Lisa Kasanicky

Lisa Kasanicky

Walk up to any random woman on the street – pick the one bustling down the sidewalk with a laptop bag slung across one shoulder, an iPhone in one hand and a Starbucks and gluten-free muffin in the other – and ask her if she could be teleported anywhere right now, where it would be. Nine times out of 10, the answer would be “the spa.” Now that’s not a scientific study by any means, but I can attest from personal experience that women live for a good spa day.

Spa vacations are on the rise, and for good reason. Where else are you forced to trade your cell phone and frenzied pace for a pair of comfy slippers, a soft terry robe and an itinerary laced with massages, facials and yoga? And, sharing the experience with like-minded girlfriends is the icing on that gluten-free muffin.

But first, the ground rules. If you’re leading a group of women on a spa-centric girlfriend getaway, be sure they are armed with the following pre-trip tips.