Spa at the Island Hotel ~ Spa vs. Shopping
The Island Hotel Spa is located in beautiful Newport Beach, California, directly across the street from one of Orange County's best shopping malls: Fashion Island. As I drove to the Spa, I made mental note to make a stop there before my drive home. I was looking forward to my 2-hour Boreh Remedy Signature Ritual, but a little shopping trip is also a good thing in my book! I knew my experience was already off to a great start when the valet attendant actually held out his hand, and helped me out of my car. I have parked valet plenty of times, but, unfortunately, it is quite rare to receive that sort of polite gesture anymore.
I was feeling pampered already, and I wasn't even in the building yet! Once at the Spa, Kelly, the front desk attendant, greeted me and let me know I was going to receive my treatment from Saiko, a very experienced technician and skilled massage therapist. We made our way back to the ladies locker room, and after I was shown to my locker (that held a fabulous, plush robe and sandals), I was given a mini tour of the facility. At the end of it I was left most curious to experience the eucalyptus steam room.Steam rooms in general have always been a favorite of mine, as I always have that fresh, invigorated feeling to look forward to the instant I step out of them. Once I was changed and ready to enter, I stood outside the steam room door; I could already smell the cooling aroma. Opening the door instantly let the eucalyptus envelop me, and I felt my airways open up. The advisory suggested staying in the room no longer than 10 minutes, so in my few minutes I enjoyed the steamy heat, and looked forward to what was about to follow.
Leaving the steam room left me feeling glorious! I could have gone in and out of there a few times, but I knew Saiko must be waiting. I headed across the locker room though another door labeled, To Treatment Rooms, and sure enough, I found her in a uniform waiting for me. She greeted me with a bow, and introduced herself. Once in the room, she explained the treatment, how I would begin on my stomach and end on my stomach with one turn on my back in between. She could address any special tight spots I may have toward the end, if I needed it, and I didn't have to think about that one. My upper back and neck were tight, and I would love to have more focus put there.
As described, I started on my stomach, and as the dry scrub was rubbed onto all parts of my back, arms and back of my legs, I felt myself drifting in and out. I was loving the warm sensation coming from the mixture of spices. Once she got through each area, hot towels were used to remove the scrub. It was time to turn onto my back. The same sequence began, and I was feeling wonderful. The music was soft and soothing, and I knew at some point it was all going to end. Until then, I reminded myself, I had to enjoy myself. Saiko followed the body scrub with a traditional massage using an oil, and I ended up back on my stomach. Again I began to drift off...
Saiko let me know, in a soft voice, that my treatment was complete. She told me to lay still for awhile, and to begin to get up slowly when I was ready. She would meet me outside. I didn't want to ever get up. I wanted her to start over again, but it was time to bring myself back to reality. Sitting up, I felt light and relaxed. I could have easily gone to sleep, but strangely, I also felt a renewed energy running through my body. I put on my robe, and when I opened the door to head out to the hallway, Saiko greeted me with a beautiful tray of fresh strawberries and tea.
She led me back to the lounge where we had first met, and I sat in the most comfortable chaise. Saiko prepared my tea with a bit of honey and encouraged me to relax. She didn't have to tell me twice. I enjoyed my strawberries along with the fresh whipped cream and brown sugar. Could it get any better? I basked in the silence for a few moments as I sipped my tea. As I picked up that day's paper, I remembered that I had also wanted to stop by the mall. I looked at my watch and realized that if I wanted to go, I would have to rush out of the hotel soon.
I couldn't do it. My life is always on the go, and wrapped up in getting things done, so why would I rush out instead of take advantage of this rare time alone? My time at the Island Hotel had been so pampering up to this point. I wanted to sit there as long as possible and enjoy this time in silence and relaxation. I was enjoying it so much! Without hesitation, I sat back and began to read the paper...
A trip to Fashion Island would just have to be planned for another day.
The Spa at the Island Hotel
~ Monique Hankins, Spas of America. When not discovering spas or shopping, Monique is Writer/Editor of www.beautygirlmusings.blogspot.com
