Journey to Sublimity ~ Spa Savanna
Not far from Old Montreal, amongst the treasure-filled shops of “Antique Alley,” you’ll find Spa Savanna, the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This refuge offers a calming, euphoric world of relaxation to soothe your soul and seduce your senses.
On a visit to the city with my mom, the spa was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a chilly Montreal morning. We arrived at the spa quite early, filled out our history charts, then had a tour of the facility and were shown to the ladies locker room, where we were left to enjoy the steam room and then change into our robes.
Before our treatments began we spent some time visiting and relaxing in the Lalapanzi Lounge (lalapanzi is Zulu for “Lie down and rest”), where chaise lounges with cozy blankets were waiting for us to curl up with. The beautifully draped fabrics and exotic music from around the world gave us a sense that we were on a journey of self-worship.
Our estheticians came quietly to lead us to our treatment rooms. The lights were dim, creating a warm glow, and the heated beds were draped with fine linens. I lay down and was instantly in another world as I awaited my Glacial Clay and Organic Seaweed Body Treatment. Luxurious wooden brushes were used to start the exfoliating process from head to toe, followed by the sea salt scrub and application of hot towels. Then it was time for the glacial clay masque, which was applied over my entire body.
Glacial clay is a very fine clay that originated from the accumulation over tens of thousands of years of glacial materials deep in the Pacific waters of northwestern Canada, off the BC coast. Its particles are small enough to allow powerful absorption of its properties into the skin. Due to its chemical makeup, it has the ability to remove toxins, bacteria and dead skin cells, leaving the skin healthy, purified and smooth.
After the masque I was then covered and wrapped in the heating blanket. I received a gentle scalp massage while waiting for the glacial clay to work its miracles on my skin. The scalp massage sent me once again off to dreamland. I awoke to the sound of a running shower and soft music. My esthetician left the room and I was on my own to shower and rinse away the glacial clay. After the shower I returned to the table for a massage with exotic body butter that quenched my now smooth skin.
When my treatment was complete I was quietly escorted back to the lounge, where I curled up with my cozy blanket on a chaise and wished the treatment had never ended, all the while enjoying a cup of Spa Savanna’s signature tea infused with crystallized honey pearls. I had over an hour left to relax.
Meanwhile my mom received the Action Sublime Facial. She said later that it was the best facial she had ever received. This was a great compliment to the esthetician, as my mom is a fussy expert when it comes to having facials.
When I had finally convinced myself to get changed into my clothes, I decided I would not take another shower, because my skin felt amazing and I did not want to rinse away the heaven I had just experienced. Before leaving I spoke to the estheticians. They answered all of my questions about the spa and the products used for treatments and available for sale. Having been an esthetician myself for 17 years, I realized through our conversation that Spa Savanna takes a lot of pride in educating its estheticians. This is an important factor to consider when you are choosing to visit any spa.
Product brands offered by Spa Savanna include Comfort Zone, Asian Secrets, Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up and OPI -- all top lines in the worldwide industry. If you enjoy the tea and soothing Putumayo World Music, Spa Savanna also sells these products so you can experience them in the comfort of your own home.
Spa Savanna
~ Tammy Garrett-Boucher
When not writing spa reviews, Tammy Garrett-Boucher works as an esthetician in Calgary, Alberta. tamgarrett@shaw.ca
