I’m grateful it’s Friday as I’m coming off a very stressful week. But then again, I publish a weekly online magazine, so every week is a stressful week for me.
So what’s my favorite remedy? Well, besides a good pour of Lagavulin, my preferred way to unwind on the weekends is with a spa experience. I’m lucky in that since moving to California last year, I live in an apartment complex that has a few saunas and whirlpools (which I take full advantage of since no one else seems to ever use them), and I’ve been a massage junky for years.
I also make sure I get at least one massage a month; two if I’m über-stressed. I wish I could make it a weekly affair, but with a good 60-minute massage costing anywhere from about $125 and up, that’s beyond my (and most people’s) budget. So instead I sometimes opt for a 30-minute Chinatown Qigong massage (usually around $20-$30) to tide me over between sessions.
If you’re not into the Chinatown massage parlor thing, there are other ways you can find a good spa deal. This month, the International SPA association (ISPA) launched a new magazine, LiveSpa, and one of its articles is “5 Ways to Find A Good Spa Deal,” by Rachel Zawila. Here’s what she has to say about spa savings:
Off Is On—Book an appointment in the morning, mid-week and during the off-season. These are slower times for spas and when they tend to offer promotions.
Packaged Deal—Many spa directors report that packages are often discounted up to as much as 20 percent off the regular individual prices. With 70 percent of spas offering packages, these deals are easy to find.
Group Mentality—Bring your friends, family or co-workers and save. Some spas offer discounts for groups over a certain number; for those that don’t, call ahead and tell the manager you’re bringing in a group of people and ask what discount might be available.
Extra-added Benefits—Turn a 60-minute spa experience into a full day! Spas offer a wide range of complimentary amenities for you to enjoy, such as relaxation rooms, steam rooms, fitness centers, pools and healthy snacks and beverages.
Know Where to Look—Check your favorite spa’s Web site regularly for deals and discounts, and get on their newsletter mailing list, or call and ask what specials they’re running.
I say, use these tips for savings when you’re on vacation too. Research spas in the destination you’re heading to about a month ahead of time, check for their specials and get on their mailing lists. You never know what might be on offer during your stay.
