Gift certificates to day spas and spa destination resorts are flexible to a degree. Most have a certain expiration date and it’s important to cash in your certificate before it expires. However, when it comes to services, most spas will work with you to choose services that make the best use of your time and that you’ll love.
Planning Ahead for a Trip to the Spa
Pull that gift certificate out from its hiding place and see what the certificate specifies. If gift certificates a specific spa location or chain, stop in for a quick tour before scheduling your appointment. This provides an overview of what services are offered and what amenities, such as complementary hot tubs or saunas, are available. If you’re new to spas this will give you a good idea of the massage rooms, treatment rooms, hydrotherapy services and the salon.
If you have the opportunity to wait in the lounge before your tour, check out what products are sold, noting if they’re from a specialty line that’s hard to find. On your tour ask to see the locker rooms, showers and changing areas. Ask the receptionist for a brochure of salon services and ask questions, especially regarding the spa’s most popular services and aestheticians.
Trading and Changes to Your Gift Certificate
Most spas will allow you to choose the services you want even if the gift certificate is for a specific item, such as a half-day of beauty. Instead of going with the recommended half-day choices, clients may prefer coming in several times for facials, massages or salon services. Any money remaining on gift certificates can also be used toward spa products.
Spa gift certificates sold at one location are also usually good for other spas in the chain. For instance, a gift certificate to Aveda in Colorado Springs, Colorado can be used at any of the spa’s three locations. In addition, clients can use portions of their gift cards at multiple spas. Gift cards can also be used for the services of accompanying guests. Clients who bring along a friend or relative can use their gift card to pay for both people if their card has adequate funds.
Destination Spas
Gift certificates to destination spas work in a similar fashion. Gift certificates may need to be used on weekends or certain days of the week. However, the cash value of gift cards remains the same although special holiday rates for suites and seasonal packages may have changed if used outside of the intended timeframe. Call ahead and find out what your options are. Spas are looking for new clients and are typically willing to work with you to find optimal solutions.
The Right Time to Visit the Spa
Don’t put off using your spa gift certificates. A spa gift certificate not used is like a dream gone astray. With spring in the air, it’s time to soften dry winter skin, begin a new health and beauty routine, and apply a nourishing conditioner to your hair. If you’re shy and uncertain of what to do, bring along your best friend or significant other and make use of all the spa’s amenities. As you step from your post-facial sauna and sip herbal tea, begin a new tradition, with you as the main attraction.
Elaine Moore - I'm a retired medical technologist and medical writer with more than 30 years experience working in hospital laboratories. Currently, I ...
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