Spa - aaah Day

It's been about 2 years since I've been to Burke Williams. My friend had received a gift certificate from her husband for Mother's Day and he in turn put me in charge of making sure she went. Thankfully, I had my own gift certificates (one of which I found when I cleaned off my desk ) so I was happy to take on this responsibility.

Yesterday was our spa day and we arrived at 9:30 am, and it was just as I had remembered it. Let the aaah-ing begin! Aaah, the fragrance of essential oils, soothing music, and welcoming staff; it was good to be back. Stepping into that world out of everyday life is my equivalent to what Alice must have experienced when she fell into that rabbit hole and found herself in Wonderland.

As the ever-so-courteous staff began to get us checked in for the day I realized that I had neglected to pack my bathing suit. Awww...(not the aaah I was looking for. This is more like 'Awww Mom, do I have to take out the trash?') no jacuzzi for me! Although this is a European spa and clothing is optional, I'm not nearly that much of an exhibitionist. Just then, the staff explained that their jacuzzi was currently out of service so they were offering each of us a complimentary private signature bath -- aaah.

Parading around in our cushy robes and squishy sandals, my friend and I enjoyed the steam room and sauna prior to our scheduled facials. We waited in the dim lit lounge with a large stone fireplace sipping the fruit enhanced spa water. Aaah -- it's good to be pampered.

My name was then called by a cute, young, blond gal who would be my aesthetician. She walked me back to the treatment room and began to explain the different types of facials and what might be good for my skin. She asked if there was anything in particular that I would like help with and I replied, "Can you wave a magic wand and make my wrinkles disappear?" She chuckled a little, and continued with her description of the nourishing facial. I agreed that this was probably the best choice for me and she replied, "It's my mom's favorite too". I thought, 'HOW OLD DO YOU THINK I AM?!?!' She had to have been at least 25 and equated me to her mother more than once. As far as I was concerned, we were done talking. She just needed to work her wonders on my face and shut up.

I think I made my point when she needed to step out for a minute and I told her that I'd probably be asleep when she got back. For 80 minutes I laid under the heated blankets with my hands dipped in paraffin inside terry cloth gloves as she cleansed my face and massaged my neck, shoulders and head. I let my thoughts wander and drifted off into my happy place while she used her Houdini-like moves to manipulate my body and remove sheets to reach my lower extremities without exposing me. Aaah - pure relaxation. I really must have fallen asleep since I startled and awakened myself with a little snore. (heehee)

When our facials were finished, they escorted us to our baths. Aaah -- there is something quite decadent about having a soothing mineral bath drawn for you. Not to mention the sliced oranges, glass of spa water and cucumbers placed on your eyelids. I'm glad that the jacuzzi was out of commission.

Using all of the spa's wonderful amenities, we got ourselves put back together and readied ourselves for the real world. The sun was so shockingly bright when we opened the door it almost made our 4 hour experience feel as though we'd just walked out of a dream. Aaah -- but what a glorious dream it was. Thanks Baeba!