Relax in the steam bath, sweat in the sauna, float in the brine bath and dissolve blockages with a massage:at least you can now dream of your next wellness holiday. But which rules must be observed? What are the musts when relaxing in style and what is an absolute no-go? We reveal here which do's and don'ts you should definitely know.
1. Treatments
You must arrive approximately five to ten minutes in advance for wellness treatments. It is always advisable to agree the desired date in advance by telephone or e-mail. In order to find the right treatment, the employees can give advice by telephone. If something comes up:Cancel the appointment as early as possible, preferably 24 hours in advance – of course no reason is necessary. What many people who seek relaxation do not know or often forget:Like the hairdresser or the waitress in the restaurant, the therapists also like a tip.
2. Dress code
In a bathrobe in the restaurant? What is customary in some wellness hotels is not welcomed in others. It is best to ask at the reception. For treatments, you are usually asked to show up in dry swimwear with a bathrobe. Flip flops are also recommended. Anyone who comes directly into the treatment area will be given ample opportunity to change. In the relaxation areas, what is comfortable applies:whether in a bikini or in a bathrobe.
3. Sauna and steam bath
Inexperienced sauna visitors are easily deterred. The most important rule is:shower first and then dry! In addition, you should always enter the sauna and steam room barefoot and leave slippers in front of the door. In the sauna you have to put a sauna towel under you.
4. Food and drink
For those who are hungry or thirsty in between, many wellness facilities have a bistro or a small self-service counter. You should not go into a sauna on a full stomach, and especially not drink alcohol. Both are reflected in the circulatory system. Before the visit, have a drink, preferably water or unsweetened tea. And of course you can drink and eat afterwards.
5. Ban on mobile phones?
The best way to really switch off is to leave your cell phone at home or outside – that's the general rule for the spa. If you do want to take it with you to wellness:Be sure to turn it off. But photographing or filming is absolutely prohibited.
6. No Gos
Everything that brings relaxation is allowed, but you must respect the basic rules for treatments, saunas and the like. An absolute no-go is speaking loudly or even making a phone call in the quiet area. Wellness vacationers like to forget about such habits, sometimes the staff has to point out. By the way:in the Netherlands, Austria, Germany and Belgium it is customary to go to the sauna naked. The Italians, on the other hand, are not very fond of that.
