfoliating your face to remove any traces of make-up and dry skin cells. If you’re having a non-tech facial, they will apply a nourishing face mask and leave it for a while to work its magic. After the mask is removed, they will apply a moisturising oil, cream or serum.
Good for: Refreshing the face for a glowing complexion and addressing skin issues.
Manicures and pedicures can range from a quick file and polish of your nails to full-on luxury hands and feet care. Finishes vary too, from regular polish to gel, which is dried under a UV lamp and lasts longer than standard nail polish.
What does a nail treatment involve? You might be asked to soak your hands or feet in warm water to soften them up before your nail technician gets to work. Once they’ve buffered away dead skin and applied a moisturiser, they will then trim, file and shape your nails, as well as tidy the cuticles. The final step is applying your chosen shade of nail polish.
Good for: Improving the appearance of your hands and feet. Great preparation for a night out, holiday or wedding.
Massages are a staple of the spa experience, offering a wealth of wellbeing benefits. From head massages to hot stone massages, there are various types to choose from. But all have one thing in common – to alleviate pain and muscle tension and leave you feeling great.
What does a massage involve? A massage usually involves a therapist placing their hands directly on your body to manipulate and knead your muscles. With a hot stone massage, however, the therapist places warm stones along your torso and glides them around. If your body is being worked on, you’ll need to be comfortable with being undressed.
Good for: Relieving stress, easing muscle tension and promoting relaxation.
Body wraps remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. Masks and moisturisers containing ingredients like seaweed, mud or essential oils are applied to your skin before you’re wrapped up in sheets, foil or towels to help the products absorb into the skin.
What does a body wrap involve? To begin with, your skin is exfoliated to remove dead skin cells. The therapist will then apply a nourishing product to your skin, before putting the wrapping on. You’ll have time to relax for up to an hour before the wrap is removed.
Good for: Detoxifying and toning the skin, leaving your body feeling refreshed and revitalised.
More spa jargon explained
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses warm essential oils extracted from plants such as lavender and peppermint. In spas, aromatherapy massages and facials are common treatments, where oils are rubbed into your skin to soothe your body, boost your mood and combat stress.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation technique that uses a vacuum device to gently sand down the top layer of the skin with fine crystals. It’s designed to leave you with a healthy glow and reduce the appearance of fine lines, sunspots and wrinkles.
What is a spa ritual?
A spa ritual typically combines multiple spa treatments into a single session. For example, it could start with a full-body exfoliation followed by a therapeutic back massage to soothe your tensions away. Bliss.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands or ears. These points are believed to correspond to different parts of the body. The idea is that massaging these areas can improve circulation and help alleviate pain from conditions like headaches, arthritis and back pain.