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Our reporter shared her rich personal experience.
How many different types of massages exist today, probably even the most eminent specialists in this field will not be able to answer. Judge for yourself, there are more than 20 types of popular techniques alone. Among them are “Russian”, “relaxing”, “endermologic”, “lymphatic drainage”, “reflexogenic” and “Ayurvedic”. And also hydromassage, stone therapy, esalen massage, Thai, qigong, lomi-lomi and so on and so forth. I write, my soul is singing, and my wallet is crying, because the real cost of one session of such a massage from a good master starts from 2500-3000 rubles and goes far beyond the horizon. Add to this the ever-growing exchange rate (after all, we will talk about massages abroad), and it will become completely sad. How to be? Refuse from cherished procedures? Not at all! It is enough just to find opportunities to save a little. Naturally, without loss of quality, and most importantly – the time allotted for the massage.
The first rule is to show that you are a pro, you have seen everything, tried everything and enjoyed everything. It’s not bad even to hint that you have a medical education, and you know about “active points on the body” since kindergarten. But here you can see for yourself, so as not to be exposed in a lie. Information about your professionalism will not allow your masseur to cheat, so as not to drop your own face and not offend a discerning client, and therefore, most likely, you will definitely be satisfied with his work.
This advice flows smoothly from the first and is the very “freebie” that Russians especially love. However, keep in mind that test massage can only be offered in large salons and spas, and it is done in order to convince the client to use the services in full. For 10-15 minutes, you will be given the same massage that you then plan to purchase: press on different points, knead, twist or stroke – who orders what, only in a truncated version. At the end of the trial procedure, the master must point out your problem areas (scoliosis, edema, injuries, clamps, etc.) and say what exactly and how it will fix it. Thus, you will simultaneously receive a small piece of the procedure and a general examination for free, and at the same time appreciate the skill of the masseur who will do it.
Ask for price in another language
An unthinkable mystery for me personally, but for some reason the prices for Russians are at times different from the same prices for the same procedures for Americans, Germans and even more locals, and therefore always ask for a second “menu”, but in a different language. Visually, you will already remember where and what name of the massage is located, which means that in the final, just compare the prices and choose the lowest from them.
To save money, don’t spare it …
At first glance, this is a very strange advice, but it really works. Remember the golden rule: one massage session always costs more than a course of at least four or five procedures. In addition, in addition to the course, you can ask for a gift: mask, hammam, additional massage for a specific area (for example, back), and so on. Well, again, when buying a course, you can always demand a good discount.
Don’t ignore preparatory procedures
These may include a hammam, a swimming pool, an infrared sauna, and so on. They will perfectly relax, prepare the body for further procedures and in 99% of cases are provided to clients free of charge.
The situation when tourists are practically dragged by force to some exotic spa centers located dozens of kilometers from the hotel is familiar to everyone who has ever been abroad. In my opinion, it makes sense to go to such “massage Mecca” only if you plan to ride outside the hotel territory or intend to take just one session. In all other situations, there will be more trouble with movement than good. Well, also imagine that then you, covered in oil, nodding after relaxation and thinking only about how to quickly collapse on the bed in the room, again go to shake on the way back … Yes, and massage in the spa at the hotel can be agreed upon at your convenience time, the departure will have to be adjusted for the transfer, other guests, and so on.
“Be kind, slow down, I’m writing it down”
My favorite feature, which always works better than any argument, is the information that I am a journalist (blogger, popular Russian writer, and so on). Now everyone is fighting for prestige, reputation and clients (read: for money), and therefore, if you mention that you are planning to leave a review about the massage in social networks, for example, by unsubscribing on Instagram with the installation of a geotag where the procedure took place, or even more so at Tophotels, be sure to be carried into your office. However, if you have already promised to write, be sure to write. Here I, for example, now just work out my massages in this way (just kidding).
Bring a friend – get a gift
This tip smells a bit like network marketing, and, frankly, is built on the same principle, but I’ll share it anyway. When you came to the massage yourself, bargained and signed up for the course, be sure to talk to the administrator (just check in advance that he understood you correctly in Russian) that if you bring new clients, you will receive additional bonuses. Do not be alarmed! This does not oblige you to anything and certainly does not force you to grab the hand of strangers and drag them from the hotel to the masseurs. For example, we managed to pull off a similar scheme “for three”, literally within the family. When my husband and mother signed up for the spa, the total discount on procedures for everyone was about 50%, and the number of gifts (including beach bags and bathrobes) went off scale. By the way, the spouse took only one procedure, and my mother limited herself to a series of facial massages.
At the place of registration – always more profitable
If you are a fan of exotic and “not our” massages, remember once and for all: to do them correctly, and most importantly, relatively cheaply, you can only at the place of original registration of this massage. Thai – in Thailand, Ayurvedic – in India or Bali. Therefore, no matter how impressive your discount on a gold card in a super-mega-excellent massage parlor in Russia is, it is unlikely to be more than a discount on the spot. Indeed, the cost of the procedure in our country automatically includes at least the transfer of the master from abroad and his “business trip”.
If you want cheap – come early
At seasonal resorts, the beginning of this very season is often “empty”: there are few tourists, there is no revenue, so hotel owners and spa directors will willingly give discounts and give out bonuses. All for the same reviews or for attracting new customers. So the main thing is not to get lost!