Spa Treatments Guide - The 6 Most Common Spa Treatments

Booked a Spa day or break with a treatment included, and wondering which one to go for? Here is our guide to the six traditional and most common treatments offered at a spa, so you can choose which is best for you.

1. Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is one of the most popular spa treatments. Getting a massage means that a trained person will place their hands directly on your body. There are different techniques, and depending on the type of massage, the pressure they'll use will also change. The Swedish massage is a relaxing and light massage style, so if you're getting your first massage, this is a great choice. It involves the use of oils, such as almond or jojoba, applied with even strokes to ease away superficial muscle tension. There are other types of massages which are also popular at spas, which are included further down this list.

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2. Spa Facials

Facials are the second most popular choice when it comes to spa treatments, and they serve to boost the look and feel of your skin as well as being a relaxing experience. As with massages, there are multiple different types of facials - which target different skin concerns. The current most popular one is the 'Hydrating facial' or 'hydrafacial', as the name suggests, this type of facial is designed to hydrate your skin. A hydrating facial will involve beneficial, infused lotions, used to cleanse your skin and give it a youthful look. Also quite popular are the 'Soothing facial', great for irritated skin, with natural oils boosting the skin's natural protective functions, and the 'Rejuvenating facial', designed to promote the growth of new skin cells and collagen production.

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3. Manicures

A manicure is a treatment that serves to improve the look and condition of hands and nails. Different massage techniques, as well as tools and lotions, can be used in this treatment and they depend on the type of manicure. The most popular manicures are the 'File and polish manicure', in which you choose how you want your nails filed and the colour of the polish, the 'French manicure', which gives your 'squoval' nails a unique look finished with a white tip, and the 'Gel polish manicure', in which you get a special chip-resistant gel varnish that lasts longer than standard nail polish.

4. Pedicures

A pedicure is essentially a manicure but for the feet - they serve to improve the look and condition of your feet and toenails. They usually include the six following steps. First, you will soak your feet in a warm bath, then a nail technician will trim and file each of your toenails before gently pushing the cuticles back, making them neater. Using an exfoliant cream, they'll remove any dead skin cells, making you ready for a relaxing foot massage. Of course, the last step is polish!

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5. Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage

The back, neck and shoulders massage is another popular massage that focuses on the upper back. This is usually offered with various techniques such as the more relaxing Swedish massage or a more targeted deep tissue massage. Some spas will offer a choice of different options, so check with your venue to see what is available. This is a great choice of treatment for easing stress and muscular tension in the back area - especially if you spend long hours sitting at a desk for work

6. Hot Stone Massages

The hot stone massage has been growing in popularity over recent years, to the point we see it as a traditional treatment. Warm stones are placed along your torso before the therapist glides them around. This massage style goes a bit deeper than a Swedish massage and it's perfect for the colder months.