Wellness hotels: what is included and what is extra

The word wellness in the name does not say how much of it is in the price. That detail sits in the small print of the booking.

What is usually included

The water circuit with heated pool, jets, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, with set hours and sometimes in timed sessions. The relaxation area. And in many cases use of the gym and some scheduled class. Charged separately are massages, facial and body treatments, ritual packages, and occasionally access to specific areas such as contrast pools or private cabins.

The hours

This is what surprises most. Many circuits open from 10 to 20 hours and close before dinner, so someone arriving at 19:00 after a day out finds the doors shut. In high season there may be sessions of 90 or 120 minutes with prior booking because of capacity limits. Checking the hours and the session system at check in prevents losing half the available days.

Booking treatments

In high season, 24 to 72 hours ahead, and with more margin in smaller establishments because the number of cabins is limited. Booking on the first day for the second or third gives better choice of times than trying on the same morning. And it is worth asking about the cancellation policy, which usually requires 12 or 24 hours' notice to avoid being charged.

Some hotels offer packages of two or three treatments at 10 to 20 per cent less than booking them individually.

What to pack

Pool sandals, which are compulsory in many establishments and not always provided. A cap if the pool requires one. A spare swimming costume, since one will not dry overnight in the ambient humidity. And your own robe if the hotel charges for it, a charge that can add 5 € to 15 € a day and over a 7 night stay stops being trivial.