Your first spa visit: what to expect, step by step

Feeling unsure? That's completely normal

A lot of men put off their first massage for years. Not because they don't want one, but because they're not sure what to expect. Will it be awkward? Will I do something wrong? What if I don't like it?

Here's the truth: spa teams welcome first-timers every day. There's no special etiquette you need to master and no way to "do it wrong". A professional spa will guide you through everything. All you really need to do is turn up, say what you'd like, and relax.

Still, knowing what's coming makes it easier to switch off. So here's the full journey, step by step.

Step 1: Choosing your massage

Before you book, think about what you want to feel afterwards.

• Calm and sleepy? A gentle oil massage like Kerala massage is ideal.
• Loose and energised? Try Thai massage, with pressure and stretches, usually while clothed.
• Worked out and relieved? Choose deep tissue or sports massage for firm, focused pressure.

For most first-timers, we suggest a gentle, full-body oil massage at a shorter session length. It's the easiest way to find out what you enjoy. If you love it, you can try something firmer next time.

Not sure? Just ask the spa. "It's my first massage, what do you recommend?" is a perfectly good question. Our massage menu also compares all the options.

Step 2: Booking

In Ajman, most spas take bookings by WhatsApp or phone. Your message only needs to include:

• the massage you'd like (or "first time, please recommend");
• your preferred session length;
• the day and time you'd like.

Do mention: that it's your first massage; any injuries, allergies (especially to nuts or oils), skin sensitivities or health conditions such as blood pressure or heart problems. If you have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before booking.

Check our prices page so you know what to expect.

Step 3: Before you go

Eat lightly

Have a light meal an hour or two before your massage. You'll spend part of the session lying face-down, which isn't comfortable on a full stomach.

Shower if you can

It's considerate and helps you feel fresh. Not essential, but appreciated.

Leave valuables at home

Keep jewellery and watches to a minimum. You'll need to remove them for the massage.

Plan to arrive early

Aim to be there about ten minutes before your booking. Arriving in a rush makes it harder to relax.

Step 4: Arrival

When you arrive, the reception team will welcome you, confirm your booking and ask you to wait briefly or take you straight to your room. This is a good moment to mention anything you forgot when booking: an injury, an allergy, or that you'd prefer a quiet session.

You might be offered water or tea. Take it. Staying hydrated is good before a massage.

Step 5: The consultation

Before the massage starts, your therapist will ask a few short questions:

• Are there any areas you'd like me to focus on?
• Are there any areas to avoid?
• What kind of pressure do you prefer?
• Any injuries or health concerns?

Be honest. If you don't know what pressure you like, say "medium to start" and adjust from there. There are no wrong answers. This conversation is there to make the massage right for you.

Step 6: Changing

For an oil massage (Kerala, deep tissue)

The therapist will leave the room so you can change in private. You'll be shown where to put your clothes and how to lie on the table, usually face-down to begin with, under a towel. Spa protocol varies, so follow the instructions you're given. If you're unsure about anything, just ask.

During the massage you'll stay covered with towels. Only the area being worked on is uncovered, and the towel is moved as the therapist works. This is called draping, and it's standard professional practice.

For a traditional Thai massage

You'll usually stay clothed, in loose, comfortable clothing. Ask the spa whether clothing is provided or whether you should bring your own.

Your first visit, step by step

Step 7: The massage itself

Once you're settled, the therapist will knock or announce themselves before coming back in. Then the massage begins.

Relax and breathe

It sounds obvious, but it's the most useful thing you can do. Slow, deep breathing helps your muscles let go. If you notice you're holding your breath, the pressure may be too strong.

Speak up whenever you like

This is the most important tip in this guide. You can ask for changes at any time: "a bit firmer", "a bit softer", "can you spend more time on my shoulders?", "please skip my feet". A good therapist wants to know, and adjusting is part of their job. You won't offend anyone.

Talk, or don't

Some people like to chat during a massage. Others prefer silence. Both are completely fine. If you'd rather stay quiet, just say so at the start.

