Going on a spa vacation can be expensive, but you don’t have to give up on the idea of indulging in daily spa treatments on your next vacation. Scoring cheap spa treatments may be easier than you think.
Savvy spa junkies can have their beach vacays and poolside massages, too. With a bit of planning and these tips, you’ll soon be saving and saying ‘ahhh’ all the way to your destination.
Tips on scoring a budget-friendly spa vacation
Get social: Be sure to follow hotels, tourism bureaus and spas in the destination you want to visit. Many resorts, tourism boards and spas use social media to market their services and offer exclusive deals like coupons, packages, promotions and flash sales.
Buy more: You can increase your chances of a discount or extra spa time by booking more than one service on the same day. If the spa menu doesn’t include a section with packages, then ask. Most spas are happy to provide a discount for multiple treatments or add an additional service for free.
Bring friends: Enjoying a spa day solo can be relaxing, but bring buddies and you could score spa savings. If you plan to bring a friend or two, call the spa ahead of time to see if you can get a discount for your group booking. While many spas offer couples treatments, many are willing to extend the same offerings to duos and trios of friends.
Go local: Consider taking a staycation and see if local spas in your area offer province resident rates. The money you save by not booking a pricey hotel can be put toward your spa day.
Be an early bird: If you fell in love with being pampered on a cruise, committing to another one early (even while you’re still at sea) is a good strategy as cruise lines typically offer incentives like cabin upgrades and onboard credits to passengers who book early. Just be sure the onboard credit can be used to indulge in spa services.
Get onboard early: Once on board the cruise ship, head straight to the spa for a tour and take advantage of discounts. Many shipboard spas offer discounts on the first day of sailing for spa services because it tends to be a slow day. While most passengers are busy settling into their cabins, you will get to preview the spa first, sometimes before the ship has left port, at a fraction of the cost.
Procrastinate: If your schedule is flexible, try booking your hotel or local spa day last minute. Many spas are eager to fill gaps in the schedule. It’s worth a shot asking for a discount because, without your reservation, it’s likely the spot would have remained vacant.
Search for deals: Check websites like Groupon and LivingSocial for deals on spa services. Be sure to read the fine print before you buy to ensure the deals include the services you want. Also, conduct a general Internet search for resort and spa promo codes. Even if you can’t find a promo code for the spa, finding a promo code for a discounted stay at a resort will free up excess funds for a spa day.
Go to Asia: Booking a trip to destinations in Asia like China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam is paradise for spa lovers, particularly those who like to indulge in massages. Depending on your destination, a quality, hour-long foot massage or a comprehensive two-hour body massage can cost as little as $10. With prices this low, you can afford to get a massage every day!
Buy a package: Before booking your hotel stay, check the resort website for any package offerings. Oftentimes, guests can get a massage or other spa service for a few dollars more per night and far less than what you would pay for adding a trip to the spa post-booking. If you’re staying at a timeshare, ask about owner discounts for any nearby spas.
Be neighbourly: Staying at a hotel that doesn’t have a spa? Ask the concierge if your hotel has relationships with other resort spas or local spas in town. Many spas have arranged discounts with hotels to get guest referrals. If you’re staying at a hotel that is part of a chain, inquire if other sister properties nearby have spas and do some comparison shopping. Consider going to a less luxurious hotel for spa treatments (say a three-star resort versus the four-star hotel you’re staying at), as the prices may be lower for virtually the same treatments.
Go early: If you’re headed to a higher end spa, chances are it has a sauna, steam room and more. Arrive 30 minutes or more prior to your appointment to have time to settle in and enjoy the facilities for free, extending your spa time.
Be a fan: Sign up for hotel and spa newsletters and their loyalty clubs to earn points to get free treatments.
Where to go to be pampered on a budget
Of course one of the best ways to spa for less is to start with a budget-friendly destination. The following places offer exceptional value, not only for relaxing and rejuvenating vacations, but also inexpensive spa services.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Don’t miss the chance to soak in the hot springs of Truth or Consequences, N.M. Formerly called Hot Springs, N.M., the town was renamed after the popular mid-20th century game show “Truth or Consequences.” The odourless thermal springs are some of the most heavily mineralized water in the U.S. and a truly therapeutic way to enhance a massage or create a spa day solely from hot springs indulgence. Most of the town’s communal bathhouses let visitors soak by the hour or you can book a night at a hotel with an in-room private hot springs bath. A fountain in the centre of town across the street from the post office is a popular place for visitors and locals alike to soak their feet for free.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Skip the bright lights (and big price tag) of the Big Apple and head upstate to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., which is famous for horse racing and naturally effervescent hot springs. The Gideon Putnam offers a variety of spa packages that include accommodations, soaking in the mineral springs at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa and massages.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Enjoy the spas along The Strip like a high roller. With so much competition and a desire to please discerning travellers, pricing is competitive at hotel spas in Las Vegas, Nev. Opt for express services or book multiple services to rack up the savings.
