What to Pack for a Spa Weekend (Packing List + Tips)
We went for a spa and wellness weekend with Michal! And, honestly, we haven’t been anywhere just the two of us for so long that I had to think quite a lot about what to pack for a spa weekend.
The pool in the featured image is actually from the hotel that we stayed at! It was Hotel Diplomat in Rajecke Teplice, Slovakia.
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What to Pack for a Spa Day
- Flip flops or other shoes suitable for a wellness
- Towel
- Shampoo or shower gel
- Bikini or a swimsuit
- Hairbrush and tie
- Makeup
- Things to help you relax
- A bag (waterproof preferably)
So, straight into what to pack for a spa day.
Take some flip flops with you – you wouldn’t want to slip and fall by the pool, right? The floor there is – always! – wet and slippery.
Most spa and wellness centres (at least the ones we’ve been to) don’t provide towels for guests not staying in the attached hotel, so better take one with you. There are usually blow dryers, so one towel should be enough.
Usually, there are shampoos and shower gels available in the showers, but I wouldn’t count on it – better pack some small travel bottles with you. I use a refillable travel-size container and just fill it up with our own shampoo and shower gel.
Bikini or a swimsuit, obviously. I personally prefer to have a one-piece swimsuit in the pool to avoid unnecessary, emm, problems.
It’s better to have your hair out of the way during whatever relaxation procedures you’re having, so don’t forget to pack your hairbrush and hair tie with you. Maybe even a headband.
If you like having your makeup on at all times, it’s a good idea to pack it with you for a spa day. That way, you can reapply it after the procedures are done.
Things to help you relax, such as a Kindle (better than a book, since it’s waterproof and smaller) or a magazine, will help you enjoy your time in the, well, relaxation area.
If you like taking more things with you to the pool, such as paper napkins, water, glasses, etc., it’s a good idea to have a bag where to put them.
What to Pack for a Spa Weekend
- Travel essentials
- Flip flops
- Bikini or swimsuit
- An outfit – if you’re planning on going out
- Towels – just in case
- Things to help you relax
- A bag (waterproof preferably)
As for what to pack for a spa weekend, the list is actually pretty similar to any other trip or weekend getaway.
You can check out all the travel essentials in our article. But essentially, it’s your IDs, wallet, phone and chargers, cosmetics, clothes, and a first aid kit. You wouldn’t want to have a migraine right in the middle of a romantic weekend, right?
Flip flops or similar slippers are very useful when walking around the wellness. Generally, they are requested actually. The hotels often provide slippers, but those are made of fabric – much less pleasant to wear.
A bikini or a swimsuit is self-explanatory, right? Anyways, although you might not be required to wear it for a spa procedure, it is needed when going to a pool.
If you plan to go out for dinner or drinks, bring an outfit for that as well. Most places are casual, but it’s good to check in advance.
As a precaution, I sometimes pack a small travel towel. It doesn’t take much space and can be useful if the ones provided aren’t great.
Then, of course, don’t forget to pack your favourite relaxing items, like a kindle or a book, and a bag in which to carry them to the wellness!
We added a bottle of wine and some snacks to our “what to pack for a spa weekend” list, haha. It was nice to enjoy them on our balcony!
Spa Packing Checklist
It’s, of course, nice to have someone tell you what to pack for a spa weekend, but as you might guess, each person is different.
Use this simple checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything for your spa day or weekend.
| Item | Spa Day | Spa Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Flip flops | ✓ | ✓ |
| Swimsuit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Towel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shampoo / shower gel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hairbrush & tie | ✓ | ✓ |
| Makeup | Optional | Optional |
| Relaxation items (book, Kindle) | Optional | ✓ |
| Waterproof bag | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outfit for dinner | – | ✓ |
| Travel essentials (ID, chargers, etc.) | – | ✓ |
| Small first aid kit | – | ✓ |
What to wear to a Spa and Tips
What to wear to a spa and wellness centre
For arriving at the centre itself, you can just wear any clothing that you find comfortable. For me, it’s usually jeans and some sweater if we’re going when the weather is colder, and a dress or shorts+t-shirt when the weather is warmer.
There’s usually a changing room with lockers where you can leave your things, such as clothes, wallet, etc. Honestly, I haven’t been to a wellness centre which doesn’t have a locker room.
If you’re staying in a hotel with a spa, you can often go there already in your robe.
Some places may have a no-swimsuit policy, but that’s rare in Europe. In Japan, for example, onsens usually require you to be fully naked – especially in traditional stays like a ryokan in Hakone with private onsen.
What to Wear Under a Robe?
A bikini or a swimsuit is generally accepted at most spa and wellness centres, so that’s what you wear under the robe.
Some places occasionally have a no swimsuit policy, but that is rare in Europe. In Japan, though, onsen (local thermal baths) don’t allow swimsuits, so you’re going there all naked.
In some instances, that is, for some massages and treatments, you might have to be naked, though. To make sure, you can ask the receptionist to make sure that a bikini is allowed. Otherwise, the specialist himself will tell you to undress.
How to Wear Your Hair for a Spa Day
If you have long hair, it’s a good idea to wear it in an updo, such as a ponytail. Unless, of course, you’re going for a head massage – in that case, the specialist might ask you to untie the hair.
In most other cases, loose hair will be in the way.
You can even choose to wear a headband to make sure that no hair goes where it shouldn’t go.
Do you wear makeup to a spa and wellness?
It’s completely optional, but I usually opt for no makeup.
There’s a lot of humidity and water in the spa and wellness centres, so unless your makeup is extremely waterproof, you’re gonna end up with it all over the place.
For spa procedures, even if you’re going to have a facial, the aesthetician will usually do an oil cleanse which will remove makeup as well.
If you’re just having a massage, though, there’s a high chance that your makeup will end up on that face hole in the massage table.
Final thoughts
Spa trips are meant to be relaxing, so there’s no need to overthink packing.
As you’ve seen, the list isn’t that different from a normal weekend trip – just a few extra items for comfort and wellness.
FAQ: What to Pack for a Spa Weekend
What should I pack for a spa day?
For a spa day, pack flip flops, a swimsuit, a towel, basic toiletries, and a small bag. You might also want to bring something to relax with, like a book or Kindle.
What should I pack for a spa weekend?
For a spa weekend, bring the same essentials as for a spa day, plus clothes for your stay, an outfit for dinner, travel essentials, and any personal items you need for comfort.
Do spas provide towels?
Some spas provide towels, especially if you’re staying in a hotel. However, not all do, so it’s a good idea to bring your own just in case.
What do you wear to a spa?
Wear comfortable clothes when arriving at a spa. Once inside, you’ll usually change into a swimsuit and robe.
What do you wear under a robe at a spa?
A swimsuit or bikini is typically worn under a robe. In some places, especially certain thermal baths or onsens, swimsuits may not be allowed.
Should I wear makeup to a spa?
Makeup is optional, but most people prefer not to wear it. The humidity and treatments will likely remove or smudge it anyway.
What should I bring to relax at a spa?
You can bring items like a book, Kindle, or magazine to enjoy in relaxation areas.
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