Spa treatments: the basics explained
The basic spa treatments are body exfoliation, the wrap, hydrotherapy and massage, and their logical order within a single visit is to exfoliate first, wrap or hydrate second and finish with the massage.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- A body exfoliation takes 25 to 40 minutes.
- The wrap follows exfoliation to work on prepared skin.
- A 90 minute combined ritual costs 110 € to 200 €.
- The water circuit is best done before treatments rather than after.
A spa menu mixes evocative names with concrete procedures. Behind almost all of them sit four techniques and one logic of order.
What each one does
Exfoliation removes dead cells with a mild abrasive, whether salt, sugar or plant grains, leaving the skin prepared to absorb what follows. A wrap applies a layer of product left to act under a covering. Hydrotherapy uses water under pressure and at varying temperatures. And massage works the tissue with manual technique.
| Treatment | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Body exfoliation | 25 to 40 minutes | 45 to 80 € |
| Wrap | 30 to 50 minutes | 55 to 100 € |
| Hydrotherapy bath | 20 to 30 minutes | 35 to 70 € |
| 50 minute massage | 50 minutes | 60 to 120 € |
| Facial treatment | 45 to 60 minutes | 60 to 130 € |
| Combined ritual | 90 minutes | 110 to 200 € |
| Water circuit beforehand | 45 to 60 minutes | included or 20 to 45 € |
The order that makes sense
Water circuit first, because heat prepares the tissue and relaxes the muscles, which improves everything that follows. Exfoliation next. Wrap or hydrating application onto skin already prepared. And massage last, when the body is at its most receptive. Doing it the other way round, with the circuit after the massage, undoes much of what has been achieved.
Rituals
These are set combinations of 2 or 3 techniques lasting 75 to 120 minutes, and they usually work out 10 to 20 per cent cheaper than booking each part separately. Their advantage is that the order has already been resolved by whoever designed them. Before booking it is worth checking exactly what is included, because highly evocative names sometimes describe an exfoliation and a short massage.
In high season the longer rituals sell out first, because they occupy a cabin for longer and there are fewer slots.
Before and after
Arrive 15 minutes early to change without rushing, since the treatment time starts at the booked hour. Avoid a heavy meal in the 2 preceding hours. Do not apply creams or perfume beforehand. And afterwards, wait a few hours before showering if a wrap product is meant to keep working, an instruction the establishment gives at the end.
Frequently asked
+In what order should treatments be taken?
Water circuit, exfoliation, wrap or hydration, and massage at the end.
+What does an exfoliation do?
It removes dead cells with a mild abrasive and prepares the skin to absorb what is applied next.
+Are rituals better value?
Usually 10 to 20 per cent cheaper than booking each part separately.
+How long does a treatment take?
Twenty five to sixty minutes individually and 75 to 120 for combined rituals.
+What should I do before the appointment?
Arrive 15 minutes early, avoid a heavy meal beforehand and apply no creams or perfume.
Sources
- 1Ministerio de Sanidad, Gobierno de España (August 2026)
- 2Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)