Luxury

[Trekinsinia]

I was wondering what some of our experiences have been receiving massages at places, other than our own work environments, where you came across something that you thought was a bit of a luxury to offer to clients but you really enjoyed the experience of it. (i'm not talking a bottle of water after the treatment or a free parafin dip. something a bit more unique or special)

does that make sense? something that you thought, "wow! this is really cool" or "i really like it when they .... "

have you come across something unique or different that an establishment offered that other places haven't thought of?

that should be enough explaining what i'm trying to ask right? please add any comments....even if it's your own environment that has come up with a really creative idea.

 

[manyman]

Hello! Well, I think lots of therapists are already doing this but, I always use heated pad on my massage table, and at the end I give them hot towel(using real herbs.) to wipe off the oil. Also, put hand cream and foot lotion if they request. I don't really offer much discount to any clients, but they have no complains so far.....

 

[theShinning]

Well, some may think a bottle of water is a luxury! I always disliked the tiny paper cups of tap water I'd receive and so have always offered my clients a big chilled (or not, as they prefer) bottle of brand-name water. That way they drink some and take the rest with them and are less likely to skimp on hydration. Plus, it tastes MUCH better. I get a lot of compliments on such a simple thing.

A heating pad, what a plus. I use an ordinary Vellux blanket as the top dressing on my table, but the way people carry on about this, you'd think it's velvet. I also have a cashmere blanket that I use for perpetually chilly clients. Heating warm stones in a crock pot (if you aren't a hot stones user) to place in their hands during raw winter months is also appreciated.

If it's a birthday I bring a cupcake or fresh-baked cookies or (if they're dieting) a lower-calorie version for a treat. Wish someone did this for me!

I note what music clients prefer and why, and choose accordingly.

Remember their family, pets, and special dates along with their physical needs. This is free but makes everyone feel extra special.

Using the highest-quality bedding you can possibly afford, and taking good care of them. Using an extra flat sheet over the table as a skirt to hide any clutter is mentally more restful and makes the room appear more polished.

Having a plush rug for clients to step onto when leaving the table is also appreciated. A MUST if you have smooth flooring. Extra-nice if your carpet isn't too soft.

A luxury-quality hand towel, mints, bowl for jewelry/phone, soft tissues, hand/foot lotions and rewetting drops available to the client for after session touch-ups. Seems so obvious, huh?

Flattering lighting. I'm always amazed when something so easy to remedy and so important is often overlooked.

If "artwork" and/or knickknacks in the room aren't good-quality or adding to the massage atmosphere (think, neatly framed charts, a pastoral scene), take it down or put it away. Clear out as much clutter (which just has to be dusted, anyway) as possible.

Extra padding on the table...boy, I always love that. My outcall table has the most padding you can buy and people DO notice, but it still isn't as comfy as my office table and four inches of extra foam! t051

Something I loved and immediately appropriated for myself that I find very luxurious is not having to leap off the table. My favorite therapists are those who allow enough time that you can relax AFTER the session and leisurely get off the table and not rush into your clothing. Simply just getting that 60 or 90 minutes HANDS-ON (not 50 or 80--or less!) is a luxury in itself.

Another outrageously luxurious touch was at a lomi-lomi establishment. It was pretty stripped down and straight-forward but they had tea for you to sip in freshly sun-dried sarongs while you waited your turn. Once on the table I looked down thru the face cradle and enjoyed a view of a single perfect orchid blossom arranged on a lovely raku dish. My foot would be in it ten times if I tried this, but I've never forgotten how much it added to the experience.

Just a start...

 

[Pompal 09.]

Another outrageously luxurious touch was at a lomi-lomi establishment. It was pretty stripped down and straight-forward but they had tea for you to sip in freshly sun-dried sarongs while you waited your turn. Once on the table I looked down thru the face cradle and enjoyed a view of a single perfect orchid blossom arranged on a lovely raku dish. My foot would be in it ten times if I tried this, but I've never forgotten how much it added to the experience.

Just a start...

The day spa I worked at offered tea while clients were waiting which they absolutely enjoyed. And, what a great idea with the orchid blossom.

Ahem...love your new avatar MRSKitten!

 

[Live Life Love]

*blush* I thank Masthera for the geekly-tips.

This is my "little" one...he hasn't yet grown completely into his paws but at 8 months he's not exactly little any more. He looooovvveeess massage and I'm sure he'd love what YOU can do even more! (slobber-slobber)

 

[JWR]

one of the reasons i ask this question is because i am totally surprised by how a lot massage therapy establishments around my city do not offer what i would consider "the basics". so, i was looking to see what is out there that is a "luxury" type of item that people enjoy. i like to think my office is pretty much what everyone else offers but am amazed at the fact that the places i've been to haven't impressed me at all. i'm always looking for ways to improve my business. sometimes that means visiting other shops. i like to get new ideas for things i haven't thought of, cool items i wasn't aware of etc. the last year of massages i've received have mostly (if not all) been in massage rooms that i'd consider mediocre. i don't understand why more therapists don't take the extra time to pay attention to the details.

i'm talking...yukkie sheets, tables i barely fit on, cords everywhere (my arm actually got caught in one as a therapist was moving me around -while literally pushing the table around 'cause the room wasn't big enough, yes, while i was on it!) tables that wobble, no blankets, stereos sitting on the floor, crappy lighting (too bright), windows that i can see out of (which means people can look in!), cold floors, no face cradle, no mirror, nowhere to put my clothes, etc...

guess i've gotten off my own topic. i thought it would be nice to hear about some luxury "extra touches" at some massage establishments. i love the orchid blossom idea. how lovely. i think offering tea is a really nice touch too.

what other creative, unique or fun things have you come across?

