fic research question: spa treatments

[kindkit]

For the purposes of writing an incredibly self-indulgent bit of fluff, I would like to know about day spas, beauty treatments, that kind of thing--ones done for fun, relaxation, or "self care," not so much the medical/medicalized ones. It's not something I have personal experience with.

I know I can google what sorts of treatments exist, but I also want to know what they're like subjectively, and I can't easily google that.

If you can help out, I've got three questions:

(1) What spa/massage/beauty treatment type things have you experienced?

(2) Which ones felt especially luxurious or pampering?

(3) Which ones, if any, were weird, uncomfortable, or unpleasant?


All replies welcome, whether we know each other or not. Anon commenting is on if you prefer. And signal-boosting would be great!

Comments

[resonant]

I love body massage but to me it feels less like relaxation and more in the physical therapy category. It's a relief from pain and discomfort, and sometimes involves enduring lesser pain and discomfort.

Now HAND massage is pure pleasure to me. Scalp massage is also very nice and relaxing.

I enjoy pedicures (I'm so very very ticklish and I've never had a pedicurist tickle me, so yay professional skills) and they allow for a lot of luxury adders like scent etc. I also love the ritual of choosing polish color.

I wish spa people would have some way of indicating "I know what ASMR is and can try to give you that kind of experience" so you could identify the person who isn't, for instance, going to end the session by clapping their hands together and saying loudly, "You're all set, sugar."

[kindkit]

Another vote for pedicures! I was already planning to include one, but even more so now. Also hand and foot massage, maybe scalp massage (along with some hair treatments), and some body massage (probably with a hot stone element) of the amateur type--the scenario is the character being pampered by his boyfriend with some spa-ish things, not real professional spa services.

Thanks for your help!