If you fall asleep

Many people do, especially during a Kerala massage. It's a sign you're relaxed. Your therapist will simply carry on and let you know when the session ends.

If you feel uncomfortable

If anything feels wrong at any point, whether physically or otherwise, say so. You can ask the therapist to stop. A professional spa will always respect that.

Step 8: Finishing up

At the end, the therapist will let you know the session is over and leave the room so you can get up and dress in private. Take your time. Get up slowly, as some people feel a little light-headed after lying down for a while. Sit on the edge of the table for a moment before standing.

After an oil massage you may feel a little oily. Many spas offer a shower, or you can wipe off excess oil with a towel.

Step 9: Paying

You'll usually pay at reception. The amount should match what you were told when you booked. If anything's different, ask why. Have a look at our prices page to see how we price our sessions.

Should I tip?

Tipping is a personal choice, not an obligation. If you enjoyed the service and want to tip, that's appreciated, but you should never feel pressured.

Step 10: After your massage

How you might feel

• Relaxed and calm. The most common feeling.
• A little sleepy. Especially after a slow oil massage.
• Loose and light. Especially after Thai massage.
• Slightly tender. Possible after deep tissue or a first Thai massage. Usually gone within a day or two.

Aftercare tips

• Drink water. Most people simply feel thirsty.
• Eat lightly if you're hungry.
• Take it easy for the rest of the day if you can, and avoid heavy training.
• Check you're alert before driving, especially if you feel sleepy.

If you feel severe or lasting pain, or notice swelling or bruising, speak to a doctor.

Simple spa etiquette

There are no strict rules, but these small courtesies make the visit smoother for everyone:

• Put your phone on silent before you go into the treatment room.
• Keep your voice low in shared areas, as other guests may be relaxing.
• Be on time, so your session isn't shortened and the next guest isn't kept waiting.
• Be honest about pressure and comfort. It's the most helpful thing you can do.
• Treat the team with respect. Professional spas offer professional massage only, and any inappropriate request will end the session.
• Cancel early if your plans change, so the slot can go to someone else.

Common first-timer questions, answered

"Will it be awkward?" Not with a professional team. Everything is explained, you're covered throughout, and you can ask questions at any time.

"What if I'm ticklish?" Tell your therapist. Firmer pressure is usually less ticklish, and they can skip areas like your feet.

"What if I don't like it?" Say so. Your therapist can change the pressure, the focus or the technique. You can also stop the session.

"How often should I get a massage?" There's no rule. Some people book weekly, some monthly, some only after a stressful stretch. Do what feels right.

After your first massage: what next?

Once you've had your first massage, you'll know far more about what you like. Use that knowledge next time:

• Pressure: Did you want more or less? Say so at the start of your next session.
• Focus: Was there an area you wished had more time? Ask for it.
• Style: If you enjoyed a gentle oil massage, you might try Thai massage for something more active, or deep tissue for firmer work.
• Length: If the session felt too short, book a longer one next time.
• Timing: Notice how you felt afterwards. Sleepy? Then evening appointments may suit you best.

Many guests find their second massage even more enjoyable than the first, simply because they know what to expect and what to ask for.

A quick first-visit checklist

Before you leave home, run through this list:

• Booking confirmed, with time, treatment and price in writing.
• Health concerns or allergies mentioned to the spa.
• A light meal eaten an hour or two ago, not a heavy one.
• Watch and jewellery left at home or ready to remove.
• Loose clothing packed if you've booked a traditional Thai massage.
• Enough travel time to arrive ten minutes early, relaxed.

Your first visit at Muskaan Spa

If you're booking your first massage with us, tell us it's your first time when you message us on WhatsApp. We'll recommend a suitable massage and session length, explain everything when you arrive, and make sure you feel comfortable throughout. Our treatment rooms are private, linens are fresh for every guest, and our team follows professional standards at all times. Read more on our About page, and find our address and directions on the Contact page.

This guide was written by the Muskaan Spa team in Ajman as general wellness information. It isn't medical advice. If you have a health condition, please speak to your doctor before booking a massage.