For many people scheduling the occasional massage or facial is considered a luxury, so imagine going on a trip out of town and staying at a fabulous hotel with the added benefit of specialized holistic spa accommodations? It’s like a dream come true, and we have the spas to make that dream a reality!
When we spoke with Anne Dimon, publisher/editor of Travel to Wellness, about her favorite holistic hotel spas, she told us, “In the U.S. and Canada there are a growing number of spas offering more holistic–inspired treatments and alternative therapies. Here are two that I have personally visited:”
Mii Amo
“Mii Amo at Enchantment Resort in Sedona — A holistic spa in anyone’s book, Mii Amo’s very location in the red rocks of Sedona is a spiritual experience. Ayurveda and Native American–inspired treatments are included on the menu as well as Chinese-based energy treatments such as Reiki and acupuncture.”
Sagestone Spa
“Sagestone Spa at Red Mountain Resort — Beyond the stupendous hiking — which is, in itself, a holistic experience — Sagestone and Red Mountain offer alternative modalities such as an iridology consultation (something you don’t see on many spa menus) plus Native American and nature-inspired treatments.”
Here are a few more holistic spas we were impressed with:
La Costa Resort and Spa
La Costa Resort and Spa — This gorgeous resort in Carlsbad, California, includes the Chopra Center as part of its exclusive spa offerings. With a focus on inner and outer wellness, the Center boasts Ayurvedic therapies that both relax and invigorate. The Spa at La Costa is yet another aspect of the organically inspired mood and way of life at La Costa. Their unique reflexology path, along with body treatments incorporating fresh fruit and indulgent essential oils and the Restorative Facial, featuring the healing Stone Crop Plant, give you a sense of calmness and well-being.
The Mayflower Inn and Spa
The Mayflower Inn and Spa — With accolades from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler and Forbes, the spa at the Mayflower Inn wraps the charm of the New England countryside into its culture of detoxifying and purification for both mind and body. Experience Qi Gong (offered indoors or out), kayaking or Zen Fly Fishing in addition to water workouts and snow activities in winter. In-spa treatments include therapeutic baths, an immune booster and balancing treatment or craniosacral therapy.
The Sanctuary Spa
The Sanctuary Spa at Kiawah Island Golf Resort — In addition to facials, which can include a pear fig polishing or black cherry anti-oxidant peel, massages and body treatments, you can try out Reiki or foot reflexology. Another specialized service is the Wellness Lifestyle Coaching via a C.H.E.K. Certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach. Missy Hughes, spa director, tells us: “The goal of lifestyle coaching is to help people implement small changes in their lives that can increase energy, decrease stress and enhance their vitality.” As for follow up: “We reconnect with our guests after their visit with us to offer guidance and clarification if needed. I have found that the more subtle the change, the more lasting the effect. Lifestyle coaching can ignite an awareness of the simplicity of wellness.”
Whether the spa itself is your main focus, or merely a fabulous added bonus to your hotel digs, a visit might be just what the doctor ordered if you are stressed out or in need of some quiet time to yourself. Enjoying holistic therapies can bring peace and calm to your world and the world around you. Remember to put yourself at the top of your list!
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