 

[Aijaz]

...yukkie sheets, tables i barely fit on, cords everywhere (my arm actually got caught in one as a therapist was moving me around -while literally pushing the table around 'cause the room wasn't big enough, yes, while i was on it!) tables that wobble, no blankets, stereos sitting on the floor, crappy lighting (too bright), windows that i can see out of (which means people can look in!), cold floors, no face cradle, no mirror, nowhere to put my clothes, etc...

t043
I thought I was the only picky one about this stuff! Ya'll look me up if ever in Dallas, hear?

We don't have orchids by the million like they do in Hawai'i but I still would love to do this. That and the delightful outdoor shower (the floor was cemented-in river rocks) it made up for many other things that were downright Spartan.

I'm anxiously waiting to see what others post, too.

 

[vivek]

I have a pretty nice room. I enjoy colors and interesting things to look at or new things to learn, so I have a variety of things to add character to my room. There is plenty of space.

After the session I tell the client to take their time getting up and to open the door when they are dressed and I will come back in with some water. When they open the door I bring them a water bottle and I sit down and ask them how they feel. I never ever ever ever make a client feel that they need to leave. I usually take a que from them as to when they are ready to leave.

I space my appointments with a half hour in between specifically so I can chat with my client. Some clients know this and stay to chat with me about whatever and I will change the linens while we talk. A few clients have commented that they appreciate not being rushed.

It's the kind of relationship I want to build with my clients...

 

[Yiati]

I've been thinking that if I had my own practice, I'd have hot herbal and green teas available for clients in the waiting area.

A water sculpture sounds good too... literally... relaxing sound of water burbling over stones...

Maybe an aquarium? Watching pretty fish swimming is relaxing.

Oh... and as for decor... lots of wall hangings. Indian blankets or tapestries and such. Something to reduce the "wall echo" and provide a feeling of warmth and coziness.

How about hot towels to wipe the face, hands, arms, neck, etc...? For before the massage begins? Maybe steamed with chamomile?

 

[Escape_Reality]

I'm with you... spacing 30 minutes between is precisely why I love independents (most of them, anyway) and seek them out over a spa no matter where I am. I do this for my clients so they can FULLY enjoy the experience and I don't like feeling rushed myself when I'm paying good money to be relaxed.

 

[Lorne]

I went to a massage therapist today, and at the end of the session, she put a rolled up hot damp towel under my neck, and massaged my feet for a few minutes, then wiped my feet off with another hot damp towel. It was really nice! (her space was attractive and cozy too.)

 

[Emily Yetman]

I have a warm compress for clients eyes, warm socks I put on their feet after I am done working them, and I also have about 30 different scented oils for clients to choose from.

Christine

 

[The Punisher]

I love this thread

I work out of my home, and I think it's a plus that All Areas Massage are kept to the anterior one-third of the house...this means clients don't have to go through personal living areas like the kitchen or a bedroom to get to the massage room. And my studio does NOT double as a bedroom. Sure, I could move the table slightly and allow a guest to bring an air mattress during a slow time of year and sleep over for a few nites, but it's a professional massage room first and foremost. Not exactly a luxury or anything, but definitely a plus.

Luxuries, let's see...dunno the extent that these qualify, but here goes... (and I echo the contributions of others as well.) I also have a table warmer. We're beginning to incorporate the use of Hot Stones into every massage--at no extra charge. We incorporate electronic biofeedback and aromatherapy (with a wide array of essential oils to choose from)--also at no extra charge. (My single rate schedule pricing is set accordingly.) Clients get a bottle of Whole Foods brand water to take with them (16.9 oz--still a bit small in my opinion, but it's what they had. ) We have an adjustable facecradle. This REALLY helps ppl who have neck problems or need some in-depth neck work. Our table is electric and it tilts...not from side to side but we can elevate the feet or the head at will. Candlelight and nightlight instead of overhead lights. Eye and neck pillows (hand-made by my mom) that are scented with real herbs. The eye pillows are perfectly shaped to cover the eyes completely (in the case of daytime appts as my studio does have a window...with wide wooden blinds) and perfectly weighted to remain in place without threatening to slide off. The neck pillows are for neck support while the client is supine. We also have extra padding on the table and a layer of foam padding on top of that. MRSKitten is right about that! And we invested in the wider table to comfortably accommodate almost all clients. We use tiger balm (much better ingredients than Biofreeze) and we use all natural and organic supplies so there isn't nearly so much chemical exposure. We take pride in a strict non-animal-tested policy for all products used in the practice. I tend to use pillows instead of a bolster, though I do keep a nice rounded bolster on hand for when it is preferred/needed. I personally think pillows are a bit more comfy. Well, I think that about covers it, at least from the top of my head lol. Again, this's a great thread. I'd love to hear more about what ppl do for their clients! The tea and the orchid are AWESOME ideas, as are others

Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[mothers of invention]

I can say that I TOTALLY agree with you, Jyoti, about the 'massage area' being in a designated area in the home. I would reallyl not like my clients having to go thru my home to get to the room and seeing all my stuff... My studio is an extra bedroom located on the West side of the house. Entry from side right into hallway, right into room... there is also a bathroom right across the hallway for clients to use. Area is completely private as I can set up a folding screen across the end of the hall blocking entry into my living areas. My wonderful hubby couldn't have designed the house better for me! ha ha... (funny we didn't even know each other when he built it!)

Anyway, I like the hot towel idea for the neck and feet also, clients rave about it. I usually will ask them if they have a specific EO they would like me to use in the scenting of them when they book a session. Usually lavender and jasmine for my ppl....or they just want me to pick. I also use hot packs in my sessions when clients are prone.... on lower back when I work the upper and then on upper back when I am working the low back area.

BTW, Jyoti, those eye and neck pillows you use are really nice! I enjoyed that session very much. You are awesome!