Vacation Express Top 5... Spas - Travel Tales by Vacation Express

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Vacation Express Top 5... Spas
Posted by Claire Kennard, 9 December 2009, 09:34
in Vacation Express' Top 5
A spa vacation is surely the most relaxing and rejuvenating way to pamper yourself and feel healthier. In the last several years, many resorts have added new or expanded existing onsite spa facilities, resulting in a wider variety of therapies and treatments. Once considered to be the province of the rich and famous, spa getaways are more affordable than you think. Great spa resorts are accessible in all price ranges, and better yet, Caribbean and Latin American spas are often less expensive than the destination spas in the US.
Whether it's for a pre-holiday boost or a New Year's detox, you'll find a spa for every budget in our Top 5. All are certain to leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for the next celebration! With Thanksgiving over for another year and the holiday season being in full swing, all the celebrating and socializing often means an excess of festive food and drink. So why not get a head start on that New Year’s resolution and leave the guilt behind at one of our Top 5 Spa Resorts.
1) The Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal, Costa Rica
With spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano, and perched on a mountain ridge one thousand feet above the Arenal Valley, The Springs Resort & Spa is ideally positioned for total relaxation. If the view isn't enough to impress, then the 14,000 sq. ft. spa encompassing one entire level of the lodge is sure to. Massages, facials, body wraps, manicures and pedicures are offered in a luxurious and holistic setting administered by trained professionals with the latest technology. The treatment menu utilizes tropical botanical ingredients indigenous to the country as well as a variety of lab-tested, therapeutic volcanic clays harvested on the property near the thermal springs.
Signature therapy: The 'Floating Water Massage' offered in the onsite mineral springs.
2) Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort and Spa, Riviera Maya
If you can bear to the leave the glorious beachfront location of the all-inclusive Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort, you'll discover the new onsite SPA Alegria. Featuring a variety of treatments and services for individuals and couples, it includes a first-class, fully-equipped fitness studio, beauty salon and boutique. The first floor is home to a complex hydrotherapy circuit with sauna, hydro massage shower, ice puddle and an indoor heated pool with massage fountains. The second floor is home to multi-use treatment rooms, including master suites with private Jacuzzis where a broad range of therapies are available for singles, couples and bridal parties. Outdoor massage palapas are also available.
Signature therapy: Relief from Jetlag – a relaxing combination of treatments created especially to provide relief from the effects of travel. This program includes a massage that works the principal tension points on the back, shoulders and neck, followed by a body exfoliation and hydrating facial to prepare your skin to absorb the sun’s rays.
3) Red Lane Spas at Sandals Resorts
The Red Lane® Spa is a sanctuary for mind, body and soul that reinterprets classic European spa rituals with a distinctive Caribbean flair by utilizing botanical products as well as custom formulations to create services and treatments inspired by the Caribbean. Choose from massage services like Tropical Bliss or one of the Discovery Lane Packages like the Mocha-chino Experience. These unique Caribbean experiences incorporate exotic tropical ingredients such as coconut, raw cane sugar, and Blue Mountain coffee to create island regiments that will allow you to renew and rejuvenate. Each of the spas offers a Tropical Nail Bar with services such as a Mani on the Rocks and a Pedi Colada. One of the most unique features of the Red Lane® Spa can be found at Sandals Royal Bahamian, where you can have a private beachfront massage on Sandals Cay, the private island reserved just for resort guests.
4) Pueblo Bonita Pacifica, Holistic Retreat & Spa, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The adults-only beachfront Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, Holistic Retreat & Spa - with its cutting-edge, minimalist style - sits secluded on a rugged, sandy two-mile beach on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica has been awarded Spa Magazine’s Reader’s Choice for Best Spa in Mexico two years running. Home to the holistic Armonia Spa, you'll find a Meditation Labyrinth, steam room, sauna and a mind-boggling array of treatments from ancient Ayurveda rituals from the Indian sub-continent to Janzu, Reiki and Watsu therapies from the Far East.
Signature therapy: The Temazcal is a steam bath of pre-Hispanic origin that is utilized for therapeutic, detoxifying and ritual purposes, as well as a ceremony of purification and cleanliness. It signifies a return to the womb of Mother Earth for healing and rebirth as a new person.
5) Le Blanc Spa Resort, Cancun
The Le Blanc Spa is quite simply an extraordinary place, where the unique mix of Asian and European traditions offers an experience of refreshment and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit. The extraordinary hydrotherapy area offers guests a fully guided experience through a lagoon waterfall, pressure shower, chromotherapy, hydro-reflexology, relaxing pool and more. With a diverse selection of therapies, there is sure to be something to satisfy the most discerning spa aficionado.
Signature Treatments: Kulkulcan Mayan Massage - venture into a unique experience with a massage inspired by an ancient Mayan tradition to balance and restore the physical and spiritual forces. A copal resin with deep spiritual significance for the Mayan culture initiates the journey into wellness.
Helpful Spa Tips
• Most spas will provide disposable undergarments for wraps and other body therapies, or you can bring your own bathing suit.
• Take advantage of hydrotherapy circuits, as these are normally included in your treatment price and can enhance your overall spa experience. Or for those on a budget, purchasing access to a hydrotherapy can be a very cost-effective way to have a spa experience.
• It is not recommended to eat immediately before a treatment. You should schedule meals at least one hour prior to your appointment.
• Good communication assures the best results. If you have allergies, injuries, pressure preferences or require special attention on a specific part of your body, speak up. You’ll get more out of your treatment if you indicate what you like to your therapist.
• Be sure to let your therapist know if you experience any discomfort or anxiety during your treatment.
• Deep breathing promotes relaxation and will enhance the therapeutic qualities and pleasure of your massage.
• Allow yourself to ease out of your treatment by not standing up too quickly. Some experience slight dizziness after a treatment.
• Be sure to drink plenty of water for two or more hours after your treatment in order to aid the therapeutic process and promote the detoxification effects of treatments.
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