I know it's been a minute but honestly I haven't had the urge to write. I've been trying to remember how great my recent spa experience indeed was.
You see I took a tumble in the hotel room I was staying at and it's been a trying 3
weeks since the spa :( I'm happy to say nothing its broken or torn yet physical therapy has been required for the injury and dulled my otherwise wonderful experience at the spa! I do have a long recovery though :(
However, since this blog is about spa reviews.....while on a business trip in Orlando the last week in November, I stayed at the The Peabody Hotel Orlando (which is one of the coolest hotels I've ever stayed in!) Check out the link! (And Make sure not to miss the duck march which is the cutest thing!)
http://www.peabodyorlando.com
If you ever have the chance to stay at this hotel - it's beautiful, big, has a wonderful array of amenities...one such amenity is the spa.
I booked a 90 minute Hot Stone Massage (my favorite!) which was comparable in price to Day Spas in the NYC area. The signature massage however was a Mango Ginger Infusion Scrub...and I was very tempted by this but glad I asked questions because it was more of a scrub than an actual massage - which I deeply needed :)
The spa was quiet when I arrived for my 9:30am appointment. There were forms to fill out (as I wrote about a year ago, wondering why there are some spas that don't do this) specifically inquiring about what type of service you are seeking, whether you'd like a male or female massage therapist, and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have.
Here's a picture I snapped on the way out since I decided long time ago the one place my IPhone will not go is in the spa room with me :)
The locker room was empty (a far cry from Day Spas in NYC in the morning!) and peaceful, flip flops and robe were in each individual locker. I will says this sort of grosses me out - just because you don't know whose feet have been in them...yet I didn't travel with my own spa sandals that my bestie brought me some time ago..so I had no choice but to use what was provided. If this sort of thing doesn't make you squeamish, or you're the type to walk around the shower area of the gym barefoot, then more power to you!
After changing, I went to the relaxation room to wait to be called. Thankfully I arrived early (as you should for a spa day so it doesn't cut down on your actual spa time) and by the time I changed I didn't have to wait! I appreciate prompt service in a spa and I will say this is one of the most prompt I have ever been to!
I appreciate the massage therapist (I cannot remember her name) who asked how hot I wanted the stones. The key to a great Hot Stone Massage is to decide how hot you want the stones. They can be very hot, warm, medium... and really depends on your personal preference.
One Disclaimer here....If you have High Blood Pressure chances are you may want to skip a Hot Stone Massage or at best make sure the stones aren't too warm.
I was completely knocked out by this massage...snoring on the table :) Some initial conversation occurred - I was asked how hard I wanted pressure applied with the stones which is another key ingredient in a great hot stone massage...I answered those questions and off to sleep I went!
What makes a Hot Stone Massage so appealing, besides the heated smooth stones, are the oil in which the stones are dipped in. The oil for my massage was scented Mango Ginger oil to which I purchased after my massage (only to have it taken by TSA since I was in so much pain from my fall and I forgot to pack it..sigh...)
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After my great massage, I was ready to head back to NYC rested, renewed and rejuvenated. Even though that didn't occur, I did enjoy the massage and would recommend the hotel and the spa to anyone!
Some important spa-ing tips to remember:
1. When finishing a Hot Stone Massage, make sure you always have your slippers on because the oils that are used can be quite slippery on the bottom of your feet
(I'm almost positive this is how I slipped).
2. Make sure you advise the massage therapist about how hot you want the stones, and the type of pressure to be applied.
3. Stay in the relaxation room for a few minutes after and rehydrate. Because the hot Stone Massage usually uses towels on top of the stones over your body for a few minutes, you are more likely to become dehydrated during the massage. Take the time to have the light snack provided - usually fruit and nuts and some type of tea, juice or water.
Finally, thank the staff! Here's to the wonderful ladies in the spa!
Until next time...tell a friend and recommend! Happy New Year!
Ciao
