How to Own and Run Your Own Spa in The Sims 4

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This guide has two parts:

  • You only own Spa Day: covers what your Sim can do at a spa and how you can build a spa-like place on your lot if you only have Spa Day
  • You own Businesses and Hobbies + Spa Day: explains how your Sim can actually open and run a spa as a small business if you own both expansions

You can jump straight to the second part if you own both expansions.

Part 1: You Only Own Spa Day

In The Sims 4 Spa Day, spas are like gyms. You can visit them but not own them. Sadly, your Sim can’t become a spa tycoon and have spas all over the place.

If you only have Spa Day, your Sim can still go to a spa and use the massage tables or lead yoga classes once their Wellness skill is high enough. But they cannot run their own spa business.

You need Businesses and Hobbies, and Spa Day if you want to own and run your own spa in The Sims 4.

Working at the Spa in The Sims 4

Normally, Sims can’t work at the spa. They can only go there to unwind. However, there’s a workaround you can use if you only own Spa Day, but you’re determined to work at a spa.

Method 1: Delete the Current Yoga and Fitness Instructor

Create a Sim with a high Wellness skill (Yoga or Fitness), and set them as non-played. Then, delete the existing Yoga and Fitness instructor townies.

Sometimes, the game will pick your Sim for these roles, though it’s not guaranteed. Be aware that the game might replace the townies you deleted with new instructors instead.

Method 2: Create Your Own Yoga or Fitness Club

Alternatively, you can master the Yoga or Fitness skill and form your own Yoga or Fitness club.

Remember, if your Sim has the Self-Care Specialist aspiration, they can offer wellness services for money.

Keep in mind that while these methods might work, they’re not foolproof.

Building Your Own Spa in The Sims 4: A Step-by-Step Guide

You can’t actually own a spa in The Sims 4 Spa Day, but you can build one on your lot. Your Sim can then go there to get facials and massages, swim, do yoga, or grab a drink at the juice bar.

Step 1: Choose the Spa Lot

First, select the lot where you want to build your spa. Then, head to Build Mode and navigate to Objects by Function → Show all → Spa Day.

This will display all the items available for building your spa.

Step 2: Get a Massage Table and Chair

Make sure to include a massage table and chair in your spa design. Leave enough space around these items for the massage therapist to work comfortably.

Step 3: Set Up the Yoga Area

Choose an area for teaching Yoga classes and place a few yoga mats and meditation pillows.

Meditation can help Sims increase their Wellness skill faster, and skilled Sims can even levitate and teleport.

Step 4: Build the Sauna

You can choose from two pre-made sauna rooms: the Artificial Fever Room and the StoneZone Sauna.

Step 5: Add Locker Rooms

Place locker rooms near the Yoga studio, gym, and baths for convenience.

Make sure Sims don’t have to travel far to clean up, and don’t forget to label the doors and lockers with gender signs.

Step 6: Decorate and Light Up

Use wood, bamboo, and plenty of plants to create a cozy atmosphere.

Ensure all rooms are properly lit, with dim lighting for meditation areas and bright lighting for the Yoga studio.

Part 2: You Own Businesses and Hobbies + Spa Day

You can run a spa from your Sim’s home or on a community lot. If you have the Simoleons, it’s usually easiest to use a community lot because Maxis added some prebuilt spas to the library/gallery.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Go to Manage Worlds and pick the world where you want your Sim’s spa.
  2. Open the Library or Gallery.
  3. Filter to show Maxis content only.
  4. You’ll see three prebuilt spas you can choose from:
    • Aham Ashram Yoga Studio – 99,497 Simoleons
    • Center of Center Massage – 114,271 Simoleons
    • Perfect Balance Spa – 125,089 Simoleons
  5. Place your chosen spa on an empty lot.
  6. Go back into Live Mode.
  7. Select a computer or phone, and choose Buy Small Business Venue Lot.

Just make sure you buy the spa with furniture included and check the box under the lot preview so the game automatically registers it as a business.

Convert a Started Home into a Spa

Since the prebuilt spas are pretty pricey, another option is to buy a starter home and convert it into a spa by adding the right massage tables, yoga mats, juice bars, and other spa items. It’s usually cheaper and lets you customize the layout.

You can register your business like this:

  1. Grab your Sim’s phone.
  2. Go to the Business section.
  3. Choose the Register Small Business interaction.

You’ll still need 750 Simoleons to register your business.

Once your spa is officially registered as a small business, open the Owned Businesses Panel in Live Mode, and go to the Manage Businesses menu.

This will give you a complete overview of your business, letting you see how it’s doing and manage its settings.

While a single Sim can technically run a spa, it’s pretty tough. Things like massage tables and chairs only work when a Sim is running them.

To hire new employees for your small business:

  1. Open the Owned Businesses panel again.
  2. Select Manage Employee Tasks.
  3. Click the three empty slots to hire new employees.

Always hire the most skilled Sims you can, but that can be tricky. Your Sim can only hire Sims they’ve met before. Unfortunately, there aren’t any premade Sims with high Wellness skills.

A quick workaround is to visit a spa community lot, socialize with the staff, and ask them to work at your spa.

Don’t forget to furnish your spa with the best massage tables, baths, and yoga gear. The more options your customers have, the happier they’ll be, and the more money they’ll spend at your spa.

Happy Simming!