Spa treatments help us de-stress. Customers should also do their part to contribute to this relaxing ambience

SPENDING time in a spa is the dream of many, especially if you are stressed out from your job or a weary mum who is perpetually running after her children.

The spa is definitely the place to unwind and de-stress. In recent years, many spas have opened here, some affordable and some very exclusive.

But no matter where you have decided to de-stress and spend a couple of hours in to have your feet and body massaged, or a facial done, there are some spa etiquettes to follow.

1. Time your arrival for at least 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment as this will allow you to check-in, change and relax before you go in for your session.

It wouldn’t be fair on the next client if you take up time that has been set aside for them, which is what happens when you are late. If the day’s booking is heavy, some spas may not extend your time slot.

2. Leave your mobile phone in the locker and please put it in “silent” mode. You shouldn’t engage in phone conversations during treatment or when you are in meditation areas.

3. Leave your jewellery and valuables at home or in the locker provided.

4. Don’t bring your domestic or work problems to the spa. You wouldn’t want to spend time telling your problems to the therapist.

5. Try to shower before you head for the spa. Should you feel you need to bathe again when you are there, do so. It’s not nice to be sweaty and smelly during the treatment.

6. Don’t be afraid to tell your therapist if the pressure applied for the facial or massage is too heavy or too light. After all, they are there to look into your needs and make it possible for you to relax.

7. Never feel pressured to buy products recommended by your facial consultant or therapist. You are not obliged to buy.

8. Leave your children at home. Children can get very restless if they have to sit and wait for their mothers to finish their treatment and restless children can be a nuisance to others. If you can’t leave them at home, bring along someone to take care of them. Also, check with the spa management if this is permissible.

9. Finally, if your therapist has done a good job, be generous with your tip. Some people would give a tip of RM5 or RM10 directly to the therapists after the treatment.

THE Lonely Planet travel guidebook has picked Malaysia as one of the world’s top seven destinations for Year 2008, with many of its hottest tourist attractions on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.

According to the international publisher, these tourist magnets include wildlife parks like Taman Negara, Lake Kenyir (South-East Asia’s largest man-made lake), elephant sanctuaries in Kuala Gandah as well as turtle sanctuaries. The latest to come on stream in 1999 was the Ma’ Daerah Turtle Sanctuary Centre in Kemaman.

According to the Lonely Planet website: “Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in South-East Asia. It’s buoyant and wealthy and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.

“Aside from the gleaming glass towers of the 21st Century, Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in Asia.

“The jungle at Taman Negara is so dense that you could pass within metres of an animal and never know it. The probability of spotting wildlife increases the further you trek from the heavily-trafficked park headquarters…

“The greatest reward of a visit to Taman Negara has to be present in one of the world’s most pristine extant primary rainforests. The jungle here is claimed to be the oldest in the world. None of the Ice Ages had any effect here and Taman Negara has eluded volcanic activity and other geological upheavals.”

Malaysia joins six other countries as “best choice” for a holiday. Then there’s Armenia (famed for its medieval monasteries, mountain peaks, sighting of the ultra rare Caucasian leopard), Bhutan (the last surviving great Himalayan kingdom with towering monasteries, intact Tibetan culture and pristine Himalayan environment) and Eritrea in East Africa (for its surreal landscape and pristine reefs).

Other countries are Montenegro in Serbia (famed for its sultry coastline and Adriatic deep blue waters), Mozambique (for its stunning beaches located over a 2,500km coastline, rugged bush interior and pulsating Afro-Latino vibe) and Papua New Guinea (for its people who are living much the same way they have had for thousands of years, uncrowded surfs, live volcanoes and wildlife).

Lonely Planet publishes over 650 titles in 118 countries with annual sales of more than six million guidebooks.