A spa day can be more stressful than relaxing if you’re feeling body-conscious. Robes, swimwear, colourful changing rooms, and all the other people lounging about – it can stir up a lot. However, you fully deserve a break. A lot of hotels do offer quieter facilities, and some spas might be available for private hire or have smaller pools on offer, as well as treatment-only visits where you can pass over the communal areas altogether. Even midweek and early-morning sessions feel less frantic sometimes.
When you get there, allow yourself to be slow. You may not utilise each functionality. The pool is intense, so try a low-pressure situation first, like the chill-out room or steam (or just sitting with some herbal tea!). It also helps to get your phone out of reach, so do not enter the comparison mode. For Spa Breaks Tewkesbury, consider //hatherleymanor.com/the-spa/spa-breaks-cotswolds/tewkesbury
It’s all a matter of comfort; treatments can be used as a “safe zone”. A facial or head treatment allows you to chillax without having the slightest thought as to where you place your arms or worrying about lying down. If you’re nervous, let the reception area know you’ll be a first-timer – they’ll explain what goes on and how to feel calmer.
Some down-to-earth confidence boosters: wear a swimsuit. Remember, you are not on a stage, and most people at the spa are busy thinking about themselves anyway.
The purpose is to help you unwind and to feel good in your body – even if just for an afternoon.