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IN the relaxation area, the subtle lighting, conducive to snoozing, and its comfortable lounge seating, makes it easy for the guest to veg-out and relish their time in the spa-zone; adding to this dimension are the scrumptiously soft chenille throws that seal in that “I’ve just had my spa treatment and I want to stay warm and cozy” feeling. In the beautiful garden and patio area, guests enjoy meditating, reading, unwinding, or just catching some of the brilliant sun; or, they can spend time luxuriating in the whirlpool, or eating their delicious and healthful spa cuisine. If preferred, guests can also request that their personalized massage be given in one of the private outdoor treatment rooms. Another “must do” while enjoying this extraordinary spa experience is to indulge, without guilt, “downing” a few of the spa’s divine spa granola bars; not only are they yummy, they’re also addictive (see recipe)!
 SEA SPA also offers treatments geared towards men, teens, couples, bridal parties, or mothers/daughters; with many of these packages are cleverly referred to as “cruises”. If it’s not on the menu and the spa can accommodate, all a guest need to do is ask; the spa excels at caring and meeting the needs and expectations of each of its guests (something not all spas are savvy too). Not too be missed is the exceptional spa’s retail area (main entry), which offers many of the treatment products used (Phytomer, Pure Fiji, Epicuren, Keratase, Pureology); additionally, some of the trendiest lotions, potions, candles, accessories, etc. are also available. With many of these retail items being exclusive, or one-of-a-kind to SEA SPA, they’re all definite must-haves for guests to snatch up before trekking back home (a great retail strategy!).The SPRAY Salon (adjacent to the main entry) offers manicures, pedicures, make-up and hair services, and is one of the few places in the general area that also offers temporary tattoos and temporary body jewelry; these are lots of fun, and a huge hit with gen-X’ers, mothers/daughters, or anyone who is “young-at-heart”. Another “cutesy”, is that the salon sells nail color geared for our four-legged friends, and although the resort is pet-friendly, the spa and salon currently only caters to two-legged creatures! SEA SPA’s signature treatments include an oxygenating marine-based facial (Gifts from the Sea), a heady aromatic exfoliating and hydrating body treatment (Island Sun Getaway), a therapeutic aroma hot stone massage (Beach Stone Healing), and two specialty facials geared (for men, there’s The Yachtsman, and for teens, the Gen-X). My SEA SPA experience included the Botanical Experience facial with an anti-aging hand treatment enhancer, the Island Sun Getaway body treatment, and the Beach Stone Healing massage with a reflexology enhancer. My facial used Epicuren’s Propolis line, which is based on all natural bee pollen products. These products were scientifically found to boost the skin’s immune system through medicinal and nutrient-rich compounds that not only rehydrate, but also resurface the skin. Although I wasn’t familiar with this line (developed by a physician to cure his own skin disorder, Vitiligo), my results were immediately visible and tangible, and rather amazing; the hand treatment enhancer rendered a nicely exfoliated, refreshed and rehydrated result. My body treatment was a tour of “island” aromas and pleasures, including a papaya and pineapple scrub for exfoliation, and warm coconut milk and oil for a re-hydrating massage; my only disappointment involved having to leave my rapturous splendor, traipsing out of my treatment room to shower and rinse off the exfoliant; the Vichy room was being used for another treatment at the time; this distraction was compensated for with the wonderful results of the treatment, however (if you book this treatment, make sure it’s done in the Vichy Room). My massage was thoroughly enjoyable, and relieved the kinks of travel, as well as my chronic back and joint stiffness; the combination of hot stones and the fragrant coconut oil used throughout the treatment was deeply relaxing and definitely therapeutic. The reflexology enhancer was healing, relaxing and utterly divine. All of my treatments were executed with an intense degree of passion, skill and professionalism by my gifted practitioners (lead esthetician Jessica, massage therapist Julien and bodywork specialist Marion); each reminded me about the benefits of taking some time for myself, by relinquishing my frets and kinks to those most capable of alleviating and restoring. © SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL -MAY 2005 |