I am planning a girlfriend’s spa getaway for several of my friends. Are there any words of advice that you can give me? What precautions should I take?

Amy in Kansas

hi Amy -

Girlfriend Getaways and Spa-cations are a wonderful experience.  A study from the University of California says female bonding activities serve as very important stress management strategies and they have qualifiable health benefits.
 
The study indicates women who turn to other women for friendship lower the risk of early death; they also heal faster in times of bereavement or other trauma. Woman-to-woman friendship bonding or 'hanging out with friends' serve the purpose of filling the emotional gaps. Besides, says the study published in Psychological review when women are under stress, the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the response to stress.

As you can see, this trip will do more for you than you can know.  To keep it a great experience, there are a few things that you need to find out up front:

• Does everyone want the same experience? (Establish your Goals)
• What is the budget for the trip?  Agree ahead of time on where you will eat , what everyone will pay for.  Do not forget to find out if anyone has food allergies or dietary constraints when planning restaurants.  Compromise if some have more financial restraints then others.
• What type of location does everyone want? How far from home? Drive or Fly?
• What do you want to do in your free time?
• Do you want single rooms, doubles, Villa (who will room with whom)?
• Is everyone paying for themselves or will you split the bill? 
• What do you need in a location?  Steam Room, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Pool, Lockers, Fitness Room, Fitness Classes, Educational Classes. 
• How will you spend your free time?  Tour the area, shop, spa, Nightlife?  Do not over schedule yourself, allow time for spontaneity or nothing. 
• What spa treatments are must Haves?
• How large is the spa?  If Six woman are going but the spa only has 4 rooms you may not all be able to receive your services at the same time.
• What dates will you be going?  Are you Flexible?
• Divide the responsibilities so it does not become challenging.

Working this out in advance will make it a better time once you arrive.

Once you have selected the location, book your transportation and spa services.  DO NOT wait until you get there.  As the spa may not be able to accommodate you.  Check to see if the spa has group rates.  If they do, find out if they all have to be booked together. 

Spavelous Recommendation:  It is best to agree on service times with the group and have each person responsible to book their own services with their own credit card guarantee.  There are two reasons for this:

• If you book and guarantee them you will be responsible to pay for them if they no show.
• There is usually a 1 to 2 week cancellation for a group while there is only a 24 - 72 hour cancellation for individuals. 

Do not book any Spa treatments on your arrival day.  If you have flight delays, you will be charged for the cancellation fee if you do not meet the cancellation policy of 24 to 72 hours depending on the spa. 

If any of the women have not had spa treatments before, have them read about the spa treatments and questions from first time spa goers.  You can also use the Spavelous Google Search on most pages to find the answers to other questions.

When you are planning your spa appointments, take into consideration what time you want to get up, when you want to eat, work out, spa, sit at the pool, shop, and plan it out.  Make sure that the restaurants are open when you want to eat.  Keep in mind that you should show up for your spa service at least 15 minutes before the start time.  Do not cut your schedule too close. 

On your travel day, Check on each of your travel plans and have a non traveling point person in the advent something happens.  Once you arrive check in, verify all appointments and relax.   Remember that the most important part of this experience is the time you spend together!!

Have a Great Girlfriend’s Getaway.