After embracing myself and committing to trying new experiences, I told the hubs that I was ready to give Spa Castle another chance...if he would go with me.
What follows is an idiot's introductory guide to Spa Castle (or Spa Castle for dummies).
First, I'll talk about the actual spa. I don't have any pictures of the spa (it's not really a take pictures kind of place), but I will describe it.
After you check in, you're given a bracelet. This bracelet is the key to two locks, and it's also linked to your credit card so you can make purchases. We had to split up into single-gender dressing areas. When you first enter, the initial locker is for your shoes only. You go barefoot, wear socks, or rent slippers. The second locker is larger and has room for your clothes (and even a hanger to hang them on).
Before you stop at the second locker, you're asked to put on the Spa Castle uniform. This was the part that makes me most nervous. I'm plus size, at a size 18, and I had read online that the uniforms are rather small. So, when they asked me what size I needed, I told them I wanted the largest one they had. I went to my locker, which happened to be in an isolated area. I took a deep breath and changed shirts. Then, I went to put on the shorts. They didn't fit. They were elastic athletic shorts, but they were way too tight. I was embarrassed, but I talked myself out of disappointment and walked back to the uniform counter. "Do you have a larger size?" The girl shook her head. "That's the largest size we have." But then, she said, "Feel free to wear whatever bottoms you want!" I had worn some grey athletic capris, so I simply wore them with my Spa Castle shirt. I worried that people would give me funny looks, but no one did, and I was happy to see there were other plus-size women wearing them own shorts in the spa, as well.
So, if you're plus size and worried about Spa Castle (as I was), don't be! Just be sure to bring your own athletic shorts to wear (and if you want to blend in, make them dark grey or black).
My second largest fear had to do with the nudity. Just the idea of changing clothes around other women made me nervous. In the locker changing area, there weren't many women there (thank goodness).
Now, spa castle is divided into three wings: A swimsuit area (co-ed), a uniform area (co-ed), and a nude area (single gender).
My plan was not to enter the nude bathing area. I'd just stay away. It worked for the first part of our trip when we visited the uniform area.
The uniform area is on the second floor. It has amazing saunas and various places to relax. We stayed several hours and still didn't get a chance to see them all. What I really enjoyed is that signs tell you not to talk loudly; it's quiet. I didn't have my phone with me, so I was left alone with my thoughts for the first time in a very long time. That was nice.
Some saunas have seats; some have mats on the floor for you to sit or recline. Some are very hot, some are hot, and some are even cool. We enjoyed that.
Then, we were off to the swimsuit area. We had to go back to the locker room to change. However, my plan of avoiding the nude area fell apart here.
Spa Castle normally has doors that go straight from the locker room outside to the amazing pool area. Unfortunately, those doors were locked for some reason. The uniform lady informed me that I'd have to walk through "the naked area" (her words). However, she said I was welcome to wear my swimsuit as I walked through. Let me tell you: People truly are naked. Like, fully naked. I walked quickly to the swimsuit area and decided that nude bathing just isn't my thing at this point in my life.
The swimsuit area was my favorite part! Hot tubs, pools with amazing jets, and lounges in the water for relaxing. Plus, I felt much more comfortable in my own swimsuit and saw women and men of various sizes.
If you're wondering if a plus size girl can enjoy a Korean spa, the answer is yes! Just don't forget to pack your own shorts. Do it! You'll be glad you did.
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