A visit to a spa can be a heavenly experience, but let's consider the other side of the treatment table. Staff and technicians at most spas will have a relatively concise list of annoying little things clients do on a regular basis. They are not pet peeves; they are simple courtesies the client may not even be aware of. Let's take a look at a few spa faux pas every client should try to avoid, simply out of respect for the technicians.

When a client makes an appointment at a spa, they are invariably told to arrive ten, fifteen or twenty minutes early. Clear instructions on parking are usually provided as well, all in an effort to get the client in the door on time. The prevailing question is why? Why is it so important to be on time for a spa treatment? No other appointment for such things requires an early arrival; physiotherapy, manicures, hair appointments, and so on. Arriving early for a spa treatment allows time for changing into a robe, storing personal belongings, using the washroom, and most importantly getting into the relaxing state of mind present in the spa environment. If time for these activities were included in the actual treatment time, then the duration of treatment would be shorter. In other words, the client would be paying for the privilege of using the bathroom and changing into a robe.

The spa is meant to be an oasis of quiet relaxation away from the hustle of life. Every client at the spa is seeking a short reprieve to help regenerate their batteries. Respect the environment and those in it by leaving the electronics on silent and locked up with your personal belongings. If people need to know where you are, let everyone know you will be out of touch for a few hours – before entering the spa. The world will not end; family and coworkers will survive for a few hours without you. If electronic stimulation is something you crave during quiet moments, feed that craving with meditation during treatment. Leave the smartphone with games and internet browsing in the locker on silent. Embrace the quiet comfort of the spa.

Now that we understand the value of silence, be sure to appreciate the importance of communicating with your technician. The massage therapist knows the human body, but does not know your body. Communicate with them about comfortable pressure, areas of concern and so on. The same is true for other bodily treatments. Give honest feedback, but don't be overly critical. Tell them when the beauty wrap bandages are too tight or just right. Guide the technician, and they will guide you through a successful treatment.

Spa technicians are educated and trained to work with bodies, but no one wants to work on a stinky sweaty body. Be respectful and shower before arriving at the spa. There is no need to shave, clip and exfoliate; just be clean. Consider the possibility of your technician enjoying their job more when clients are freshly showered, translating into a more enjoyable experience for the client. Of course, it is also much more respectful to arrive at a spa free of offending odors and dirt.

When clients finally get into the groove of relaxation, especially during a massage, it is quite common for them to fall asleep. Drifting off into la-la-land during treatment is a great compliment to the technician, so do not be embarrassed. However, when the technician wakes you at the end of the treatment, accept the fact it's over and time to leave. There are other clients to service, and the technician needs to prepare the room for them. Take the subtle hint that time is up, and move on. No matter how comfortable you feel, all good things come to an end.

These next two spa faux pas are not necessarily common, but they are present. Many spa-goers will view them with shocked disbelief (people actually do that?!), others not so much. First of all, the spa is not a place for children under the age of 13 years. Even adolescents over 13 years should not be present at the spa unless they are receiving services. The spa is not a daycare, nor is it a waiting room for children while mom gets a quick manicure. The presence of children (no matter how quiet and well-behaved they are) is off-putting and disruptive for other clients, as well as staff. Secondly, do not bring food or drinks to the spa. Not only is it rude and messy, but the food takes focus away from the purpose of the spa treatment. Most spas offer light refreshments such as tea, coffee or juice for before or after treatments. Save other snacks for after you have left the spa.

Enjoy a spa treatment in comfort and confidence, knowing how to avoid these small faux pas. It is all very logical. Be on time, be clean, be quiet, communicate with the technician, know when it's over, leave the kids at home and eat after the treatment (not during).