By: Marcia Abramson
However, the spa at Amelia Island Plantation runs a close second to Les Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo in my opinion. It is built in the "old Florida" architectural style to blend with the natural surroundings. The facility features 25 treatment rooms on 13,200 square feet. The spa just opened in July and is very heavily booked. I was fortunate to get an appointment for the Desert Heat Body Wrap. The treatment is designed to soothe aches and pains while relieving stress. I was coated with golden Arizona Desert Mud, rich in the earth's minerals and then wrapped in healthy red seaweed by the masseuse Denise. This effervescent cocoon-like body wrap produces thousands of bubbles ensuring that every inch of your skin absorbs the healing and nourishing minerals. This is washed away with the anti-stress Vichy Shower massage. Nine high-effusion showerheads are adjusted to light rain. The shower was directed toward me to wash away the mud. It created a wonderful tingling of my nerve endings as well as a complete sense of relaxation.
Before leaving, I was advised to fill a cup with menthol pellets which are to be dissolved by a special faucet in the private shower and experience a refreshing menthalized shower. This was the perfect ending and well worth the $80 for 50 minutes of healthful bliss with some great after effects of feeling rejuvenated.
My only regret on this visit to Amelia Island Plantation's spa is that I did not have time for its signature treatments, Ionotherapy and Watsu. A private pool overlooking the peaceful waters of Red Maple Lake is the feature attraction of this therapy. According to Sylvie Hennessy, director of education at Pevonia International, Ionotherapy replenishes the body's natural energy balance reducing fatigue and slowing the aging process. She further explains that it has been scientifically proven that this therapy derives its benefits from the absorption of negative ions or electronic charged atoms through mineral infused waters and seaweed. Research has found that when the body experiences negative ion deficiency, it becomes depleted, fatigued and lethargic and allows the aging process to proceed at a faster rate. Ionotherapy used water highly charged in negative ions to bring forth the good therapeutic results.
Watsu is actually a form of Japanese Shiatsu in water. It is a floating massage in warm mineral infused water heated between 94 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit. This brings on complete relaxation through the combination of water and shiatsu massage. I learned from Jomi Trotter, the lead therapist and Watsu practitioner, that through Watsu, circulation is improved and a harmony of mind, body and spirit is achieved. She pointed out a young couple who were waiting to proceed with the Watsu treatment. The young woman was expecting a baby in three weeks and with her doctor's approval felt that she and her husband would benefit from the 3 and 1/2 hours of being immersed in warm water, gently rocked and stretched in the deep silence of water through Watsu. They started the combined Ionotherapy and Watsu treatment with an orientation to familiarize them with the process and to prepare them for tranquility. This followed with a "Litho-Cal-Salt-Glow," an aromatic body exfoliating treatment and lonotherapy. Then there is a brief respite before experiencing an "Oligo-Wrap" of warm liquid seaweed filled with nature's finest elements. After another pause, Joni Trotter tutors in the "Dynamics for Breathing in the Watsu Pool" which is located on an island surrounded by lush greenery and moss, followed by the ultimate massage in water-Watsu. The final experience is a "Walk in the Clouds Cocoon Hydra-Aroma Wrap," which encases the body in a divine soothing and hydrating cocoon. Incidentally the cost of this combined service is $245 and is an exclusive to the spa at Amelia Island in the Southeast. It is also available at the ultimate American Spa, Canyon Ranch in Tucson and the Berkshires.
The day spa at Capellini's of Woodmere offers an exquisite Swedish massage which will have to satisfy me until I can get back to Amelia Island Plantation in the Southeast or Canyon Ranch out West or closer to home in Massachusetts.
For reservations and more information, you can call 1-877-844 -7722 or visit www.aipfl.com. Your travel agent can also be a great source of information on the resort and spa.
Copyright by Marcia Abramson
E-mail: mascribe@aol.com
