If you have never been to a spa, you might be asking yourself what you should take. It can be intimidating and that is exactly the sort of feeling you want to avoid. The purpose of going to a spa is to relax, after all. You don’t want those pesky “what ifs?” getting in the way of your rejuvenating getaway. To take the guesswork out of your pre-vacation packing experience, here is some advice for beginners.
Towel or bathrobe?
Since you will probably be dipping in and out of the jacuzzi, towels are must-haves. Some spas will have some available for you, but don’t assume that they all do. When in doubt, call your spa and ask. You certainly don’t want to step out of the jacuzzi dripping-wet to find out that the spa doesn’t supply towels.
After that dip in the jacuzzi, you might want to head to the sauna, get a massage or just lounge around. Wearing a wet towel all day is not exactly the most comfortable experience, so it’s certainly handy to have a comfy bathrobe to change into. Again, some spas provide bathrobes, others rent their robes out for an additional fee and others don’t have them at all, so make sure you ask what the policy is and plan accordingly.
Even if the spa does provide towels and bathrobes, you might want to take your own if you’re particular about this sort of thing. The purpose of a spa getaway is to be as comfortable as possible, so if you have that one special bathrobe that makes you feel special, you might want to consider taking it.
Flip flops
If you plan on using the pool or jacuzzi, you will need comfortable footwear that is water-resistant and slip-proof, and all of this points to flip flops. If you are only planning on getting beauty treatments and massages - activities that don’t require getting wet - you might only need comfortable house slippers. It all depends on what your plans are.
Some spas provide flip flops, but since they are so lightweight, you might as well take your own favorite pair just in case. That way, you will be sure that they fit properly and won’t cause any blisters or discomfort. Remember, comfort is the key rule here.
Swimsuit
If you are planning on getting wet, a swimsuit is obviously necessary. Keep in mind that it can get pretty hot in saunas and thermal baths, so it’s a good idea to avoid swimsuits with metal clasps that may overheat and burn you.
Even if you are only thinking of getting beauty treatments, you might want to consider taking a comfortable swimsuit with you. Some people are comfortable wearing regular underwear beneath their robe while lounging around at the spa, but if you’re not, definitely pack your favorite swimsuit to wear underneath.
Personal care products
Most spas will provide luxurious personal care products like facial masks, so there is usually no need to pack your own. If you have especially sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, however, you might want to bring personal care items that you know agree with your skin and alert the person who is in charge of your beauty treatments about any issues you might have.
May I wear glasses?
It is best to avoid wearing glasses if you can go without them, especially in the pool or the sauna. There is nothing more annoying than having to windshield-wipe your glasses every two seconds in a steamy sauna room. Contact lenses are more comfortable alternatives, if that is a viable option for you, although some people find that the heat of the sauna irritates their eyes while using contacts. If you absolutely need glasses to see, take them with you and store them in the pocket of your bathrobe while you’re sitting in the sauna.
AIRE Experience
In general, the rule of thumb is to ask your spa what items they provide, focusing specifically on the essentials highlighted here. At AIRE thermal baths, however, there is no need to worry about packing any of these items. Much more than just a spa experience, AIRE provides a holistic mind-body relaxation experience that revolves around the ancient custom of thermal baths. Therefore, AIRE ensures that you are given everything you need to have the most worry-free, rejuvenating experience of your life, including flip flops, bathrobes, shampoo and conditioner. They will even lend you a swimsuit if you don’t have one. All that AIRE wants is for you to relax deeply and restore.
