Spa lovers who want to nab those massages, facials, scrubs, and jetted tubs without having to auction off your firstborn must read this. I’m going to save you money doing what you love most, and you can thank me by sending a treatment to me, Val the Wellness Gal. (Or, you can just post something nice.)
Book Off-Season
Your goal is to spa, yes? So, who cares if it’s 20 degrees outside when you’re cozily cocooned in a warm herbal wrap in Napa at the Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin? Don’t even think about avoiding Arizona in the summer. The rate for a standard room at The Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa plummets from $962 a night in January to $249 in June, and that even includes a nightly $50 credit toward the spa, food, golf, or tennis, if purchasing a package. You can float in their outdoor pool, oblivious to the melting cactus on the other side of the fence.
Willing to go to Florida in the summer? The Spa at Carillon Miami offers 50-minute treatments in July and August starting at just $109.
Say “No Way” to Friday and Saturday
If you can, travel Monday through Thursday, not only for the best flight deals but also because spas often post midweek promotions on their websites. The Lodge at Woodloch, in the Poconos, offers a one-night midweek special or a two-night “Midweek Magic” rate. Their rates include three gourmet meals per day! Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego offers a “Spa Happy Hour” Monday–Thursday, where you can get a 50-minute massage, facial, or mani-pedi for $133, which includes a 20% gratuity!
Shuttle Me!
Many resort spas offer a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. Most spas are so self-contained with on-site dining, fitness (and even stores)— you’ll have little reason to leave the property, unless you want to explore the area. If spa immersion is your goal, ditch the pricey rental car. The Morgan Resort, a stunning destination spot with decadent spa treatments (minus the high-end prices), in St. Maarten, offers a free shuttle to and from the Princess Juliana Airport.
Check for Specials
Almost every spa posts special packages on its website. You might find a stay-three-nights-get-one-free deal, a reduced rate on a mother-daughter getaway, or a spa/ski special. Do the math to make sure you will benefit, but these specials are usually better than budgeting a la carte.
Wellspring Manor & Spa, in Upper Marlboro, MD (near DC and VA), is known for offering numerous specials year-round, such as the Me, Myself, and I package for solo travelers or the Birthday & Anniversary Bliss package.
Cape Arundel, in Maine, offers many specials throughout the year. Last-Minute packages can also save you money.
Look For Lesser-known Spas
The industry big shots—think Canyon Ranch or Golden Door—and those associated with names like JW Marriott or the Ritz-Carlton are heavenly but costly (although the aforementioned Camelback is a Marriott property!) Look for the less popular spas. Their treatments, amenities, and cuisine are often just as good as the name brands, but more affordable. SpaFinder is a great place to find spas anywhere in the world, designed to your specifications.
Some suggestions include Flanigan’s Resort & Spa, in the Zion, Utah area. A 60-minute warmed Himalayan Salt Stone massage is only $149, and their 60-minute Signature Canyon Facial is $139.
Another hidden gem is Sierra Grande, in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. This hot springs paradise offers a 60-minute aromatherapy massage and wrap for $135, their Signature Facial for $120, and a Body Polish for $130, among many other delightful treatments.
Bring a Friend
It might be worth bringing along your spa-loving buddy if you’re budgeting. A Girlfriend-Getaway, Mother-Daughter package, or Couples package can double the fun for less.
Today’s Tip
If there’s a spa you have your eye on, but it’s still out of your budget, consider signing up for their email specials. In fact, why not enjoy offers from a few spas? You’ll not only benefit from first dibs on available dates, but you might also receive special unpublished rates not available to the public.
10 Responses
Wow! Great ideas for keeping costs low and still getting pampered!
Wow! Great ideas for keeping costs low and still getting pampered!
Being new to the world of massages, what is a fair cost for massage? What does it include and not include? Where are a few nice places to go for someone who is just starting to understand the health benefits of massages? Sorry to have so many questions but like I said, I’m new to this.
Hi Dean,
Massage costs vary from roughly $65 to $200+ for a 60-minute massage. The difference is in where you get the massage (a five-star resort, or a day spa or quickie strip mall massage); the ambiance (candles, music, robe, slippers, high-end massage lotions, versus a table). So, it’s hard to say what a “fair” cost is.
A few “nice” places to go would depend on where you live and how much you’re willing to spend. Peruse the websites you come across, and just make sure they seem professional, are well-reviewed, and offer what you want. When you make your first appointment, tell them it’s your first time. Let them know if you have a gender preference. Do a 50- or 60-minute massage rather than a 90-minute, and for a first massage, just go for the basic Swedish; nothing fancy.
If you really start to see the benefits of massage (decreased stress, better circulation, pain relief, increased flexibility, relaxation, immune system boost, and (occasionally) emotional release), keep at it as much as you can afford to, and try different massage therapists. Good luck, and let me know how it goes!
-Val The Wellness Gal
Being new to the world of massages, what is a fair cost for massage? What does it include and not include? Where are a few nice places to go for someone who is just starting to understand the health benefits of massages? Sorry to have so many questions but like I said, I’m new to this.
Hi Dean,
Massage costs vary from roughly $40 to $200. The average massage is probably between $50 and $100. The difference is in where you get the massage (a five-star resort, or a day spa or quickie strip mall massage); the ambiance (candles, music, robe, slippers, high-end massage lotions, versus a table). So, it’s hard to say what a “fair” cost is.
A few “nice” places to go would depend on where you live and how much you’re willing to spend. Peruse the websites you come across, and just make sure they seem professional, are well-reviewed, and offer what you want. When you make your first appointment, tell them it’s your first time. Let them know if you have a gender preference. Do a 50- or 60-minute massage rather than a 90-minute, and for a first massage, just go for the basic Swedish; nothing fancy.
If you really start to see the benefits of massage (decreased stress, better circulation, pain relief, increased flexibility, relaxation, immune system boost, and (occasionally) emotional release), keep at it as much as you can afford to, and try different massage therapists. Good luck, and let me know how it goes!
-Val The Spa Gal
These are amazing points and the mindset will shift some but probably not all. Many may always think of Wellness travel as not quite as luxurious and relaxing as Spa Travel.
“Spa, Travel and Skincare Experiences are not a Luxury, but Essential to a Healthy Body and Mind” has always been my motto!
Spa Travel Gal Ava
http://www.SpaTravelGal.com
Ava,
I couldn’t have said it better myself! Now for the health care industry to catch up with this idea…
-Val The Wellness Gal
These are amazing points and the mindset will shift some but probably not all. Many may always think of Wellness travel as not quite as luxurious and relaxing as Spa Travel.
“Spa, Travel and Skincare Experiences are not a Luxury, but Essential to a Healthy Body and Mind” has always been my motto!
Spa Travel Gal Ava
http://www.SpaTravelGal.com
Ava,
I couldn’t have said it better myself! Now for the health care industry to catch up with this idea…
-Val The Spa Gal