When searching for a good beauty spa, don't just look in the Yellow Pages -- check the Internet, too. These days, the Internet is as good a source for local spas as the phone book, and sometimes better -- at some sites you can read reviews from others who've tried their services.

While shopping for a beauty spa, you should always note the atmosphere: is it relaxed and friendly, or does there seem to be an undercurrent of tension? Since the whole point of a spa is to relax and enjoy yourself, you may want to avoid any spa that just doesn't feel right.

Never underestimate the power of a gift certificate. If you want to guarantee a great spa experience for someone else, buy them a gift certificate and give it as a gift; they'll certainly appreciate it. You can also get one for yourself if you have to put off going to the spa when you'd like.