Why You Should Spend Galentine’s Day at a Spa
Valentine’s Day is largely associated with romance, date nights, sparks flying between you and your significant other, and the love you feel for that special someone. However, a new kind of “Valentine’s Day” celebration has taken shape – Galentine’s Day. While Valentine’s Day is traditionally considered a romantic holiday, Galentine’s Day offers a breath of fresh air to those who just want to have a relaxing day with their girl friends. You may wonder, where did the name come from, and what can you do with your friends? Read on as we discuss the history of this day of friendship, ways people typically celebrate it, and why spending Galentine’s Day at a spa is a great and unique idea.
Where does Galentine’s Day come from?
It is a very catchy name, but where does it originate? Dating back to 100 B.C., women of ancient Greece used it as a way to hang with their friends instead of going on romantic dates. Just kidding. Galentine’s Day actually traces back to an episode of the popular workplace comedy show “Parks & Recreation” from 2010. In Season 2, episode 16 of the show, which is even titled “Galentine’s Day,” the show’s lead character Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler), decides to celebrate the holiday on February 13th with a group of her girlfriends at a local diner. She even says “What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh it’s only the best day of the year!” She then celebrates the holiday through excessive gift-giving over brunch, and finds joy in female friendship with friends and co-workers.
This once unknown and unofficial holiday skyrocketed in popularity to the point where businesses have created Galentine’s Day promotions, happy hours, group spa discounts, and brunch deals. Whereas single women felt left out while couples engaged in romantic dates, this holiday offers these women the chance to find meaning on Valentine’s Day and find significance in something besides amorous relationships. Galentine’s Day to Valentine’s Day is similar to what Friendsgiving is to Thanksgiving, which is a time to recognize the importance of friendship and the positive impact that friends have on your lives.
Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day
In recent years, social media influencers and celebrities have significantly promoted the Galentine's Day trend. Actress Blake Lively, influencer Kylie Jenner, and model Karlie Kloss have shared their experiences in public and on social media of indulging in fun activities and bonding with their girlfriends on this day. Their endorsement of self-care and female friendship has further propelled the trend of women celebrating Galentine's Day together. Before we get into why spending the holiday at a spa is a fun, relaxing and unique idea, here are 10 other ways to enjoy the day with your friends.
Take a Cooking or Baking Class - This is a fun bonding exercise as you all learn a new skill together. Whether you are making pasta or crème brulée, getting together to make something as a group will not only increase your knowledge and rolodex of recipes, but it will also create a shared memory between you and your friends.
Go to Brunch - Perhaps you want to follow Leslie Knope’s lead from “Parks & Recreation” and do the traditional Galentine’s Day activity, which is getting brunch. Chatting together as you all enjoy mimosas and waffles is a fun way to celebrate the day.
Movie Marathon - Whether it is romcoms, thrillers, or mystery, there are plenty of movie options for the perfect marathon. For even more fun, doing a themed dinner, drinks and dessert night to go with the marathon is a great idea while staying in.
Go Out for Dinner - This is very traditional but can be a nice way to catch up with your friends and really focus on the discussion amongst yourselves. There are also many restaurants that offer deals, happy hours and themed menus in honor of Galentine’s Day which could be fun to check out.
Have a Karaoke Night - Just went out for dinner but don’t want the night to end? Consider going out afterwards for karaoke if you and your friends are not the shy type. You can bond over singing, delicious drinks and laughing as the hours pass.
Do a Cook-Off - Who says you can’t get a little competitive? Pick a recipe, whether it is savory or sweet (the more challenging, the better) and see who makes the greatest creation. Plus, when the cook-off is over, you all get to enjoy each other’s dish!
Go Bar Hopping - This will make you feel like you are in college again with your girlfriends on a night out in the town. Either make a list with your friends or see where the evening takes you. Bonus points if you go out in matching outfits.
Enjoy Nature with a Hike - If you and your friends are the outdoorsy types, then spending time in nature doing a refreshing activity will be just the thing for you all. Being in nature clears and recenters your mind, which will help you reflect on how much your friends matter to you.
Volunteer Together - Getting together with your friends to help the environment or those in need is a great way to spend the day together. See if your friends have a cause that is important to them and plan the day helping out.
Take a Road Trip - Galentine’s Day does not need to be a one-day thing. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, this is sure to create lasting memories with your friends. Plus, the bonding does not occur just during the trip–planning the location, hotel, outfits, restaurants and activities is a wonderful way to bond with your friends over a longer period of time well before the actual vacation.
Why you should spend Galentine’s Day at a spa
Spa experiences are designed to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. A spa's tranquil and serene environment provides an ideal setting for individuals to unwind, de-stress, and indulge in self-care. From soothing massages to relaxing facials, spa treatments offer a range of therapeutic benefits that can enhance physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
There are several reasons why spending the day with your friends at a spa is an ideal way to celebrate the holiday. First, it provides an opportunity for relaxation and self-care, which creates overall well-being. The spa environment, with its soothing treatments, aromatic scents and serene atmosphere, allows individuals to unwind and recharge, thus promoting physical, emotional and mental health. Spending time at a spa with friends fosters a sense of connection, strengthens your bond and creates lasting memories. It also encourages open communication and discussion, which can contribute to a sense of emotional support.
