5 key things to consider before choosing a spa

Choosing a spa can take some time, especially if you recently moved to an area or have never had a professional spa treatment before. Here are 5 major things to first consider.

Most spas will post their menu of services online or in a brochure that you can pick up on a visit.

• Review the menu carefully and take a look at pricing options.
• If you plan on getting multiple treatments in one visit or want to get a monthly spa treatment, ask about any loyalty discounts or memberships that can help you save some money.

You can learn a lot about a business by reading online reviews and taking a look at ratings.

• Do an online search about the spa to learn about other people's experiences and get some insider tips straight from the source.
• Unbiased reviews can be very helpful when deciding which spa to trust to take care of your skin and body.

Most spas hire several massage therapists, aestheticians and other specialists as part of their team.

• You may not know who you are going to receive services from until the day of your appointment, so don't be afraid to call ahead and find out more about them.
• Ask about the individual's experience, credentials and number of years they have been working for the spa so you aren't getting booked with someone completely new to the industry.

Even if it's just a virtual tour, take some time to take in the surroundings and environment of the spa so that you can decide whether you would feel relaxed and comfortable during your visit.

• Most spas will be more than happy to give you a quick tour before you book an appointment.

Many spas are aligned with a certain theme and may specialize in a certain area, such as advanced facial treatments, Eastern-style bodywork treatments, medical-grade services or holistic treatments.

• Find out what the spa's speciality is and what their signature services are so that you can choose a destination that will help you achieve your skin care and wellness goals.