Florida Spa Day Filled with Pampering
It’s riposo in Italian, reposin French and the Swedes call it vila. But nothing says ‘rest’ like a muscle-relaxing, sleep-inducing massage.
This spring, give yourself much-needed R&R with a spa day full of pampering. If you’re already a spa regular, try out a new regimen, such as a hot stone massage or lemon facial. Whether it’s a cleansing scrub, a pedicure or a massage, giving your body a little TLC can be one of the best gifts you can give to yourself
Sensational Skin
A cleansing scrub here, a dash of exfoliation there. There are a variety of ways to pamper yourself, but a simple facial can be a relaxing way to make your face truly glow.
“A lot of people overlook the skin, although it’s the largest organ. It’s kind of hard to replace that,” says Utopia Chalet director, Kevin Lee. “Facials are always nice because you get your face cleansed and a light pressure massage.” And while you can get the same feel from the products Utopia Chalet sells, such as masques, moisturizers and cleansers, you may not get the same results: Utopia Chalet spa technicians offer specialty services, including a process called “face mapping” that pinpoints the areas of the face most in need of a little extra care. A 30-60 minute facial ranges in price from $40 for an on-the-go refresher, to $450, for six weeks of skin brightening treatments. Lee also recommends spa body treatments, such as the salt glow or herbal lemon wrap that can act like a facial for your body. “It’s a complete body exfoliation that removes the dull skin and gives you a fresh look,” he says. Manage those Muscles
Just hearing the word massage can be enough to ooh and aah you to the spa. Whether you’re experiencing a tense week or just need a little rest, there’s a soothing massage for every mangled muscle and sore spot of skin. Spa Royale offers a variety of massages, from the signature, or Swedish, massage — considered “the” spa massage with long soothing strokes — to deep tissue and mommy-to-be services. If more is better, then the four-handed massage is the way to go, with customers receiving the attention of two massage therapists for an hour. “My favorite is the combination massage-facial,” says Casey Slimak, Spa Royale’s quality control manager. “We keep you on the same heated table, and you just get so completely relaxed.” Cloud 9 co-owner Shannon Haas prefers her spa’s newest massage, the relaxation journey. With nearly two hours of massage, the customer receives special attention to the hands, feet and scalp, in addition to traditionally massaged areas. “If people are looking for the piece de resistance at our spa, it would be the relaxation journey massage.” Massage services at Cloud 9 start at $40 and last from 25 to 80 minutes. With massage as its most requested service, Spa Royale offers nine for under $100, including a 25-minute stressless express service for $40.
Packing It All In
A facial is great, a massage is so relaxing and fingernails are always craving a little TLC. With multiple packages offered around town, you can get the best of all three or more on the same day. Andrea Silvia, owner of Touch of Heaven Day Spa, says a package is the best way to pamper yourself. “You want to hit all the areas. We have spa packages that include facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, body treatments and lunch.” Silvia recommends coming with a friend to really have fun, and says the Treatment Pamper Sampler is the best way to try something new. Customers choose three out of eight different services, and receive half an hour of each, for less than $100. Team Tranquility
If we all need a little time for ourselves, why not enjoy that time together? Spas offer opportunities for friends, families, mothers and daughters, and even couples, to enjoy their spa time side-by-side. Cloud 9, for example, has 23 different treatment areas to accommodate groups as large as 24 people. Since opening in 2000, the spa has offered groups the opportunity to pamper as a party with a refreshment bar, private rooms and catering services. They’ve reserved Mondays just for group gatherings. Cloud 9’s services range from $30 for a basic manicure to $140 for the luxurious relaxation journey massage.
Feeling Your Best on a Budget
Everyone’s ready to be treated like royalty, but maybe not on a queen’s budget. Professional training schools in the area provide less expensive options for professional spa treatments. At the Florida School of Massage, for instance, customers can receive an hour-long massage from an advanced student, supervised by an instructor, for less than $30. The school also offers in-home therapeutic massages by licensed massage therapists.
Or, visit The Salon Professional Academy of Gainesville to receive a variety of relaxing salon treatments. Clients can get a facial, manicure, pedicure, or makeover for less than $30 from students under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Want to pamper yourself in the comfort of your home? Many spas, including Spa Royale and Utopia Chalet, offer great products to give you a spa-like pick-me-up at home, including bath soaks, lotions and exfoliating products.
The lowdown: As if you needed another reason to visit the Mondrian in South Beach, Morgans Hotel Group throws in Agua Spa — because it can. The 4,000-square-foot space created by celebrity designer Marcel Wanders — meaning lots of white walls and accents, plus larger-than-life furniture — features six treatment rooms, a princess area for mani-pedis and locker rooms with steam showers and sauna.
MOUNT DORA – The historic Lakeside Inn is providing its guests with many new services, including bridal-party accommodations, yoga, health-conscious meals, diet coaching and spa treatments such as massages, facials and makeup artistry.