A spa day with friends also offers a break from the pressures and demands of daily life. In today's fast-paced world, people often struggle to find time for themselves and their relationships. Galentine's Day provides an opportunity to pause and prioritize self-care and connection with your friends. Indulging in spa treatments together provides an escape from daily routines into a peaceful, nurturing and soothing environment. This can profoundly impact mental and emotional well-being, thus helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and other similar concerns. Galentine's Day allows women to prioritize their well-being and mental health, which ultimately contributes to their happiness and mental health.
Let’s get more into the benefits that going to a spa has for you and your friends.
1. Celebrate Valentine's Day in a Unique Way
While traditional celebrations of Valentine's Day typically focus on romance and love, there is a growing desire for inclusive and alternative ways of celebrating the holiday. Spending Galentine's Day at a spa with friends offers a refreshing and non-traditional approach to the holiday while also embracing other meaningful relationships in one's life.
2. Practice Self-Care and Well-Being
Valentine's Day is often associated with expressions of romantic love and affection, yet it is important to remember that self-love and self-care are key components of any healthy relationship, including friendships. By spending the day at a spa with friends, individuals can prioritize their well-being, practice self-care, and find inner peace and balance.
3. Create Lasting Memories with Friends
Celebrating Galentine's Day at a spa with friends provides an opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds of friendship. Shared experiences such as enjoying spa treatments, engaging in meaningful conversations, and simply being present with one another can deepen the connections between friends.
4. Provide Relaxation and Stress Relief
We are often stressed from busy schedules, work responsibilities, and other daily tasks that can affect our overall well-being. Celebrating Galentine's Day at a spa with friends offers an opportunity to prioritize relaxation, unwind from daily pressures, and experience the therapeutic benefits of spa treatments in the company of cherished friends.
5. Foster Positive Social Connections
Human connection and social interaction are essential for overall happiness and fulfillment. By gathering at a spa with your gal pals on Galentine's Day, individuals can nurture positive social relationships, engage in meaningful conversations, and enjoy the company of those who bring joy and positivity into their lives.
6. Reinforce Self-Love and Empowerment
Celebrating the holiday at a spa with friends can symbolize the importance of self-love, empowerment, and the affirmation of meaningful relationships beyond romantic ones. This alternative approach to Valentine's Day reinforces the idea that love and connection come in many forms–not just romantic partnerships.
7. Embrace Inclusivity and Diversity
The traditional narrative of Valentine's Day often centers around romantic relationships, which may inadvertently exclude individuals not in romantic partnerships. By celebrating Galentine's Day at a spa with friends, individuals can embrace inclusivity and diversity, and acknowledge the significance of all forms of love and connection.
ZZ Day Spa Galentine’s Day packages
ZZ Day Spa offers five different packages in honor of the holiday so you can celebrate with your girlfriends. See below for more details on each package:
Admire Me (per person)
Costs $199 per person. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Includes your choice of any ONE of the following three services:
50-minute Swedish Massage
50-minute European Facial
Gel or Spa Manicure and Pedicure
Package also includes Champagne or mimosa, chocolates, and a spa gift
Cherish Me (per person)
Costs $289 per person. Allow 2-3 hours.
Includes your choice of any TWO of the following three services:
50-minute Swedish Massage
50-minute European Facial
Gel or Spa Manicure and Pedicure
Package also includes Champagne or mimosa, chocolates, and a spa gift
Treasure Me (per person)
Costs $439 per person. Allow 3-4 hours.
Includes ALL of the following services:
50-minute Massage of your choice (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, or Hot Stone)
50-minute Custom Facial
Gel or Spa Manicure and Pedicure
Package also includes Champagne or mimosa, chocolates, and a spa gift
Cherish Us (for two people)
Costs $499 for two people. Allow 2-3 hours.
Includes :
50-minute Couples Swedish Massage
AND your choice of any ONE of either of the following services:
50-minute European Facials
Gel or Spa Manicures and Pedicures
Package also includes Champagne or mimosa, chocolates, and a spa gift
Treasure Us (for two people)
Costs $789 for two people. Allow 3-4 hours.
Includes ALL of the following services:
50-minute Couples Massage of your choice (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, or Hot Stone)
50-minute Custom Facials
Gel or Spa Manicures and Pedicures
Package also includes Champagne or mimosa, chocolates, and a spa gift
Conclusion
Friendship is a fundamental aspect of human relationships, and celebrating the bond of friendship on Valentine's Day can be a meaningful way to honor the people who bring happiness, support, and companionship into our lives. While romantic love is often emphasized on Valentine's Day, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the value of platonic relationships and the role that friends play in our lives. Celebrating Galentine's Day at a spa with friends offers a unique and meaningful way to honor the holiday spirit and prioritize self-care, mental health and well-being. By taking part in the therapeutic benefits of spa treatments, fostering positive social connections, and practicing self-care individuals can create lasting memories with their friends as well as feel love and care for oneself. This alternative approach to Valentine's Day reflects the importance of inclusive and meaningful expressions of love and connection.
