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Enjoy your romantic getaway with the ultimate indulgence. These tips ensure that you relax to the max.

Nowadays, more honeymooners than ever are choosing to spend lots of quality time pampering themselves on their first vacation as a married couple. So, whether you’ve booked a beach retreat, an adventure getaway or a tour of a romantic European city, chances are that you’ll want to work some fabulous treatments into the itinerary. Here’s how to make the most of a most delicious experience.

Spa-ology There are actually seven categories recognized by the International SPA Association. The big three are destination, day and resort: Destination spas typically focus on whole-body wellness and often include spa cuisine, fitness programs and mind-enrichment, while resort spas are pretty much all about the pampering. Day spas generally have facial and body treatment rooms, but lack whirlpools and steam and sauna facilities, says Darryll Leiman, Spa Director at Canyon Ranch’s SpaClub aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Book Your Treatments Let’s say the two of you have chosen to honeymoon at an island resort with a spa. If possible, reserve your treatments when you book your room. Most spas have an online menu of the services offered, so it’s easy to get set up. Before making your selections, consider: Do you want to get scrubbed and moisturized to perfect your bikini-ready bod? Would you prefer a hydrating facial to maintain your radiant glow? Or how about de-stressing with a deep-tissue massage? Try to take advantage of the spa’s specialties, Leiman suggests, like treatments that make use of indigenous ingredients.

While complimentary robes and slippers are de rigueur, and professional therapists are always considerate of your privacy, do be aware that most body treatments, like massage, salt scrubs or Vichy showers, require some nudity. If this makes you squeamish, consider scalp or facial treatments instead, or a massage that can be done fully clothed, such as reflexology (foot massage) and Watsu massage (you wear a bathing suit and the treatment is done in a pool).

Personalize Your Requests When making your appointments, be sure to indicate whether you prefer a male or female therapist; now is also the time to mention any medical concerns such as pregnancy, diabetes, hypertension or sports injuries, as some services may not be suitable for certain conditions.

Arrive Early, Stay Late Leiman recommends that you arrive for treatment appointments at least 45 minutes early. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to fill out any paperwork and to take advantage of meditation or tranquillity rooms (usually stocked with magazines, herbal teas, fresh juices and healthy snacks) as well as whirlpools, saunas or steam rooms. And don’t even consider rushing out after your treatment: Leave time to linger in order to prolong that sense of relaxation.

Ensuring Your Pleasure Don’t be shy about speaking up during your treatment: Are you too hot? Too cold? Is there too much pressure or not enough? Say the word, and your therapist will make adjustments. And while some clients enjoy a step-by-step explanation of what their therapist is doing, others like peace and quiet—if you have a preference, say so. Your therapist may ask if you’d like an “add-on,” such as hot stones or aromatherapy oils; feel free to partake, but know that these generally cost extra.

Tipping Points It’s customary to tip 15 percent to 20 percent of the bill, but it isn’t mandatory. Some spas include gratuities in treatment fees and others don’t accept them at all, so ask about the policy when checking out.