Want to try a spa for your hen but worried you’ve never been to one before? Here, Jo Hoare, Style Editor of Heat magazine, reveals the perfect spa-tiquette when it comes to getting your kit off…
I’m lucky enough to try spas and treatments as part of my job so standing in paper knickers in front of a stranger or being confronted with a naked pensioner in the sauna doesn’t make me bat an eyelid nowadays. With all this spa experience under my belt, it’s easy to forget that your first trip to a spa can be a little bit nerve wracking, thus spoiling what should be a lovely relaxing day. I recently took my sister-in-law2b for a spa day as a bit of pre-wedding pampering and, having never been to a spa before, she was a little apprehensive about what would happen during the day. Her biggest worry was what to wear and when, so here’s my guide to exactly what you’ll need to take off…
Swimsuit, underwear or eeek nothing?! The best thing to do here is to just ask your therapist when you go in the room. It won’t make you look silly that’s what they are there for. As a general rule, a facial will mean taking off your bra as the therapist will extend the products and massage down your neck and to the top of your chest – don’t panic you’re tucked under a towel so nothing’s on show. If you’re really self-conscious you can just slip the straps down and keep your bra on.
For a massage, it’s knickers only – don’t wear fancy ones as they will get oil on them. Sometimes you’ll be offered a pair of paper knickers to stop this happening. If they want to work on the top of your bottom (it’s where a lot of us carry tension) they may ask if you don’t mind being naked – just say no if you don’t feel comfortable (they can roll them down) but trust me they do such clever things with a sheet you’ll never feel at all exposed if you do decide to brave it.
If you’re having a body wrap or scrub it’ll almost definitely be the paper knickers – don’t worry, they’re not made out of newspaper rather a sort of stretchy elastic fabric similar to something you’d find on a babies nappy.
For waxing if you want anything other than a basic bikini line tidy up, it is pants off. They’ll cover you with a towel over your knees so your modesty is protected, though.
My top three spas for hens are…
The Sanctuary
Covent’s Garden’s famous women’s only spa is the perfect hen destination. A full day can be expensive so if you’re on a budget book an evening session. For £50 per person you’ll have full access to the spa and facilities from 5pm to 10pm. With a lovely big lounge complete with cosy blankets, squashy bean bags and a bar it’s the perfect place to snuggle in your dressing gown and have a gossip.
The Nirvana Spa
Offering a brilliant value all inclusive day package you’ll pay £119 (Monday to Thursday, £145 Friday and Saturday) for full access form 8.30 til 5. Plus an hours treatment in the deeply relaxing flotation pool plus lunch and all the soft drinks, tea and coffees and snacks you want all day! The restaurant is light and airy, the lunch on offer is delicious and the large relaxation pool makes you feel just like you’re on holiday as you sit on a lounger and sip a glass of fix!
Champneys
With three spas positioned across the country it should be easy to find one not too far from you. One of the original “health farms” the focus here is quite health based so it’s brill if you’re counting the calories befoe the wedding. You can also stay overnight so it’s great for longer hen dos. If you’re really pushing the boat out the spa will also arrange (for a fee) for therapists to come to your room and perform mini treatments as you laze round drinking Champers!
