How to Call a Spa (and What to Say)

Most spa websites leave out the details you actually care about. Is any of it clothing optional? What’s gender-separated? Is there a cold plunge? How long can you stay? A short call is the fastest way to find out, and these are normal questions for a spa to answer. Ask plainly and you’ll get plain answers.

Five questions cover almost everything. Here they are, in the words to use. The questions tool has the same list, so you can tick the ones you want and print a call sheet.

Before you call

• Call the spa itself. If it’s a hotel spa, ask for the spa directly.
• Have a pen ready. You’ll want names and exact answers.
• Expect an “I’m not sure.” Staff don’t always know every policy by heart. Ask them to check, or ask who would know.

Open the call

Keep it short and friendly.

• “Hi, I’m thinking about visiting the spa and had a few quick questions before I book. Do you have a minute?”

The five questions

Say them the way you’d ask about parking. Matter-of-fact works best.

1. If you want to know about clothing-optional areas, ask: “Are any areas clothing optional, and if so, which ones?” If they seem unsure what you mean, add: “Some spas have areas where swimsuits aren’t required, and I’m trying to find those.”
2. If you want to know about gender-separated areas, ask: “Which areas are gender-separated?”
3. If you want to know about the amenities, ask: “What amenities do you have?” Sauna, steam room, hot tub, cold plunge, relaxation room. Cold plunges are uncommon, so listen for it. Showing up for one that doesn’t exist is a real letdown. If there’s no plunge, a cold shower does the same job between hot rooms. Here’s how the circuit works.
4. If you want to know about how to get in, ask: “How do I get access: do I need to book a treatment, or is there a day pass?”
5. If you want to know about how long you can stay, ask: “How early can I arrive, and how long can I stay?” A full day is the best way to do a spa, so this one matters.

If you’re staying all day

A few more, in the same style. Ask the ones that matter to you.

• If you want to know about food, ask: “Can I order food, or bring my own?”
• If you want to know about robes, towels and slippers, ask: “Are robes, towels and slippers provided, and what sizes do you have?”
• If you want to know about phone rules, ask: “What is your phone policy?”

If you want to know about cost

• A minimum spend: “Is there a minimum spend?”
• Gratuity: “Is gratuity added automatically?”
• Hotel guest access: “Do hotel guests get spa access?”

If you’re booking a massage

• Choosing a male or female therapist: “Can I request a male (or female) therapist?”
• Booking massages for two: “If we book two massages, can we be in the same room, or separate rooms?”

When you hear “I’m not sure”

• “Could you check for me? I’m happy to hold.”
• “Is there someone I could ask who would know?”

Close the call

• “Thanks, that’s really helpful. Could I get your name in case I have a follow-up?”

If you want it in writing, ask: “Could you email me that so I have it?”

If the answer isn’t what you hoped

Say “Thanks for letting me know, that’s helpful,” and move on. If clothing optional is a must for you, a no is a no. There’s no need to argue or explain.

Prefer email?

Same questions, same order. The questions tool builds a message you can copy, or a call sheet you can print.

The whole call on one screen

“Hi, I’m thinking about visiting the spa and had a few quick questions before I book. Do you have a minute?

Are any of your areas clothing optional, and if so, which ones? Which areas are gender-separated? What amenities do you have? How do I get access: do I need to book a treatment, or is there a day pass? How early can I arrive, and how long can I stay?

Thanks, that’s really helpful. Could I get your name in case I have a follow-up?”