12/11/2009

Why does Spa = $$$

Well, in most cases it is not the quality of the massage therapist you are paying for... Spas are notorious for employing mediocre massage therapists. Why? Well, that is a different topic for a different day. Nor is it the length of the session... Most spas offer 25, 50, and 75 minute sessions instead of the usual 30, 60 and 90. If they say the service is 30, 60, or 90 minutes, they usually tell you that 10-15 minutes of that time is used on your initial interview and changing time. I don't know about you, but it does not take me 10 minutes to take undress and get on a massage table. So why are the massages so much more money at a spa then with a private practitioner? It is all about the ambiance and experience. You pay more money for less time and less quality, buuuut you get to change into a comfy robe in a locker room where you lock all of your electronics away. Then you shuffle in your terry clothe slippers into a lounge where you may lay on a comfy sofa with your choice of beverage: a variety of teas, citrus water, juice, or sparkling cider. Perhaps a cookie, brownie or fresh fruit will be provided. You can enjoy these treats while you relax to the peaceful new age music and possibly watch a screen of fish swimming in the ocean. Then the therapist will take you back to their assigned room and offer a selection of oils that can be personalized by their aromatherapy (for an extra fee of course). After your OK massage where you still feel the tightness, but are content nonetheless, you shuffle back to the lounge and relax before re-entering the real world again. It takes multiple employees much more time to make sure all of this is enjoyable enough so you don't care that you still have that crook in your neck. This is why it costs so much more.