The world of wellness, fitness and travel. Spas around the world.By Barbara Kingstone
“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like and do what you’d rather not,” and that was legendary wit, Mark Twain’s answer to fitness … and ultimately boredom. It is said that King Solomon recognized the health giving properties of the hot springs and legendary glamour gal, Cleopatra used the thermo mineral springs for her beauty regime. Who’d argue with those well documented testimonials ‘Spa-vitis’, is a major trend and every strip mall and beauty salon advertises vigorously that they have spa facilities but some fail to produce. But real spas have mushroomed and best of all, some are attached to resorts giving you more bang for your buck. While European health centres still focus on drinking awful but hopefully efficacious sulfur water and soaking in mud baths, North American spa-ites would rather emphasize exercise routines and calorie count and then head for some serious rejuvenating pampering…facials, massages, wraps and more. However, the best route to health and happiness is to unite wellness and harmony of mind and body. At with most spas in Europe, the technicians study for at least four years, specializing in this area before they’re allowed to touch a client. This isn’t a given this side of the ‘big pond’ and a spa is only as good as their estheticians so its clear that the practitioners must have appropriate qualifications. At many Swiss wellness centres, a staff members takes your blood pressure and fat values before the guest enters a supervised program, either indoor or outdoor.
Facials and massages which improves blood circulation, relaxes tense muscles, shiatsu, reflexology, Vibro massage said to rid you of that dreaded cellulite, thalassotherapy are among the long list of treatments clients look for. For over 2000 years, the Roman Baths in Bath England have been known for its restorative waters. The new Therme Bath Hotel, just 100 metres from the historic baths in this World Heritage city, with over 100 superbly appointed rooms fits right into the health, fitness regime. Indoor pool, gym, acupuncture, hydro therapy, herbal wraps, mud treatments and a full range of orthodox spa treatments are available. Naturally, the focus is on the hot thermal waters. Everyday over a million litres at 45 degrees Celsius flows through. The Dead Sea in Israel, the lowest spot on earth, 400 metres below sea level, is a region which has the most thermal and climatic properties for what ails you. And the naturally endowed region has the calming and healing effects which also combine beauty treatments. By now everyone knows how harmful the sun’s rays are on skin, but because of the high atmospheric pressure and the minerals that evaporate from the sea, the two form a filtered haze cutting out damaging rays. The Dead Sea water is also a source of treatment for various skin diseases. After the various spa services at an Ein Bokek area, great historic side trips are Masada and Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Just a stone’s throw in Neve Zohar is the Sheraton Moriah Dead Sea Hotel which offers an abundance of treatments, concentrating on mud therapies.
The Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, always rates in the top ten best hotels in the world. So it goes without question that when they opened their in-house spa a few months ago, the die was cast for unusual treatments. Mixing African herbs and flora plus using the African philosophy of semi-circular movement starting on the stomach, the source of all illness, their massages are exhilarating along with many other valuable treatments such as exfoliating with an African- influenced dry scrub sand mixture, a ritual of the Khoi San people. All are performed in large, airy rooms, most facing famous Table Mountain. Being on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, there are many activities after weaning yourself from the perfectly decorated spa. Closer to home is The Spice Island Beach Hotel on Grenada, W.I.. Their Janissa’s Spa may be small but the services are great and include water therapy rooms and traditional treatments before heading out for the variety of water sports offered at this posh retreat.. Meanwhile in Switzerland and Germany any city that has Bad before it, is likely to be really good (Bad means spa). For more than 2,000 years, the rich and famous traipsed off to these playgrounds to soak in mineral fed pools and sit in hot mud. Before you can say Toblerone, not far from Zurich is Baden’s Limmathof Novum Spa, with some of the richest mineral thermal springs in Switzerland. Here, they want to send you home feeling great. Looking great is a by- product. Discipline becomes the operative word since food at the European counterparts aren’t usually South Beach Diet or Dr. Atkins friendly. And their knowledge of anatomy is awesome. Bad Ragaz, St. Moritz as well as Baden are perfect spa destinations with services that include gymnastic programs, underwater gymnastic in the hydro therapeutic pool, respiratory exercise, carbonic acid mineral baths, wet packs of brine or herbs. And the Alps are just steps away- great for cardiovascular purposes. Brenner’s Park Hotel and Spa, in the Black Forest in the well known Baden Baden, Germany has thermal baths with unmistakable old European flair. The hotel is known for its gracious service and the spa is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Anti-stress, Thalasso treatments, yoga, shiatsu and scheduled medical treatments are available but it’s the hot tub fed with special hot springs water which stimulate the blood that attracts the many return clients.
Perhaps one of the most perfect settings is at the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort in Jimbaran, Bali. The Balinese odyssey is something you can never get enough of. This villa-style hotel, each with a plunge pool and privacy wall, may have you never wanting to leave the suite. But when you venture out, a hewn stone path leads to the swanky 10,000 foot spa with nine very private treatment rooms. Taped Zen music plays quietly, the treatment rooms have trays filled with colorful small dishes containing aromatic herbs and spices grown on the property which are combined with various oils for massaging. Warmed ginger, lime and honey was my mixture of choice. Guests leave fully refreshed in both mind and body knowing that the ‘Island of the Gods’ has very good karma.
Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty is said to have emerged from the clear blue seas around Cyprus. In Limassol, the Meridien Hotel’s newly opened “Le Spa” specializes in thalassotherapy treatments. Thalassotherapy means sea cure and is strictly regulated. The sybaritic surroundings, are part of the 3,000 square foot spa which employs 60. After the required three pool soakings, from 35 degrees Celsius, to 34 decrees Celsius and finally 30 degrees Celsius, a staff member supervises the length of time, since the tiring water is filled with magnesium chloride, sea salt and minerals. A eucalyptus scented Hammam or Turkish steam bath, is a soothing finale. There’s certainly a bang in Bangkok’s Oriental Hotel’s spa. This swanky old teak building across from the hotel, has a mystic atmosphere where everyone whispers. The rooms are large enough to house their own jacuzzi and sauna. The Thai massage mat is on the floor and although tiny in stature, the estheticians seem to have hidden power. A chamomile, mint and honey mix is spread over the entire body and then there’s a mild massage. After it’s washed off, it’s back onto the mat where a seaweed and water mixture is spread and like a sardine, a plastic cover envelopes your body and then topped with a hot electric blanket. However removing this gunk is more difficult so a loofah mitt is provided. Thumbs press leg muscles and veins, therapist’s palms press both sides of the spine and suddenly, limbs are stretched and pushed And that’s only one of the really fine treatments available. Down Under in Oz is the Angsana Day Spa, a contemporary Asian theme designed spa located in ritzy Double Bay often referred to as Double Pay. Treatments here include 39 holistic massages, health treatments and tropical scrubs to name a few. As Hippocrates said. "The physician cures, but nature heals”. Most hotels, especially in Europe, offer packages which include room, some meals and a wellness/fitness experience. This is worth inquiring about since prices change. Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa,
Therme Bath Spa Hotel Sheraton Moriah Dead Sea Hotel Cape Grace Hotel Prices of a few treatments. The African Way SAR 975, Oxygenating Facial SAR 795, African Cape Massage SAR 750.Foot Reflexology SAR 395 Angsana Day Spa The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
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