COVER STORY MARCH 2004
Sundara inn & spa is a sanctuary for the senses concentrating on healing, wellness & rejuvenation
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ALL in ALL
During my stay, I experienced the Sundara Sandstone Polish, Sodashi Sensitive Facial and the Gemstone Energy Massage (the first two are part of the Sundara series, while the latter is part of the Chakra series. The polish included a gentle exfoliation with the spa’s signature exfoliant, a Vichy shower rinse, and a total body hydration, using their signature herbal and floral blend moisturizer. The calming and restorative facial used the exclusive organic treatment line, Sodashi (Australia); I especially enjoyed the soothing masks and hydrating sprays; my out-of-sync skin was definitely re-balanced, plumped and primed, and wonderfully moisturized.

The Gemstone Energy Massage was a combination treatment that began with a discussion to determine my primary dosha, and which dosha variants were impacting me; this was followed by an abbreviated Marma Massage (there is a full treatment of just this component); the massage utilizes effleurage, aided by herb infused oils from Ayoma (India) to further aid in balance; this was followed by my therapist placing colored gemstones(onyx, carnelian, citrine, rose quartz, sodalite, amethyst and clear quartz) on each of my chakra areas; this further aided the balancing of my energy points, and also restored a sense of calm. In actuality, the mere fact that I had to concentrate and meditate on careful breathing patterns, so as not to disturb the gemstone’s placement, in itself, was calming and restorative.

The treatment culminated with a cup of dosha-specific restorative tea and a water cracker spread with a very tasty Ayurvedic herbal jelly, Chyavanprash. Sundara exclusively uses the organic lines of Eminence, Sodashi, and Ayoma; it also uses Moor Mud, Essentiel Elements and Essie. All products are available in the spa’s retail area, which also offers its luxurious robe, artwork, inspirational reading, among other surprises; the retail area is part of the reception and concierge area.

For fitness, guests have a variety of on-premises activities, including spending sometime to show-off their fitness prowess in the compact fitness studio (stocked with various fitness paraphernalia), go swimming in the outdoor infinity pool, or try a one-on-one Hatha Yoga class. Expansion of fitness programs is currently underway, including Yoga and Pilates classes, for example. Other outdoor activities include currently hiking, and during the snowy season, there’s snow trekking, cross country skiing, and nearby (a short driving distance), there’s downhill skiing (moderate-sized slopes). If you’re a golf enthusiast, there’s a golf course surrounding the Sundara Inn & Spa (that also partners with the spa).
All, in all, the new Sundara Inn & Spa is a wonderful find and highly recommended. It offers guests an opportunity to be exposed to Ayurveda, Zen, Feng Shui and organics, without having their own personal beliefs imposed upon; guests will experience therapeutic and rejuvenating spa treatments, which use some of the industry’s finest organic product lines.
For me, the only slight downside to this spa experience was that the Relaxation Lounge functioned as a multi-purpose room; serving as a place to rest and meditate; it’s adjacent to the Purifying Bath Ritual area (some guests were enjoying their ritual rather loudly the day I was there); a place to congregate before the start of a treatment; the place where guests dine; and, the general access to the outdoor pool area; at times, it was a bit noisy, and with the concurrence of activities, guests trying to relax or meditate become challenged (there also wasn’t an in-room coffee maker; I confess, I enjoy the pleasures of caffeine). The view of the majestic tall pines, however, diminished any of these minor distractions (or lack of preferred “appliances”).

In terms of dining, guests order their food selections from a creative and mouth-watering, inspiring organic menu. The creations are the brainchild of Chef Kimberly, whose passion for organic and pure food from the good earth, are evident in her beautifully prepared and artfully presented tasty and delicious concoctions; just what the healthy soul needs. Chef Kimberly regular treks out to the area’s finest organic food purveyors, hand picking only the purest, best, and freshest edibles. Fine organic wines are also available. Currently, guests can enjoy their delicious and healthful meal selections in their room, or in the Relaxation Lounge, or in the Radiance Rotunda; future plans include a more diverse and organically eclectic menu, which will be served in a larger dining area, separate from the Relaxation Lounge. Guests can also dine out at one of two partnered restaurants, Field’s at the Wilderness (seafood, steaks and chops, etc.; they also deliver to the spa), or Sarento’s (Italian cuisine), or go into town for other dining options. The spa’s concierge will not only make your dinner reservations at either of the partnered restaurants, but they'll also take you there in style, in a chauffeured driven snazzy Lincoln Town Car limo (ah, the good life!).

All, in all, the new Sundara Inn & Spa is a wonderful find and highly recommended. It offers guests an opportunity to be exposed to Ayurveda, Zen, Feng Shui and organics, without having their own personal beliefs imposed upon; guests will experience therapeutic and rejuvenating spa treatments, which use some of the industry’s finest organic product lines. To experience peace, purpose, and being one with self, is what Kelli Trumble hopes her guests will take with them once they leave Sundara, as they return to their own personal journey through life.

Mandatory Digression Imagery:
The evening I stayed at the Sundara Inn & Spa, a ferocious and ominous storm of “near-biblical” proportion crushed the calm of the early evening. Mother Nature slapped the heck out of the area in a parental way with its high velocity winds, while horizontal sheets of rain pummeled the window panes, causing the glass to scream (pain, get it?). And, loath, darkness was thicker than death, lightening illuminating its threats, while thunder reminded all who was the real boss. Yikes, I thought I was in peril, particularly since my satellite TV hook-up decided to take a break and cyber-snooze. I managed to finally fall asleep, prayerful and reflective, cloying at my bedding in a nearly forgotten rigid, yet fetal pose.

The storm ended, calm was restored, and morning returned. I awoke to the magnificence of renewal and sunshine. The tremendously majestic tall and heroic pine trees remained so, swaying in the morning’s cooling breeze, reminding me that storms were transient, like life’s little bothers and detours, which eventually cease being, restoring what was before the storm, and what always will be.

Somehow, Sundara Inn & Spa worked its magic on me, instilling in me a sense of introspection and Zen-ness. I could well afford to be reflective and wax philosophically; besides, I had plenty of time to spare, while fully waking up and waiting for what would turn out to be my fabulously healthy and delicious breakfast, including a deliriously rich French press pot of coffee (with caffeine, of course!). The gods were good to me that morning, and I asked for their forgiveness, cognizant of being an unworthy entity in this vast universe (just in case I ticked off any deities thither and yon!).

Everything at the Sundara Inn & Spa blends and compliments; nothing is out of order, sequence, or static; things change, but remain the same, however strong, made stronger; the feeling is circular; everything is one. I’m not an expert, but I think the concepts and philosophies of Ayurveda, Zen and Feng Shui converged as they were supposed to, and the mission was accomplished.

Resources:
For another dimension to this interesting spa experience, visit www.sundaraspa.com, and hear and feel the rhythm of the sitar as it lulls you into another state of being.

© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - MARCH 2004