How to select a spa for a massage

[MichaelB]

DW wants to buy DD the gift of a massage (spa type) for her upcoming birthday and the task of finding the appropriate facility and obtaining the gift certificate has been delegated to me. How to go about this is not clear. It is easy to list facilities in her area (Orlando FL) but I know of no way to qualify or rate them. Does anyone know of a way to do this, or have useful suggestions.

I’m posting this on the health forum with the hope that it will attract a greater ratio of serious answers.

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelB I know of no way to qualify or rate them. Does anyone know of a way to do this, or have useful suggestions.

I've given gifts of spa certificates. Background research requires that you try the spa yourself first.

[travelover]

My step daughter is a massage therapist - I have a tiny insight. It seems like the quality of the massage really varies more with the individual therapist as opposed to the facility that they work at. Personal recommendations are best, though it is subjective.

[Moemg]

You could buy a spa finder gift certificate and let your daughter pick out the spa .

[bbbamI]

Well this may sound, ummm...clinical; but perhaps your doctor's office could give you a referral on a nice spa that provides massage therapy.

[haha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelB DW wants to buy DD the gift of a massage (spa type) for her upcoming birthday and the task of finding the appropriate facility and obtaining the gift certificate has been delegated to me. How to go about this is not clear. It is easy to list facilities in her area (Orlando FL) but I know of no way to qualify or rate them. Does anyone know of a way to do this, or have useful suggestions. I’m posting this on the health forum with the hope that it will attract a greater ratio of serious answers.

If there are large high tech type businesses in town, find out where they offer their employees gym memberships. These places often have very nice spas, and you can be sure of luxurious treatment for DD.

Here it is the Pro Club in Redmond. It is open to anyone who can pay for it. Also you might call a wedding planner. Spa treatments for the rehearsal cast are frequent in posh weddings, and wedding planners will know the favored spots.

Luxury hotels like Four Seasons are another possibility.

A "good" massage is a personal call for the recipient, but every woman knows luxury when she experiences it.


Ha

[ronocnikral]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moemg You could buy a spa finder gift certificate and let your daughter pick out the spa .

my mother did this for me in 2008. i still haven't used it, despite having 3 massages since then. turns out, all the spa finder places in my area are the really expensive ones. for some reason or another, i have always justified going elsewhere.

i second the personal recommendation. i'm thinking of pulling the trigger for a 12 pack for DW for christmas. this is a guy my aunt goes to and i have had the privilege of going to as well. the facilities aren't pretty, but woo doggie, he'll work the knots out.

[MichaelB]

Thanks for the responses. I didn't know about spafinder and am going to see how many options are available where DD lives. Getting a personal reference is a good thing to do but we are not close and don't know anyone in the area. I hadn't thought about a gym but it too is worth looking into.

No rush, so other suggestions are welcome. Once again, thanks to those that have answered so far.