F.A.Q

Welcome to our frequent questions section. If you have not yet found the answer you were looking for, feel free to send us an email and spasencostarica.com will gladly help you as soon as possible.
· What massages are the most common in Costa Rica?
Within the offered massages in Costa Rica, we find a wide range of services. However, the average spas tend to offer the same type of massages. Within these common massages we could mention:

-Therapeutical massages: consist on exercises to improve divers physical problems that might appear with age or, it can be simply a request from a client who wants to reach a relaxing state.

-Hot rocks: combines the hands pressing with movements of hot rocks (making an eight shape). It massages all your body and it employees essences and essential oils.

-Shiatsu: this is a method of massage that uses pressing techniques which combats the imbalance in between body and spirit. This is a technique that employs traditional Chinese medicine and that follows the same principles of energy and meridians than acupression.

-Reflexology: consists on feet massaging in order to calm certain tensions and bad zones. There are parts on our feet that represent the body organs, if we stimulate them manually we are able to calm pains, facilitate toxins elimination as well as prevent certain diseases and health disorders.

· How long does a massage session take?
A massage session can take from fifteen minutes up to one hour and a half or even more depending on the type of massage you receive. For example, a reflexology massage or a full back massage could take approximately 15 minutes; an anti stress treatment massage could extend up to one hour and a half or two hours. Nevertheless, the extension of the same type of massage may vary depending on the spa you are attending.
· What kind of facilities offer the spas in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica offers international quality facilities which have been designed in order to develop your relaxing activities. It is evident that not everyplace has been constructed under this principles, for this reason we can find from specialized spas which offer electrotherapy at the most luxury and fancy centers until saloons that offer different types of massages. Although some centers have modest edifications you will experience a great relaxing because every spa counts with a specialized highly qualified crew.

 · What products are used for treatments?
One of the biggest advantages of the spas in Costa Rica is that most of them utilize completely natural products, such as the ones provided by the brand Aromas para el alma or the well known products of Saint Germain de Capuccini.

 ·What to do in a spa?
Clothing - optional?
You are taken to a changing room and they give you a robe - what do you do?
Body treatments (wraps, scrubs, tanning) and massages you ideally disrobe completely. Many spas offer paper underwear for use during the body treatments.
Some people like to wear a bathing suit during these procedures and that's fine as long as you are comfortable.
A masseuse of the same sex or an attendant can be requested when you book also.
It's also important to note that spa staff are well trained in order to not completely expose you - this is called draping.
Another alternative is shiatsu or Thai massage where you wear your own comfor! table clothes to the treatment.
For facials lower ! the stra ps of your bra or take it off before putting on the robe this will leave room for the neck and shoulder massage.

Get directions
You may have experienced being lost - you suddenly are walking alone down a spa hallway with your bathrobe and slippers. In order to avoid this ask your attendant who welcomes you to the spa to instruct you where you are supposed to go once you leave the dressing room.
About extra services
Spa prices don't always include add-ons (an enzyme peel here, an oxygen blast there) offered during the course of the treatment. When you book a facial (body services, like massages and scrubs, are less likely to involve extras), ask if it's all-inclusive. Oprah.com: Get what you want at the spa for less
Many spas let you book time (half an hour, an hour, an hour and a half) and they do not charge for the masks and creams they apply during that time.
If you are going to a spa with a detailed menu of services you can ask what extras and what prices will be applied. This lets you control how much you wa! nt to spend.
Many spas offer add-ons (example oxygen blast or enzyme peel). This happens a lot with facials, for instance. Procedures like massages can also include extra oils. Keep this in mind so that you can pay the price you had in mind.
Once you are with your aesthetician it is advisable to give them your budget up front.
The hard sell
When you go in for a facial (or sometimes a body treatment), you will probably be offered some additional product to purchase.

You can tell the therapist that you are glad to hear recommendations but you are there to relax. You can ask them to write down the sugges! tions at the end of the procedure. They should not push the pr! oduct mo re than that.
Too much talk
If your masseuse or attendant is talking too much you can say something such as "I really need a quiet moment - it's been a crazy day. I would really enjoy some silence during the treatment".
Tipping is another item that may be difficult. Spa owners can help you here. You tell them what percentage you want to tip and they will do the distribution. Anyway, by the time you need to tip your massage therapist is normally with another customer so this is a practical solution.
The industry standard is 18 to 20 percent if you were very happy with the service provided. Some sps include the tip in the price so make sure you ask about that, also.

Massage Techniques:

Shiatsu
Releases energy interruptions as it flows along channels in our
bodies. Certain points on the body are pressed and this improves
various organs.

Reiki
Considers the seven energy points in the body, or chakras. Reiki, an
ancient Japanese technique, balances the chakra releasing negative
emotions and tension.

Therapeutic
Generates energy and relieves aches by focusing on relieving tension
caused by stress and bad postures.

Swedish
Stimulates blood flow, tired muscles and releases tension through
gentle to medium kneading.

Reflexology
Based on reflective effects of pressing certain points of the hands
and skin in order to provide relief and heal organs.

Deep tissue massage
Strong kneading is applied in order to release energy and create muscle relieve.

Aromatherapy
Releases tensions by calming the mind through essential oils from
plants that are applied.

Healing Qualities of Natural Products

Chocolate
An antioxidant. Triggers endorphin creation which make one feel happy
and hydrates the skin.

Pearls
Regenerates cells - ideal to reaffirm skin and return it's glow

Clay
Skin cleanser. Works especially well on oily skin, astringent because
of it's sulfur content and releases toxins. It can also alleviate
body aches if it's hot.

Honey
Skin cleanser and lightener. Natural anti-bacterial qualities.

Marine algae
Tones and reaffirms skin

Fruits
Hydrates skin. Ideal for dry skin types.

Coffee
Skin cleanser. Many qualities - helps to maintain suntan

Jasmine
Hydrates skin. relieves dryness and helps against muscle spasms

Ylang-ylang
Stimulant. it's wonderful fragrance helps combat tension

Orange
Fights inflammation and is an antidepressant

Lime
Skin regenerator. Removes blemishes and cures scars.

Mint
Alleviates stress through refreshment. Helps fight migraines, fatigue
and muscle pain.

Chamomile
Pain reliever and relaxation agent.