Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Maximizing Your Spa Budget

I know what you're thinking.... Did she really just put the words "spa" and "budget" in the same sentence? But yes, gals, I did! Because every once in a while all of us deserve a little spa time, and frankly, there is nothing like a good day at the spa. Too often we resign time at a spa to being "too expensive" and we don't even look into it. I am here to tell you that you deserve it and you can afford it!

So how does a budget-conscious spa-loving lady (like me!) make the most of her time at the spa? Here are some suggestions:

1. Pick a spa with the works and perks!

If you can find a spa that also offers complementary steam room and sauna features, you'll find yourself in heaven (without a fee!). This way, you can stretch out a $80 facial all afternoon by preparing for your treatment in the whirlpool or steam room. You may be paying a tad more for the treatment (massage, facial, what have you) but you're enjoying a lot of the perks (lounging in the robe, drinking the spa water, sitting in the whirlpool, etc) as a complementary bonus. How delightful! Another tip- arrive early to your appointment at these places and enjoy these features for a nice long while before your appointment time.

2. Opt for a polish change rather than a full manicure.

I know it's delightful to have someone give you a hand and arm massage, but a quicker polish change can be almost half as expensive with much of the same results. Your cuticles will still be pushed, your nails still trimmed/filed, and a fresh coat of color put on. You just won't get all the soaking/massaging benefits. The same, of course, goes for a pedicure. And you can always soak your hands and feet at home!

3. Make your own "package" deal.

A lot of spas offer specialty packages and may seem like you're getting a discount- but is it really a discount if you didn't need the service? Think about what your body needs and only book treatments that will work best for you. Need to shed that winter dull skin in preparation for summer? Book a body scrub and regular pedicure. Face broken out? Book a signature facial and skip the other treatments. By booking only the services you need most, you'll get a little more bang for your buck and control your spending. Let's face it, it would be lovely to have manicures, pedicures, facials, and lunch brought in- but do you really need all that?

4. Make it a girls weekend, at home.

Resort spas (aka where you go for the entire weekend) may not be interested in giving a discount to your party of five (after all, that's pretty typical for them), but a local beauty spot might be. So, before you opt to go away for the weekend, schedule a girlfriends "stay-cation" and call up your favorite local spa. When you're making your reservation for you and your friends, ask if you can get a group discount. They may say no, but hey, does it hurt to ask?

5. Schedule an appointment for extractions rather than a whole facial.

If your skin is broken out (hello PMS/stress/hangover/exhaustion) and you want some help from the pros, try making an appointment for extractions instead of for an entire facial. You won't get the relaxing rubbing and resting, but you will get a professionally cleaned face and professional extractions (which is far better than squeezing at home!) for a fraction of the cost. I find extractions typically only run about $15-$25 per appointment, which is far less expensive than paying for an entire facial.

6. Skip the "mani-pedi" in the upscale spas.

Often we fall back on a trusted "mani-pedi" when we go to a resort type spa, when in reality, you can get a great mani-pedi at your little nail salon next to the grocery store back home for half the price. It is delightful to have a real spa manicure and pedicure, and if you've never done it, then far be it from me to stop you, but save your real "spa" dollars for treatments you can't get anywhere else.

Now pick up the phone and make yourself that well-deserved appointment!