Day Spa/Massage
 

I've been thinking about going to a local Day Spa for a massage and I am trying to decide what treatments I want to get. If you have been to a Day Spa/gotten a professional massage, what was the experience like for you? What did you get? I am especially interested in the different types of massages and the the body wraps etc.

I've had professional massages a few times. I usually just have the standard Swedish massage, but I've also had deep-tissue massages. If you've never had a professional massage before, I'd recommend a Swedish massage... the deep-tissue one left me a bit sore, as they really dig into your muscles.

I get theraputic massages all the time - they're anything but relaxing, so I'd stay away from the deep tissue massage unless you have some serious muscle problems to get worked out. If you do get a deep tissue massage, be prepared to "relax through the pain" and drink LOTS of water afterwards. Massages release toxins into your muscles, which is what makes them ache after a deep massage.

Besides that, my most memorable spa experience was a very pleasant banana wrap at the Hotel Intercontinental in Moorea, Tahiti. It made my skin very soft and banana-scented, which Mr RedRose enjoyed. ;)

Get a hot stone massage. They RULE.

Tell me about the banana wrap. What did they use? Were you butt booty nekkid? I have this vision of someone smearing smashed banana all over someone's body! Now this might be TMI, but how do they get it off? Especially in all of the various "crevices"?

I ditto this!!!!!!!!! They are awesome!!! But I would definitly plan on doing one at the end of the day because the only thing you'll feel like doing afterwards is sleeping:)

I love deep tissue massage. It does sort of hurt, but there's something oddly satisfying about it. It really feels like you're getting all the kinks out.

Banana leaves and a mixture of bananas, essential oils, and sugar.

Yes.

Yup, that was it. They applied it with a brush, IIRC.

I was lying on a table with a vichy shower above it, so first they turned that on and most of the banana goo came off.

Crevices were taken care of in the outdoor shower located in the spa garden.

Hope that helps paint the picture.

ditto on starting with the Swedish massage

I prefer sports/deep tissue massages because I feel its really the only thing that helps me while I'm in training.

eta: I do love an algae wrap every once in a while as well

Personally I like a shiatsu/swedish combination. The swedish is simply relaxing but the shiatsu part is really "healing" for lack of a better word.
Body scrubs are also great but you have to be clear to the spa if you have any allergies or skin sensitivities.
I think you need to get recommendations for a good facialist, they are not created equal. Some of them are simply a waste of money, you could do it at home, and some go after the skin on your face like it insulted their mother.
I think it's always nice to get a pedicure while I'm at a day spa, it's more money but they always do the "little extras" and you walk out of the spa with something pretty to look at when you glance down.

I just did this last week while I was out in Palm Springs. It was cool, I had never been to a spa before, though I've had massages and all. I got an aromatherapy massage(swedish with scented oil to help you relax), and I did a body wrap(remineralizing herbal wrap) as well. The wrap was cool, you should be naked as they slather the stuff all over you and it would get all over the underpants if you wear them, (though I found out from the massage therapist that there is a law against them touching areolas of both men and women...she covered me with a towel) and then I was wrapped in stuff that was like tissue paper, a blanket type thing, then covered in hot towels.
After a certain amount of time (20-25 minutes?- they give scalp massages or whatnot during this time) I was unwrapped and showered in the spa shower, then got moisturizer all over as well.

It was awesome. I would do it again. I smelled great and my skin was really soft afterwards. Plus it was super relaxing.

Has anyone ever had the body wraps? Do they work? Some friends and I were discussing this. They offer it at the fitness center I belong to and I want to know from real customers if this is legit in terms of the loss of inches.

I also recommend starting with a Swedish massage. You may also want to consider things like a body scrub or other cleanse/wrap/massage treatments the spa may offer. These are truely heavenly!!!

I LOVE hot stone and swedish massages. My mom recently was treated to a chocolate body wrap. She LOVED it.