What To Pack For a Spa Day

What to pack for a spa day? Something I have been asked many a time over the last couple of years.

I am a big fan of spa days. I absolutely love them. I think they’re the ideal way to truly relax your body and mind in just a few hours. Sure, taking a vacation might help, but when you have only a day or even just a few hours, a spa day is perfect for that necessary rest and recuperation that many of us need in this busy world of ours.

However, I feel I was relatively late to the spa day game. It was only a few years ago I went on my first proper spa day and if I’m totally honest I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know anything about spa etiquette, what to wear to a spa, or what to pack for a spa day.

But now I feel super comfortable and even have a little routine for prepping for a spa day. I realised recently that it might be useful to share what to pack for a spa day in case you’re a beginner to the spa day world.

And if you’re still undecided on whether spa day might be for you, check out some of my spa reviews here. I like to be as comprehensive as I can with my reviews.

What To Pack For a Spa Day

1. Waterproof Bag

I like to take a waterproof bag around the day spa with me. In the bag, I keep my book, magazine, notebook, headphones, and anything I might need on my spa journey that helps me relax.

It’s best to have a waterproof bag as you will probably be in wet areas such as near swimming pools, or thermal rooms. This stops your books getting soggy!

Canvas bags can suffice but my preference is to go waterproof to protect my things.

2. Two Bags

I take two bags with me to the spa, one is a day bag including all my changes of clothes, toiletries and pretty much everything listed below.

The second bag is my waterproof bag as mentioned above, which is a small about-the-spa bag.

3. Two Swimsuits

I pack at least two piece of swimwear for a spa day. Nobody wants to be sat around in a wet, soggy swimsuit all day so it’s nice to have a spare one to change into for lunch or for after your treatments.

4. Flipflops or Sliders

Most spas provide you with complimentary slippers, however, depending on the spa, they can get quite soggy in the swimming/thermal rooms area so I like to take my own pair of flip flops or sliders that are for indoor use only. I make sure they are kept super clean and are only ever used in swim areas.

I also find that my own sliders are less slippery to wear than the free slippers at spas can get.

5. Comfy Clothes

I wear comfy clothes to the spa so that at the end of the day I leave feel super-snuggly and comfortable. My usual choice of spa-wear is a pair of yoga pants/trousers, a loose vest or t-shirt, a cotton crop top instead of a bra, and an oversized jumper or sweatshirt.

6. Workout Clothes

Many spas have a gym and/or exercise classes so I recommend packing your favourite workout gear. If you’re going to get sweaty it’s a good idea to pack a separate outfit for your workout or class otherwise you’ll be driving home in sticky clothes.

7. Trainers

I usually wear flat shoes or trainers for my spa day, but it’s worth having trainers for any outdoor activities or for your workout and classes.

8. Sunglasses

Several of my favourite spas have outdoor loungers and seating areas so that if the weather is pleasant enough we can relax outdoors. That means packing a pair of sunglasses for when the sun is out!

9. Spare Bag for wet clothes

You will probably have at least one or two wet swimsuits after your spa day, so I like to pack a spa bag to keep my wet things separate from the rest of my belongings.

10. Spare Towel

Most good spas will provide you will towels and robes for using around the spa. Usually, you can go and request further towels when you need a fresh and dry one. But it can be worth having a small spare towel in your bag to maybe wrap around your hair when wet. Or for any emergencies.

11. Toiletries

Again, most good spas will provide some basic toiletries but I like to make sure I’ve packed my own shampoo and conditioner, plus my skincare products such as moisturiser and eye cream.

12. Spare contact lenses / glasses

If you need them, don’t forget to pack spare contact lenses, solution and glasses.

13. Book / Magazine / Notebook and Pen

The aim of the game is to relax so you might want to bring a book or magazine to read in the relaxation areas. For me, I like to have a notebook and pen as I find I get the best ideas when I’m at the spa.

14. Hair Ties / Headband

Those of us with long hair will probably want to tie our hair up for the swimming, thermal suites, and treatments. You might also want to wear a headband to keep your hair off your face in the steam rooms.

15. Water Bottle

All spas will have fresh water available through the spa area, particularly around any thermal suites. I highly recommend you stay hydrated on your spa day as you will stimulating the body through treatments, thermal experiences and exercise. If you prefer you could carry your own water bottle to make sure you stay topped up on hydration.

16. Healthy Snacks

You almost certainly be able to purchase food on your spa day. Depending on your package you might have lunch or afternoon tea included. However, I also like to pack a small healthy snack such as a box of nuts just in case I need a little top up of energy.

17. Headphones

Some spas don’t allow phones at all, others only allow them if they are kept on silent mode. Either way, if you are at a spa where headphones and phones are allowed to be mindful of other guests and keep music and sound to an absolute minimum.

18. Mindfulness Apps

If you do decide to use headphones to relax at a spa I recommend downloading a mindfulness app or two. I like to do a couple of meditations throughout the day or simply have some calming background noise as I let my mind wander. 

And I think that is everything on what to pack for a spa day. 

You might also like: Spa Etiquette: What to do at a spa

 

This post originally appeared on my personal blog.