Once A Spa Girl, Always A Spa Girl
My obsession with spas began when I was 14. I was a competitive swimmer and after countless hours of daily pool time, my muscles definitely needed some T.L.C. Which is why I started getting regular massages. Every time I would go into the local spa though, I would be enticed by all of the other services. Soon enough I was getting facials and wraps and manis/pedis; I was hooked!
Around that same time I fell head over heels in love with Chinese Medicine and knew that I wanted to pursue a career in it. As graduation from Graduate School approached a decade later it became clear to me that I wanted to create a Wellness Center, where all types of healing modalities could be found under one roof (sorta like a spa). Now my two obsessions could be combined--talk about living your dream.
Tomorrow I depart for Atlanta and since my family can longer join me due to my brother needing last minute surgery (do not worry, he is okay), I decided to spend the entire day at Bliss Spa. I am so excited because I have not been there in over a year. It is one of my favorite spa's in the world and I used to frequent it quite often when I was living in New York City. Normally, I prefer spas that are not chains and that have a unique vibe, but Bliss Spa never disappoints. My service menu will be: a mini-oxygen blast facial, a seaweed detox wrap, a double chocolate pedicure, and a hot cream manicure. The next 24 hours cannot go by quickly enough!
Thinking about tomorrow's spa day made me reflect on some of my other unforgettable spa moments throughout my lifetime. Here are my top 4:
1) Chopra Center in La Jolla, California
In 1998, my Mom and I decided to go on a week long Mother-Daughter retreat at the Chopra Center, which is located in beautiful La Jolla, California (I loved the city so much I ended up living there 5 years later). This spa is run and owned by the famed health and wellness guru Deepak Chopra and all of the therapies offered are Ayurvedic Medicine based. Ayurvedic Medicine was developed centuries ago in India and, like Chinese Medicine, its main treatment principle is to support and create balance in your body and your life. Because we actually stayed at the spa for a week rather than just come in for daily treatments, we were able to meet with the Deepak to discuss our lifestyles and changes that we needed to make in order to achieve the desired balance. Meeting with Deepak was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the spa was more than 5-stars. The healthy vegan meals they prepared for us were delicious to say the least and the treatments, well, there are no words to describe. My favorite was the Pizichilli; where a continuous stream of warm herbalized oil is poured over the entire body while 2, yes 2, therapists massage you at the same time.
2) Hakone Kowakien Yunessun in Hakone, Japan
Several years ago while I was visiting Japan I happened upon the most amazing spa by chance. I had traveled to Hakone to see the majestic Mt. Fuji only to find it hidden behind the clouds. Since my original plans were foiled, I decided to ask around for other suggestions. Someone mentioned that there was a hot springs spa called Hakone Kowakien Yunessun down the road and that it simply was not to be missed. I headed over there and it was one of the best pieces of advice I have ever followed. Inside the spa were 25 different themed hot spring baths!
Me in the coffee bath.
The red wine bath.
Me in the green tea bath (my favorite!).
Me and my friend in the dead sea bath.
Each bath had a different medicinal quality to it. Unfortunately, I only had a few hours to enjoy this little slice of heaven before having to catch my train back to Tokyo. However, I savored every single second there and I left smelling like green tea!
3) El Cafetal Inn in San Jose, Costa Rica
Two years ago I visited Costa Rica with a girlfriend, however my flight arrived much earlier than hers. So, I went ahead to the hotel, El Cafetal Inn, which was about 30 minutes outside of San Jose on a coffee plantation.
The view from the spa.
I decided to use that time alone to indulge in the hotel's spa signature "coffee massage" to pass the time. This is the description of the massage from the website: a massage and coffee scrub from our own coffee plantation blend with aromatic oil. This procedure leaves the skin soft and slightly tanned. My massage therapist gave me the opportunity to decide where I wanted my massage. I picked beside the pool underneath a canopy, since no one would be around to disturb us. While I was receiving the massage it started to rain and as the sun came out nature's creatures began to sing. It was an incredible experience and it truly did leave my skin glowing and feeling like silk!
The pool where I received my coffee massage near.
4) Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland
2 weeks after my Costa Rica trip, I met my same friend in Reykjavik, Iceland for yet another trip. We only had 4 days to explore, so by the end of the trip we needed some R&R. Which is why we chose to save the Blue Lagoon for our last day.
The Blue Lagoon in all its glory.
Forgetting that the lagoon actually has renown healing qualities thanks to its geothermal seawater, it is simply a site to behold! When you are floating around in it you cannot help but feel like you are in a dream.
Me floating away.
A visit promotes harmony between the body, mind and spirit, and enables one to soak away the stresses of modern life. In addition to thehot springs , guests can also stand beneath a waterfall for an energizing massage and use the white silica mud at the bottom of the hot springs
See how peaceful the lagoon makes you?
Of course there are countless other spas that left an impression on me as well, but these are the ones that I would definitely go back to time and again if given the opportunity.
I certainly intend on checking out my hotel's spa while in Belize next week. I think I might have to splurge on a massage by the ocean? I will be sure to let you know all about it if I do, as well as tomorrow's experience. Until then have a blissful weekend!
Around that same time I fell head over heels in love with Chinese Medicine and knew that I wanted to pursue a career in it. As graduation from Graduate School approached a decade later it became clear to me that I wanted to create a Wellness Center, where all types of healing modalities could be found under one roof (sorta like a spa). Now my two obsessions could be combined--talk about living your dream.
