Taking a mental and physical break from the stresses of everyday life has proven health benefits. Spas are one way to find your Zen, but a relaxing spa break can often come at a high price. If you’re on a tight budget, fret not: You can still plan a first-rate, rejuvenating wellness trip at a reasonable price. Read on for 10 tricks from spa insiders for getting a relaxing with top-notch services and programs without paying a small fortune.
[See: 10 Top Wellness Retreats Around the Globe.]
Become a Social Follower
Many hotel spas post discounts through their social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. “Most spas offer special promotions monthly or seasonally,” says Jennifer Aarons, director of spa operations for Immersion Spa at The Water Club and Spa Toccare at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Another tip, add your name to a spa’s mailing list. “You’ll receive emails and invitations for promotions or events,” Aarons says.
Check if Treatments Are Covered by Your Insurance Policy
Massages not only feel good. They are good for your overall health and well-being. “Some insurance companies cover the cost of massages as a form of wellness or preventative care,” Aarons explains. “Check with your insurance company to see if that is available,” she suggests. For an indulgent seasonal treatment, consider a “Spring into Relaxation” massage, Aarons says. “This massage is the ultimate tension relieving, relaxation massage that focuses on your back, neck, shoulders, feet and scalp. It’s a head-to-toe relaxing journey that is simple perfection,” she says.
Jump Online for Fire Sales
The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa, in Hawley, Pennsylvania, offers two fire sales a year, during Black Friday and March. “These are limited-time offers where the lowest rates of the year are offered,” says Robert Baldassari, general manager of The Lodge at Woodloch.
Ask for Gift Cards to Offset a Spa Visit
Request gift cards from close friends, relatives and significant others to help offset the cost for a spa visit. “Gift cards can be purchased online, on the telephone or in person,” Baldassari says. Alternatively, consider purchasing SpaFinder gift cards at Costco. “A $100 spa gift card can be purchased for $80 at Costco and used toward spa services at The Lodge at Woodloch,” Baldassari explains.
[Read: 9 Top Hotels for Health-Conscious Travelers.]
Include a Spa Credit in Your Rate
To get more bang for your buck, Baldassari suggests purchasing a Complete Spa Package, which includes a spa credit. “Often, people opt for the absolute lowest rate at booking and then add their spa treatments a la carte. But they don’t realize that there is a savings of $20 plus built into the spa credit package,” he says.
Plan Your Visit According to the Season
At the Spa at Woodloch, reservation specialists often know about seasonal savings secrets. May and June offer excellent weather conditions are not as crowded as the prime summer season, in July and August, Baldassari adds. “Take advantage of lower rates with seasonal secrets that only insiders know about,” she says.
Consider a Weekday Visit
One of the easiest ways to save at a spa is to look for midweek discounts, says Sara Schmitz, marketing director at The Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wisconsin. The Avani Spa, located within resort, offers midweek specials throughout the year. “Some months we discount select spa services by as much as 40 percent off the full price,” she adds.
Enjoy the Entire Spa Experience
There’s no need to rush out of the spa when your spa treatment has ended. Linger longer and enjoy the experience to optimize value, Schmitz says. “Most luxury spas have amenities such as beautiful pools and steam rooms available for their guests to enjoy before and after their treatments,” she adds. Plus, some spas allow guests to enjoy these amenities for a small fee. “For example, at Avani Spa, guests are welcome to enjoy our indoor sunlit pool atrium, saunas, whirlpools and steam and inhalation rooms for a $25 admission fee during the midweek and on select non-peak weekends,” Schmidt says.
Consider a Spa Package
Purchasing multiple treatments in a bundle can help trim expenses. “Generally, spa packages offer the best pricing for services,” says Carmen Perrizo, spa director at Embury Spa at Loews Minneapolis Hotel. “For instance, a massage a la carte might be priced 15 percent higher than a massage that is part of a spa package,” she says.
[See: 10 Under-the-Radar Spa Retreats.]
Join a Spa Club to Take Advantage of Discounts
Jill Haidler, spa director at The Waldorf Astoria Spa at The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, recommends joining a spa club at your favorite spa. “Here at the Waldorf Astoria Spa in New Orleans we offer a 6 or 12 month membership to our Spa Club that allows members to receive a 50-minute massage or facial each month, plus access to our luxury spa amenities, the rooftop pool and the fitness center at a flat monthly rate,” she explains.
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10 Tips for Planning an Affordable Spa Getaway originally appeared on usnews.com
