Pulse June 2015 | Page 50

BEST Common Guidelines PRACTICES on Spa Etiquette BOOKING: Mandarin Oriental Atlanta recommends that guests schedule their services as far in advance as possible to ensure the best availability for their desired time and type of service. Disch agrees, stating that Sundara provides booking guidelines at every point of contact, from the website to the phone conversation during the reservation process and in the email confirmation. “Even something as simple as encouraging guests to book spa treatments in advance so they won’t be disappointed if time slots have filled up by the time they’ve arrived at Sundara is part and parcel of good customer service,” she says. At the time of booking, MEDICAL SPA 7’s staff asks basic information, such as their name, whether they have been in the spa before, how they heard about the spa and their preferred contact information. DRESS CODES DURING TREATMENTS: Sundara Inn & Spa includes dress code guidelines in the FAQ section of its website and makes sure reservation staff members are well-versed to advise guests on such matter. “It takes away all the uneasiness, which is especially important for first-time spa-goers,” Disch says. On the spa side, Carrico says MEDICAL SPA 7’s therapists and service providers are required to wear the appropriate spa uniform to maintain the look of professionalism. WaylandSmith says Mandarin Oriental Spa also recommends that guests change into the provided robe and spa sandals. “What to wear underneath the robe? That is up to the comfort level of the guest. Our professional spa therapists will make every effort to provide a comfortable experience with appropriate draping of towels and/or sheets used during the spa service,” she says. TECHNOLOGY AND SMARTPHONE USE: “The spa experience should be enjoyed with minimal distractions and interruptions,” Wayland-Smith says. “Out of respect to other guests and the spa provider, we advise [guests] to leave their smartphones on silent inside the spa locker.” Sundara Inn & Spa, on the other hand, takes a step further in enforcing this guideline by presenting guests with a “Peace & Quiet Agreement” upon arrival. “This is a fairly new tool for us,” Disch says. “We also offer this information on the website.” MEDICAL SPA 7 provides aestheticians a mobile tab