by Mary Straniero

Created on: April 16, 2009   Last Updated: April 17, 2009

Article :Spa salons offer relaxation

Just the word spa makes me tingle with joy. It conjures up memories of being pampered and de stressed and ultimately made to feel like a queen! I can remember several spa experiences where I actually felt like I was floating on a cloud by the time the staff was done with me. Spas offer so much for stress reduction and to rejuvenate a tired body.

Some basic stress relievers are Swedish massage (which is a mild stimulation of the body) therapeutic/deep muscle, reflexology (for your tired feet) or a soothing facial. I especially enjoy the hot tubs, and saunas, after a relaxing spa treatment. There is also hydrotherapy and color treatments (water treatments in a jacuzzi tub) and body wraps for weight reduction.

But for a real invigorating experience try a total body scrub with almond and nuts. Then have your entire body sprayed off with water jets hanging above you as you lie on a table. That will wake you up.

One of my favorite spa memories was a cellulite reduction and toning treatment. I will never forget the experience of having 3 women work on me at once and I felt like I was transported to Cleopatra era. The room was decorated with lush luxurious fabric strategically draped and sconces that gave off a low ember. The low lighting also made me feel less self conscious about my unsightly legs that were being worked on . Dare I say that I actually felt like an Egyptian princess being primped and pampered for a luxurious affair with all my ladies attending to me. It was a most unusual feeling with one attendant applying the solution while another washed it off with a warm towel ( the solution was slightly hot and tingly) and then a third applied a smoothing moisturing balm. I can't remember the last time I had so many hands touching my body at once This definitely is not a procedure for the squrimish or shy, but it was surprisingly pleasant to me. This however was not the norm of my spa experiences. This was an exceptional excursion that felt like a trip to another world. It definitely appealed to my creative nature and my imagination. But for those that are more basic and do not think that six hands on their body at the same time is relaxing, have no fear, most spas are quite more genteel in their treatment offers and techniques.

Most offer a wonderful array of herbal teas and cool beverages, with access to hair salon and wonderful skincare products. One offered yoga and Pilates courses and sold natural makeup, as well as candles infused with healing herbs or oils to help you relax at home and/or smell wonderful.

I once used the spa services offered on a cruise and that was a real luxury. I left the spa with toned legs smooth as silk and a face that was fresh and relaxed for the captain's ball, after having a glass of orange juice and delicious healthy whole wheat muffin to snack on.

Whether you use the services of a spa on land or sea, in a tropical setting, Roman or Egyptian style or a simply elegantly styled space in NYC it is something that every woman and man should definitely experience once in life!

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