Spa Deals

How To Find The Best Spa Deals

Looking for spa deals? There are plenty of spa deals out there, but spas don't give discounts unless they HAVE to. Here's what spa insiders do to dig up the best spa deals and save.

• Spa Deal Tip #1: Watch For Spa Week. With $50 spa treatments, this is one of the best spa deals out there. Spa Week takes place in major markets twice a year.


• Spa Deal Tip #2: Travel Off-Season. If you're planning a spa vacation, rates drop dramatically when you go off-season. Think summers in Arizona or Florida and winters in the Northeast.


• Spa Deal Tip #3: Ask About Off-Peak Rates and Other Specials. Some spas charge lower rates on the days and hours that have lower demand, such as Monday through Thursday or early morning hours. You'll get the best spa deals if you book spa treatments then.


• Spa Deal Tip #4: Sign up For Email Blasts. Spas don't want to advertise their spa deals, but they email or text deals to regular customers. You'll find out about last-minute discounts, even free treatments, classes and lectures.


• Spa Deal Tip #5: Join A Club. Chains like Massage Envy and facelogic offer memberships where you get a monthly treatment for $50. Just remember, it's no-frills, and some of the massage therapists or estheticians will be newbies. It can be a good deal if you find an experienced person whose style you like.


• Spa Deal Tip #6: Join A Rewards Program. Some spas have loyalty programs that reward regular customers with a free massage after you get ten. That's a 10% discount -- and you can go anytime you want.


• Spa Deal Tip #7: Look For "Locals" Programs. Spas in big resort towns like Scottsdale or Miami often have lower rates and special deals for locals. Out-of-towners, don't apply!


• Spa Deal Tip #8: Ask For Group Rates. If you're looking for a girlfriend getaway (think five or more), tell the spa and try to negotiate a group rate.


• Spa Deal Tip #9: Buy A Series. Treatments that require a series such as laser hair removal and microdermabrasion are usually cheaper when you pay upfront. But it's not a deal unless it's the right treatment for you.


• Spa Deal Tip #10: Find A Small Day Spa. If you're interested in just getting a massage or facial without all the frills, look for a small day spa. Prices should be lower than a big, glitzy day spa.


• Spa Deal Tip #11: See A Private Practitioner.massage therapists or estheticians who work out of their home usually charge less than a spa and you don't have to pay tip or tax. They also tend to be more highly experienced. You won't get luxury amenities (and ambiance can vary) but they can help your progress towards your wellness and beauty goals.


• Spa Deal Tip #12: Spend The Day At A Resort Spa. If you do splurge on a resort spa, make a day of it. Get there early and use all the facilities -- steam, sauna, relaxation lounge. Don't rush off. Bring your swimsuit and a good book -- then hang out by the pool.


• Spa Deal Tip #13: Let Students Work On You....Maybe. If you go to massage schools or esthetician schools, you can get a massage or facial for $25-$40. Personally, I don't like students working on me because they are beginners and make mistakes. I've come out from a beginner massage with my neck hurting when it felt fine going in.

  I especially don't advise getting laser treatments, microdermabrasion treatments or aggressive chemical peels from a student. And remember, ambiance will be lacking.