Although market trends indicate continued strong growth in the spa sector, people are staying away from visiting spas because they find them too intimidating and can't work out the etiquette, according to new research from Saga Holidays.

The report found that one in five people say they don't know what to wear and almost a quarter say they don't understand treatments. Among the typical complaints were not knowing when they should take their clothes off and whether they should tip the therapist.

Another 20 per cent dislike the idea of walking around in a dressing gown in public, while 11 per cent of people complained that spas fail to cater for men.

The report also found that, in the UK, Londoners are more likely to go to spas than those outisde the capital with 49 per cent saying they are attracted to the idea. East Anglians appear to be the least likely, with just 29 per cent expressing an interest in spa going.

Top Ten tips on enjoying a spa experience

1) Don't be afraid to ask questions – before you arrive call the spa and ask any questions you may have. Professional spa consultants will be more than happy to answer any questions and to put your mind at ease. The same goes for when you actually arrive, ask anything you are unsure about.

2) Arrive early - arrive at the spa at least 15 minutes before your appointment to allow time to check in, change and complete any consultation forms. If the spa has wet and/or thermal facilites you may wish to arrive an hour before your appointment to relax your muscles and open pores in the sauna and steam room before any treatment.

3) Request a spa tour – a tour of the spa will make you feel comfortable in your surroundings.

4) Request a therapist – if you would prefer a female instead of a male or vice versa, say so.

5) Don't feel you have to talk during the treatment – if you don't want to talk, don't, the therapist will take his or her cue from you.

6) Dress comfortably – wear what makes you feel comfortable. Many people completely undress for treatments, such as full body massages, but it is not compulsory. The main thing is that you are comfortable enough to relax and enjoy the treatment.

7) Tip – tipping is at your discretion.

8) Don't be afraid to let the therapist know what you like – if the pressure is too strong or not strong enough, let your therapist know and if you have any questions about what they are doing, ask.

9) Remove jewellery – take all your jewellery off during your treatment, as many oils used can damage precious metals and stones.

10) Turn off your mobile – a ringing phone does not belong in a spa and ruins the calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Finally, relax. Therapists are trained professionals and so put yourself in their capable hands and enjoy the experience.

Saga Holidays offers a range of spa break destinations in Europe and further a field. Customers can choose from three different spa packages when they book and then choose their treatments when they arrive in resort. Seven nights half board at the Hotel Jardin Tropical spa hotel in Tenerife starts from £649 per person. Spa use packages at the hotel begin from £79. 10 nights all inclusive at the Nexus Resort, Borneo starts from £999, spa packages begin from £99. Alternatively, Nine nights at the Aonang Villa Resort, Krabi costs from £799, with spa packages beginning at £45.

For further details on Saga Holidays please call 0800 056 5880 or visit www.saga.co.uk/travelshop

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