How to Spa (FAQs)
If you don't see your question answered here, please give us a call at 607.273.1740 or e-mail us at info@rasaspa.com.
May I tour the spa before I decide to make an appointment?
Our facility is a hidden oasis in downtown. To be honest, we know it's hard to imagine such an inviting, beautiful and peaceful place as Rasa if you've only seen our building from the outside or have never been for a visit. We've endeavored to make our Spa a truly warm, enriching, and sensuous experience from the moment you step inside the doorway. We love having visitors and giving tours so - yes: please come by and see for yourself some of what makes a visit to Rasa such a welcome respite. In the meantime, check out some more pictures of the Spa here.
What session should I choose?
It's hard to go wrong when picking a session at Rasa. Before booking, we suggest looking through the treatments on the website. If one stands out, book it. If not, choose a few that seem attractive to you or think about what you'd like, and give us a call to talk over options. Let us know about any pain, discomfort or sensitivity you might have and what your goals might be for the session. We are happy to answer any questions, help you decide what treatment might work best, and if a specific therapist is recommended. On the day of the session your therapist will once again talk about your specific needs, goals, sensitivities, and anything else that comes up, to make sure that your treatment is what you want and need.
When should I arrive for my appointment?
We ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the session's start to allow time to fill out any necessary intake forms, get changed, and settle in. However, all guests are encouraged to come as early as they like and stay as late as they like late on the day of an appointment. Relax in our Tranquility Room overlooking Cayuga Lake Inlet, take a sauna, meditate in our Meditation Alcove, nap, read, sip tea, visit with friends, order up lunch from the Inlet Island Cafe or do whatever makes your day special.
How often should I visit a spa?
Determining a schedule of visits is a very individual decision. The frequency of sessions is based on your own response to bodywork or skincare, your financial situation, and your current therapeutic needs. Committing to a schedule as one would commit to any health care regimen is, of course, the ideal. Some clients are able to come to Rasa once a week and others come just once a season. Your practitioner will be able to help you decide the best course for you. If you feel that frequent visits to Rasa would serve you best, we offer spa memberships - both yearlong as well as seasonal - to accommodate those needs. We also offer packages which can help defray some cost and encourage more regular care.
What are the health benefits to visiting the spa?
There are many benefits to receiving our spa treatments. Some major health benefits of bodywork can include increased circulation, injury rehabilitation, stress reduction, pain relief, better body awareness, deep relaxation, increased immunity, and detoxification. With facials, the benefits can include a regulation of immune functions, clearing and flushing the skin of toxins, a reduction in fluid retention, sloughing dead skin cells, clearing pores (extractions), better moisture retention and elasticity, and stress relief. In either case the benefits of aromatherapy and acupressure can also be a part of sessions. In general, a visit to the spa is a gift to your whole, healthful person - mind, body and soul.
What should I wear? Do I have to remove my clothing?
For all services, you are given one of our plush robes and Sensi massaging shower sandals to put on. If you are receiving massage, bodywork, or scrubs, you may undress to your comfort level, however we do recommend disrobing entirely to allow the therapists to work directly on muscles. If you are receiving a facial, it's important to disrobe from the waist up, at least, as shoulders, head and neck are worked on. You will be covered by a sheet for your privacy throughout massage and facial sessions. For waxing, depending on your session (and if you're only coming in for treatment and not spending the day), you will be offered privacy in the room to prepare. If you are receiving a Shiatsu or Thai massage, you will be asked to bring your own comfortable stretch clothing, as these more active therapies involve work on a floor mat. For Reiki, you will also need to wear comfortable stretch clothing, though this session does not involve work on the floor.
Whom should I choose as a therapist? Is there is difference between choosing a male or female massage therapist?
All of our therapists are highly skilled professionals with individual areas of specialty and unique therapy styles. There is no appreciable difference between our male therapists and our female therapists. However, if you have a preference, we are happy to accommodate such a request; please be sure to make your request at the time you schedule your spa appointment so we can schedule the appropriate staff member. For more information on our therapists please check our Staff page.
Should I shave before an aesthetic or bodywork session?
We recommend that you do not shave within 2 weeks before any waxing appointments in particular. If you regularly shave your legs or bikini area, it is most effective to have at least 1/4 inch of hair growth before your waxing session. Also, please note that newly shaved skin may become irritated during scrub treatments.
