Mind your manners

Going to a spa is meant to be a relaxing and indulgent experience, not an angst-ridden cringe-fest where you worry about whether you\'re a weirdo because you\'ve arrived without pants or a prude because you have.

To the rescue is spa expert Nicóla Brookes, who\'ve we recruited to demystify the spa experience. Nicola has two magazines under her belt with Spa Plus and Spa Secrets, and has also visited and reviewed some of the world\'s top health resorts and spa destinations, personally testing countless treatments. Like the Girl Guides, Nicola\'s motto is ‘be prepared\' and here she reveals her top five tips.

Speak up

Don\'t be embarrassed to approach the subject of spa etiquette. Most spas will let you know what you should or shouldn\'t wear for a treatment, but if they don\'t just ask. Also ensure your therapist thoroughly explains the treatment(s) you\'re having and the types of products being used. And if you aren\'t enjoying a treatment, don\'t suffer in silence - make your feelings known, as this way your therapist can adapt her technique to suit your individual needs.

Get organised

Book your spa therapies in advance. If you\'re on holiday, don\'t wait until you get to your destination to enquire about fitting in a treatment. If you wait, you may not get the times or treatments you want, and on weekends you might not even get in at all. Think about the types of treatments you want to indulge in so you get the most from your experience, whether it\'s something anti-cellulite or to de-stress and reduce tension.

Early bird

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled treatment so you don\'t have to rush. Take advantage of the lavish facilities most spas have, including saunas, steam baths, and hot and cold plunge pools. Many spas also offer relaxation areas and chill out zones for spa goers to unwind prior to their treatments so take advantage of the peace and quiet. This will help you relax and really feel the full benefit of the treatment.

Switch off

Leave your mobile phone and Blackberry behind when you visit a spa. A ringing phone in the spa defeats the relaxation benefits. Try to switch off from the outside world, as otherwise you won\'t be able to properly relax and enjoy the treatment. Free your mind of all your thoughts and immerse yourself in the treatment at hand. Take the break your body and mind needs!

And, relax

Therapists are trained professionals, so put yourself in their capable hands and enjoy the experience! Once you\'ve finished your treatment, savour the peaceful atmosphere of the spa by heading back to the relaxation area or enjoying a leisurely swim. Better still, book another spa treatment before your holiday ends.