For those seeking rejuvenation, peace, and self-care.

Spa & Wellness Retreats

What to Bring & How to Behave at Spa & Wellness Retreats

Spa and wellness retreats are designed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care. The focus is on comfort, tranquility, and respecting a serene environment.

Here’s what travelers need to consider:

What to Bring for Spa & Wellness Retreats:

Comfortable & Loose-Fitting Clothing:

• Loungewear: Think soft fabrics, yoga pants, comfortable tops, and hoodies. You’ll spend a lot of time relaxing.
• Workout Gear: If the retreat offers fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, meditation, nature walks), bring appropriate athletic wear.
• Swimsuit(s): For pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, or aquatic therapies. Bring more than one if you plan to use these facilities frequently, so you always have a dry one.

Easy-to-Slip-On Footwear:

• Comfortable Sandals or Slides: For moving between facilities. Many spas provide slippers, but having your own is often preferred.
• Clean Athletic Shoes: For fitness classes or walks.

Personal Toiletries (Minimalist Approach):

• While many retreats provide high-quality toiletries, you might prefer your own specific products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion). Opt for travel-sized versions.
• Gentle Skincare: Consider bringing simple, nourishing products suitable for relaxed skin.
• Water Bottle (Reusable): Staying hydrated is key to wellness. Most retreats have water stations.
• Book/E-reader/Journal: For quiet contemplation, reading, or journaling your thoughts and experiences. Avoid heavy-duty work materials.
• Notebook & Pen: For workshops, journaling, or jotting down insights.
• Comfortable Pajamas: For a restful night’s sleep.
• Lightweight Robe (Optional): Many spas provide robes, but a personal favorite can enhance comfort.
• Eye Mask & Ear Plugs (Optional): For deeper relaxation and undisturbed sleep.
• Any Personal Medications: Ensure you have an adequate supply.
• Small, Flexible Bag: For carrying your essentials between your room and various spa/wellness facilities.
• Open Mind & Receptiveness: The most important “item” to bring. Be open to new experiences, treatments, and philosophies of well-being.
• Limited Technology: While you can bring your phone, consider using it minimally to truly disconnect.

Etiquette and Responsible Behavior at Spa & Wellness Retreats:

• Silence Your Phone: Turn off or silence your mobile phone, and avoid talking on it in common areas (lounges, treatment rooms, changing rooms, pools). The goal is tranquility.
• Speak Softly: Maintain a hushed voice in all shared spaces. Respect the peaceful atmosphere.
• Arrive On Time (or Early) for Appointments: Be punctual for treatments, classes, and meals. Arriving early for treatments allows time to fill out forms, change, and relax.
• Respect Quiet Zones: Many retreats have designated quiet areas or silent zones. Adhere to these strictly.
• Shower Before Treatments/Using Facilities: Rinse off before entering pools, hot tubs, or receiving treatments.
• Use Robes/Towels Appropriately: Follow the retreat’s guidelines for wearing robes and using towels.
• Be Mindful of Nudity (if applicable): Some spas have gender-segregated areas where nudity is common (e.g., saunas, steam rooms). Be aware of and respect local customs and posted guidelines.
• Communicate with Therapists/Instructors: Clearly communicate any health concerns, allergies, discomfort during treatment, or preferences.
• Respect Others’ Space: Be mindful of personal space in changing rooms, lounges, and treatment areas.
• Clean Up After Yourself: Return towels to designated bins, tidy up around loungers, and leave changing areas neat.
• Gratuities (Check Policy): Understand the retreat’s policy on gratuities. Some include service charges, while others encourage individual tipping for therapists.
• Embrace the Journey: Allow yourself to relax, disconnect, and focus on your well-being. Don’t rush through activities or treatments.
• Limit External Distractions: Consider this an opportunity to truly unplug from work and daily stressors.