Spa Eastman, Québec, Canada
The European-style Spa Eastman provides all-inclusive packages starting at $90 for the day. Basic packages include soaks in the Nordic baths and resort activities. Upgraded packages include spa treatments like relaxing massages. Folks who choose to stay overnight are treated to a complete spa retreat; this is not just a hotel with a spa but an entire spa oasis. Facilities include a hammam (a eucalyptus steam bath), Finnish dry sauna, infrared dry sauna, outdoor hot tubs, polar bath, pools, hiking trails and a full spa.
Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Iceland
Not only is the Blue Lagoon stunningly beautiful, but it is also easy to visit whether you’re vacationing in Iceland or transiting through on a layover. The Blue Lagoon is roughly 30 minutes from the airport, making it quick and easy to stopover for a soak and spa experience. It’s essential to pre-book an entrance ticket as entry is often sold out. Standard admission is $72 and includes admission to the geothermal spring with iconic icy-blue hue and a restorative silica mud mask. Splurge for a unique in-water massage conducted as you dreamily float on a mat in the milky white geothermal water that is infused naturally with silica, algae and minerals.
Taipei, Taiwan
Relax for hours, or days, in the Japanese-style hot springs in Taipei, Taiwan’s Beitou district. The steam from the gurgling sulfur springs is visible along Zhongshan Road where locals and visitors stop to soak their feet for free. It only costs a few dollars to soak in the communal public bath at Beitou Park, but the charming bath houses that dot the mountain are also an inexpensive way to soak in the nude and follow up with an invigorating and inexpensive back and foot massage. Rates for hourly soaking in communal, single-sex pools and private rooms with en-suite hot springs vary, but rates are generally cheaper in the daytime and during the workweek.
Crystal Hot Springs, Utah
It’s all about natural beauty in Utah. After a day on the ski slopes or fun in the sun, head to the bubbly hot springs at Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville, Utah. Visitors can soak in the hot springs and cold springs, which meet within 15 metres of each other, for just $9. Then, head one hour down the road to Salt Lake City, Utah, to enjoy a mani/pedi, massage or facial at one of the town’s many day spas or hotel spa retreats.
Get your spa on before takeoff
If you are flying Business or First Class abroad or you have been lucky enough to be upgraded, take advantage of free spa services offered in the airport lounge spa. The following airlines offer free spa treatments prior to takeoff.
- Air France: Air France offers a choice of 30-minute treatments in the business lounges in Terminal 2E at Gate K, Gate L, and Gate M at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The relaxing spa treatments by Clarins are a great way to prep for your flight.
- British Airways: Passengers flying in First and Club World cabins or are Gold card members flying on long-haul flights can enjoy a free 15-minute treatment at the Elemis Travel Spa in the lounges at London Heathrow and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Options include a shave, facial or massage for men and facial, massage, manicure or eyebrow shaping for women.
- Emirates: First Class passengers can enjoy their choice of one free express service at Timeless Spa, which is adjacent to the Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport. Options include a back massage, Thai body stretch and soothing hand massage.
- Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways First Class and Platinum card holders flying through Abu Dhabi International Airport get a choice of a free 15-minute spa treatment from Six Senses Spa or an express treatment from STYLE & SHAVE by Etihad. First Class and Platinum cardholders flying through London Heathrow get one complimentary 15-minute spa treatment from Six Senses Spa.
- Thai Airways: Royal First Class passengers get a choice of either a one-hour Touch of Silk or Royal Thai Massage and Royal Silk Class passengers get a choice of either a 30-minute neck and shoulder massage or a foot massage at the Royal Orchid Spa at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport). Massages are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Virgin Atlantic: The Clubhouse Spa at London Heathrow offers a range of complimentary treatments, from a 15-minute head massage to a 15-minute Express Radiant You Facial to a 30-minute Bumble and Bumble re-conditioning treatment. Guests can indulge in one free treatment on a first-come, first-served basis. The Clubhouse Spa at London Gatwick and the JFK Clubhouse Spa at John F. Kennedy International Airport offers similar spa menus for men and women on a walk-in basis only.
- American Express Centurion Lounge: Unlike the other lounges listed here, entry into the American Express Centurion Lounge isn’t dictated by airport carrier or mileage clubs but is complimentary for American Express global Platinum Card and Centurion members. Entry and includes access to free food, Wi-Fi, showers, spa treatments and more. Complimentary amenities vary by location. Lounges are located at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, McCarran International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Miami International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and, coming soon, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
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