By Bonnie Siegler
We know you’re stressed out and you knead to relax!
Nothing nurtures the body and soul like a little pampering, especially after the holiday madness. Who wouldn’t love some head-to-toe attention? Spa getaways can be what you need. These spas help create a state of bliss with signature tension-relieving tricks, tips and recipes. If you can get away from it all and just chill out, these spas will help you melt away tension, perk up and get yourself ready for another year of adventurous days. Otherwise, try some of these spa-to-go recipes.
Just North of Santa Barbara, California and nestled on a bluff along the coast, lies the gorgeous Bacara Resort and Spa. The spacious spa takes full advantage of the resort’s surroundings with its own wellness program.
“Organic, local herbs are used in many of our treatments,” says Kathleen Cochran, General Manager of the Bacara. The signature BABOR SeaCreation Facial utilizes precious extracts of microorganisms found at the bottom of the sea. The ExFoleyation is another popular treatment that is a grape seed body treatment inspired by Santa Barbara’s famed wine region. “We try to impart a mind, body connection to our guests as well. I feel the spa industry is headed towards complete wellness and that can be a paradigm shift for a lot of us. The focus now is on people wanting to get better, live longer and be educated.”
At the Cal-A-Vie Spa located in Vista, California, the spa features a deep conditioning hair treatment that takes a good, and pleasurable, half hour, but your hair will thank you.
Want to do one at home? Treat yourself to this tonic twice a month.
Honey-Rum Hair Tonic
Ingredients:
One natural bristle brush
One-quarter cup honey
Two eggs
One ounce rum
Plastic Shower Cap
One ounce apple cider vinegar
Seven ounces of water.
Directions: Brush hair for 2 minutes; be sure to start every stroke at the scalp. This will remove protein debris from hair follicles, increase scalp circulation, and pull hair’s natural oils down to the ends. Warm honey in the microwave for 20 seconds. Divide hair into sections; apply honey to your scalp with fingertips. Mix egg yolks and rum in a bowl; stir well. Using fingers, apply mixture from crown to the ends of your hair. Cover your head with a shower cap. Mix vinegar and water in another bowl. After 15-20 minutes, rinse egg yolk and alcohol mixture from hair with warm water. Shampoo well; rinse with the vinegar-water mixture. (Note: the alcohol opens the hair shaft so the moisture from the egg yolks can penetrate your locks, says Cal-A-Vie Spa beauty manager).
Venture west and you’ll enjoy the award-winning Willow Stream Spa located at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort in Wailea, Maui. The luxurious day spa combines the latest in spa technology with ancient Hawaiian well-being by honoring nature, people and spirit. Many products and treatments combine Maui-sourced products, oils and herbs with ancient traditions.
Their Coconut-Honey Body Wrap leaves your skin super soft with its exfoliating and ultra-hydrating body buffer. You can also try this at home.
Coconut-Honey Body Wrap
Ingredients:
One cup clover honey
Three tablespoons canned coconut milk
One cup sea salt
One loofa
One old bedsheet
Honey body lotion
Direction: Mix clover honey and coconut milk in a plastic container; set aside. Fill the bathtub with warm water; pour in sea salt and soak for 10 minutes to soften skin. Use a loofah to slough off dead skin cells, concentrating on elbows, knees and feet. Turn on shower and rinse off. Use your hands to cover your body with the honey-coconut mixture. Wrap bedsheet around your body (it seals in moisture). Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off under cool shower water. Towel-dry and rub on lotion.
Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking natural scene with ice fishing, ice bowling, carriage rides or an abundance of summertime activities, then Destination Kohler could just be THE place. Nestled amongst trees, water and untouched wilderness in Kohler, Wisconsin, just a 90 minute drive from Milwaukee airport, the rustic – yet luxurious – resort and spa will restore your spirit and stay with you long after your visit.
The Kohler Waters Spa believes water is essential to life; thus, many innovative water treatments and facial and body treatments will bring back balance into your life. “Our two most popular treatments are our Lavender Rain and the Kohler Waters Facial,” says Garrett Mersberger, Director of Wellness for Kohler Company. “We are proud that all of our skincare lines at all Kohler Waters Spa locations are natural and paraben free.”
Prior to, and immediately following the hectic holiday season, Mersberger says, “every guest has different stress levels, different stories and more importantly, different needs when coming to the Spa. In 2018, we launched a new
In Wisconsin, locals know a thing or two about dealing with long, cold winters. “This winter, we are excited to launch our new Winter Seasonal Massage, the ‘Comfort and Joy Mint Massage.’ This massage uses seasonal scents of peppermint and eucalyptus. A decongesting facial and hydrating peppermint scalp massage will leave you mentally relaxed while the bodywork will help relieve any joint pain and inflammation. Finishing touches of heated Himalayan salt stones will re-mineralize the body, leaving you feeling joyous while concluding with a customized immune boosting tea.”
With endless modalities and customizations, there are thousands of spa and wellness locations you can explore and enjoy.
