Don't stress over modesty

UNLIKE Scandinavians who grow up with saunas and are relaxed about the naked body, Australians tend to be shy when it comes to spas.

WHEN you enter a spa, you should leave your cares behind you. The sole purpose of your spa visit is to renew, relax and revive you, the most important person in the world for the hour, half-day or day that you are their guest.

Yet, our culture ill prepares us for some aspects of spa etiquette. Unlike the Scandinavians who grow up with saunas and an easy acceptance of the naked body, we shy from undressing in public and find touch and even some massage intrusive.

Your spa therapist has been trained to respect your privacy at all times, but a little preparedness will make your visit more enjoyable.

WHAT TO WEAR: Most spas have change rooms and supply lockers for your belongings, and robes for changing into. Depending on your treatment, they may suggest you wear supplied disposable pants, your own underwear – or nothing at all, if you're comfortable about it.

Inquire about the spa's protocol when booking your appointment, so that you know what to expect and can be prepared.

Be assured your modesty will be respected at all times and the therapist will either leave the room or hold up a towel when you undress or turn over during treatment.

CONSULTATION: Your therapist should ask you to fill out a simple medical form prior to your treatment, listing any health issues and concerns you have.

Be honest: it will help them assess what you need and will help prevent any problem from occurring.

TREATMENTS: To a degree, these are dictated by the spa's facilities. A small neighbourhood salon spa will not have the water treatments of a large resort or a day spa.

Browse the spa treatments and therapies menu before your visit and gauge whether the spa has what you need.

If in doubt, ask to have the facilities and treatments explained to you.

COST: This differs with each spa, but expect to pay more at the big spas which offer a large range of treatments. A small neighbourhood concern could charge as little as $22 for a stress-relief shoulder massage, while you should expect between $80 and $155 per treatment at a higher-profile or resort spa.

Many larger spas package treatments in half-day and full-day segments; sometimes, these are the best value as more treatments are included at a package rate.

TWOSOMES: Couples' rooms, where you and your partner can enjoy the spa facilities and treatments together, are becoming very popular. Small spas may not have the space for couples' rooms, so ask when booking.

RESEARCH: You will hear many different terms used to describe types of spas – day, wellness, medi, resort, hotel, retreat and health spa, to list a few. Each has different functions; all are there to make you feel wonderful.

Read up on the various types of spas before you go; if in doubt, ask whether the spa has what you need. A good start is to ask friends what they liked or disliked about previous treatments.

MORE: There is knowledgeable help on the web, and in specialist publications. Check out spaescapes.com which not only lists spas and treatments but explains the terminology of spas.