Tomorrow I depart for Atlanta and since my family can longer join me due to my brother needing last minute surgery (do not worry, he is okay), I decided to spend the entire day at Bliss Spa. I am so excited because I have not been there in over a year. It is one of my favorite spa's in the world and I used to frequent it quite often when I was living in New York City. Normally, I prefer spas that are not chains and that have a unique vibe, but Bliss Spa never disappoints. My service menu will be: a mini-oxygen blast facial, a seaweed detox wrap, a double chocolate pedicure, and a hot cream manicure. The next 24 hours cannot go by quickly enough!
Thinking about tomorrow's spa day made me reflect on some of my other unforgettable spa moments throughout my lifetime. Here are my top 4:
1) Chopra Center in La Jolla, California
In 1998, my Mom and I decided to go on a week long Mother-Daughter retreat at the Chopra Center, which is located in beautiful La Jolla, California (I loved the city so much I ended up living there 5 years later). This spa is run and owned by the famed health and wellness guru Deepak Chopra and all of the therapies offered are Ayurvedic Medicine based. Ayurvedic Medicine was developed centuries ago in India and, like Chinese Medicine, its main treatment principle is to support and create balance in your body and your life. Because we actually stayed at the spa for a week rather than just come in for daily treatments, we were able to meet with the Deepak to discuss our lifestyles and changes that we needed to make in order to achieve the desired balance. Meeting with Deepak was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the spa was more than 5-stars. The healthy vegan meals they prepared for us were delicious to say the least and the treatments, well, there are no words to describe. My favorite was the Pizichilli; where a continuous stream of warm herbalized oil is poured over the entire body while 2, yes 2, therapists massage you at the same time.
2) Hakone Kowakien Yunessun in Hakone, Japan
Several years ago while I was visiting Japan I happened upon the most amazing spa by chance. I had traveled to Hakone to see the majestic Mt. Fuji only to find it hidden behind the clouds. Since my original plans were foiled, I decided to ask around for other suggestions. Someone mentioned that there was a hot springs spa called Hakone Kowakien Yunessun down the road and that it simply was not to be missed. I headed over there and it was one of the best pieces of advice I have ever followed. Inside the spa were 25 different themed hot spring baths!
Each bath had a different medicinal quality to it. Unfortunately, I only had a few hours to enjoy this little slice of heaven before having to catch my train back to Tokyo. However, I savored every single second there and I left smelling like green tea!
3) El Cafetal Inn in San Jose, Costa Rica
Two years ago I visited Costa Rica with a girlfriend, however my flight arrived much earlier than hers. So, I went ahead to the hotel, El Cafetal Inn, which was about 30 minutes outside of San Jose on a coffee plantation.
I decided to use that time alone to indulge in the hotel's spa signature "coffee massage" to pass the time. This is the description of the massage from the website: a massage and coffee scrub from our own coffee plantation blend with aromatic oil. This procedure leaves the skin soft and slightly tanned. My massage therapist gave me the opportunity to decide where I wanted my massage. I picked beside the pool underneath a canopy, since no one would be around to disturb us. While I was receiving the massage it started to rain and as the sun came out nature's creatures began to sing. It was an incredible experience and it truly did leave my skin glowing and feeling like silk!
4) Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland
2 weeks after my Costa Rica trip, I met my same friend in Reykjavik, Iceland for yet another trip. We only had 4 days to explore, so by the end of the trip we needed some R&R. Which is why we chose to save the Blue Lagoon for our last day.
Forgetting that the lagoon actually has renown healing qualities thanks to its geothermal seawater, it is simply a site to behold! When you are floating around in it you cannot help but feel like you are in a dream.
A visit promotes harmony between the body, mind and spirit, and enables one to soak away the stresses of modern life. In addition to the
Of course there are countless other spas that left an impression on me as well, but these are the ones that I would definitely go back to time and again if given the opportunity.
I certainly intend on checking out my hotel's spa while in Belize next week. I think I might have to splurge on a massage by the ocean? I will be sure to let you know all about it if I do, as well as tomorrow's experience. Until then have a blissful weekend!
Posted by Andi Perullo at April 10, 2009 
Categories: Japan, Costa Rica, Iceland, Travel, Chinese Medicine, Atlanta
Categories: Japan, Costa Rica, Iceland, Travel, Chinese Medicine, Atlanta
Andi! I didn't know you lived in La Jolla! I went to UCSD! It is a beautiful little town isn't it? And your Blue Lagoon experience was much more conventional than mine! I went in November, practically in the middle of a rainstorm! But it was still a great experience! Thanks for the spa suggestions!
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OK I've never had too much of a desire to go to Japan, but that spa? MAKES ME WANT TO GO. How cool!
Also, I like your idea about spending the day at Bliss! I've actually never gone, and I've stayed at the W in SF several times. They were supposed to add me to their press list and send me free stuff, but it never happened! Boo!
When you come to SF, we HAVE to go to the Kabuki Springs Spa in Japantown--it's supposed to be one of the best in the city (and not too pricey either!).
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It was BLISS just reading about all these spa adventures.
Annnnnd you have done so much travelling it makes me entirely jealous!!! xoxo
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