Spa Tipping Etiquette: How Much Should You Tip?

2026 Update: Spa tipping etiquette continues to evolve as more spas move toward service-inclusive pricing, digital checkout, and gratuity-optional models. This guide reflects current expectations across day spas, resort spas, and med spas.

Introduction

Your spa treatment was wonderful—you feel relaxed, refreshed, and recharged. But then comes the question many spa guests wonder about: should you tip your therapist, or is gratuity already included in the service price?

To remove the guesswork and help you fully enjoy your experience before, during, and after your treatment, here’s a clear breakdown of spa tipping etiquette and what’s typically expected across different types of spas.

General Tipping Guidelines

“At a day spa, it’s customary to tip 15–20% of the service price,” says Navrajvir Singh, owner of Lakeview and Palm Tree spas.

For example, if your treatment costs $200, an appropriate tip would be $30. If your therapist provided exceptional service, tipping $40 or more is always appreciated.

Most day spas do not add a service charge to the bill, so gratuities are typically given directly to the therapist—often in cash.

“We allow tipping and encourage it by leaving envelopes in the treatment rooms so guests can conveniently tip their therapist,” Singh adds.

Hotel and Resort Spas

At destination spas, resort spas, and hotels where guests typically stay overnight, a service charge or spa gratuity of 18–20% is often automatically added to facial and massage services.

If you feel your therapist delivered exceptional care, you may choose to offer an additional tip directly in the treatment room.

If you’re unsure whether gratuity is already included, ask at the front desk. If you were unaware of an included service charge and left an extra tip, there’s no need to worry—your generosity will still be appreciated.

Medical Spas

Medical spas that offer hybrid services—such as traditional spa treatments combined with medical procedures like Botox or injectables—generally do not allow tipping.

Most medical spas clearly display their tipping policies at the reception desk, and it’s best to follow those guidelines.

Facials may be an exception in some medical spas. If you’re uncertain, asking the front desk is always better than unintentionally leaving a tip where it isn’t permitted—or not tipping when it is expected.

If tipping isn’t allowed and you’re a regular client, a thoughtful gesture during holidays or special occasions (such as a small gift or handwritten note) is a meaningful way to show appreciation.

Mineral Springs Spas

Traditionally, people who wanted relief from physical pain or who sought tranquility travelled to these exotic spas that offered natural mineral baths. These spas offer specialized treatments such as hydrotherapy treatment. 

Patrons are expected to tip the general 15-20% for the services at these locales.

Club Spas

Club spas are commonly located within gyms or fitness clubs. While their primary focus is fitness, many also offer spa services such as sports massages, foot treatments, and recovery-focused therapies.

Tipping expectations at club spas typically align with day spa standards, with 15–20% gratuity being customary unless otherwise stated.

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Navigating spa etiquette—whether it’s tipping, booking, or service expectations—can feel confusing. That’s why the Spa Industry Association offers free membership, providing access to practical guides, industry tools, and educational resources designed to help both spa professionals and guests better understand today’s spa experience.

————–Shristi is the Chief Content Officer at Raletta. She enjoys writing about food, fitness, finance and everything in between. Feel free to connect with her via Linkedin or drop an email at [email protected].

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