A Day at the Spa
by Carol Bayreuther
Lavender and lemongrass is a recipe for relaxation at the Buccaneer Hotel's Hideaway Spa & Salon, especially when these delightful ingredients are part of a delicious body wrap. Kelly Greer, a well-known local photographer and self-proclaimed 'spa-a-holic', can vouch first hand for this wrap's incredible relaxing and rejuvenating powers. "The first step was a buff and polish of my skin until it felt all nice and tingly. Then came the wrap itself. These wonderfully aromatic potions and lotions were all rubbed into my skin and then I was wrapped in a gauze-like material that made me feel all warm, enveloped and relaxed. I had a facial and head and neck massage while the wrap was on. Then, when the gauze was removed, all the lotion had absorbed and my skin had the most incredible soft and silky feel. It was just amazing, just what I needed after weeks of work."
Greer might sound like a spa-pro, but she like many other spa-goers wasn't sure what to expect and what to have done the first time she went to the Hideaway Spa & Salon.
"My first experience at the spa was because of a new make-up line, and then I went back for a massage," she tells. "Not only does the Hideaway have a treatment side where you can sip herbal tea in Zen-like surroundings and enjoy these extraordinary treatments, but there's also a beauty salon for services such as facials and make-up, manicures and pedicures, and hair."
A relaxing and rejuvenating massage is a great way to start a first time Spa experience, says Corinne Farinola, assistant manager of the Hideaway Spa & Salon. "It will give your mind and soul a 'time out' to recharge your body's batteries."
From there, Farinola recommends venturing out to what the Spa calls its Fountain of Youth Anti-Aging facial. "We use mineral-rich marine spring water based products to increase cellular turnover and stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. It leaves your face feeling fresh, soft and invigorated."
Ready to splurge? Book one of the Spa's many packages. For example, Greer's three-hour 'spa day' included a combination body wrap, facial, upper body massage and then manicure and pedicure. "I try to watch my weight so I don't go out to eat that often," Greer explains. "A spa day is my calorie-free indulgence."
One of the most popular of the Hideaway Spa & Salon's packages is called the Mermaid's Delight. "This is our deluxe spa package which includes a 25-minute silk sea body polish, a 50-minute aromatherapy massage and a mini facial. It finishes up with a delightful manicure and pedicure. Our gel manicure or pedicures are especially long-lasting and look fabulous."
Time crunched? Zip in for a 25-minute Aromatherapy massage.
On a budget? Try a 25-minute mini facial for only $60.
Looking for something new? "We offer the latest salon services," says Farinola. "For example, we offer Kertin treatment and hair coloring and/or highlights. The Kerafusion treatment involves a patented keratin serum along with a specific thermal method of infusing the keratin product to your hair. The end result is gorgeous straight silky hair that can last up to three to six months."
The Hideaway Spa & Salon doesn't just cater to women.
"I gave my husband the gift of a massage for his birthday," says Greer.
Couples can also enjoy the Spa's services. "We offer hotel guests in-room massages," Farinola adds.
To prepare for a spa visit, especially a spa treatment, wear loose comfortable clothing.
"Your therapist will leave you to disrobe in private in your treatment room and is trained to keep you properly draped during your treatment. Hangers are provided in treatment rooms for your garments and a robe will also be provided," Farinola explains. "Drink plenty of clear liquids before and after treatments to keep your body hydrated and avoid consumption of coffee or alcohol prior to massage."
The only negative aspect of spa-going is that it may become addictive! "I try to go every two weeks, even if it's just a manicure and pedicure," says Greer. "I feel so relaxed when I leave that I consider a trip to the spa an investment in my sanity."
