Relaxation 101
Winter isn't easy. Cold and flu bugs are biting, driveways and walks need shoveling and workplace commutes take place in the dark.
Luckily, Wisconsin offers a variety of ways to help travelers deal with the stress of the season. If you're planning, or even thinking about, a spa treatment soon, here’s a sampling of the state's signature treatments from the mouths of regular visitors and front-line spa experts. Warning: may induce heightened relaxation.
Curing the Common Cold Never Felt So Good
A trip to Sundara Spa (1-888-735-8181; www.sundaraspa.com) in the Wisconsin Dells will not only leave you utterly relaxed, it can actually help cure the common cold. Wisconsin's only ayurvedic spa, the Sundara starts you off with the Purifying Bath Ritual, a self-guided treatment designed to cleanse the skin and clear the mind. The four-step ritual is an included extra for all Sundara guests, who wholeheartedly rave about the treatment's ability to put you in a supremely relaxed state-of-mind.
Next, enjoy the refining, exfoliating and nourishing benefits to your skin of the Sandstone Polish. The scrubbing treatment comes highly recommended by Sundara staff as a seasonal relief to help alleviate sinus congestion.
And don't miss the Champissage. This luxurious head massage begins with deep kneading of the neck and shoulder muscles. Then, in a series of unique strokes, the head and scalp are massaged and hair follicles stimulated. The finishing touch is a manipulation of acupressure points in the head, ears and face to relieve sinus pressure and headaches.
"Head Trips," Seasonal Sensations and More …
Located at the American Club in Kohler, Kohler Waters Spa (1-800-344-2838; www.destinationkohler.com) offers exemplary signature seasonal and revitalizing treatments.
Visitors to Kohler swear by the Seasonal Sensation treatment. It includes a full-body exfoliation, water treatment and luxurious shower and rubdown, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated. To assist circulatory flow, the new Cooler-Near-The-Lake treatment has gained immediately popularity for its perfect application of cool and warm relaxation techniques.
For those suffering from office-related stress, the Executive Head Trip is divine. A favorite among the spa's business clientele, this treatment features a head, neck and scalp massage, followed by a shampoo and conditioning treatment and relaxing hand massage. Guaranteed to cleanse one's head, inside and out.
A Portal to Tranquility
The Timber Spa at Lake Lawn Resort (1-800-338-5253; www.lakelawnresort.com) and its full-featured menu of soothing, stress-reducing treatments is yet another of Wisconsin's portals to tranquility.
The resort's signature Lymphatic Massage is a 60-minute specialty treatment said to help rid the body of toxins, balance internal chemistry and enhance immune system functionality.
Fitness buffs offer glowing reviews of the Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage for its ability to promote renewed energy and ease of movement while stimulating the circulation system. If you are interested in skin treatments, try the 30-minute Body Polish. This special four-part polish exfoliates, re-mineralizes and softens your skin with a warm, creamy, granular polish and the Vichy Rain Shower.
Guided Meditations, Spiritual Awakenings
Guests visiting the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa (1-888-392-8000;www.grandgeneva.com) will have their spirits awakened through the center's emphasis on organic methods and products.
Sixteen specifically chosen oils are layered along the spine to rebuild and reduce inflammation during the 80-minute Ancient Anointment Body Treatment as guests step into a world of reflexology.
Highly recommended by the spa's staff, Grand Geneva's Journey through the Elements guided meditation helps visitors reconnect with the earth, air, fire and water. The two-hour session includes scents and sounds reflective of these essential elements.
Warm bubbling mud, smooth basalt stones, mineral-rich seawater and relaxing botanical extracts bring guests back to their spirit and the magical energies of the elements in the two-hour Sea Stone Signature Facial. The therapeutic warmth of ancient stones helps to transform your face as only nature's primal elements can.
Good Vibrations
An exclusive and all encompassing private spa experience, the Aspira Spa Salon at the Osthoff Resort (1-800-876-3399; www.osthoff.com) offers its clients a comfortable living area that includes several first class amenities.
The Lomi Lomi Massage, a traditional Hawaiian "loving hands" massage, ranks among the spa's most popular treatments. Percussive and dance-like movements with smooth strokes combine with the use of Jasmine oil to help induce a total state of relaxation and aroma-therapeutic benefits.
Another popular treatment, the Crystal Chakra Balancing Massage, balances the body's seven main chakra vibrations and complements the body's energy flow using the vibration from seven pure colored lights and delicate, smooth strokes along the body's meridians.
The Violet Clay Envelopment is a spa favorite for guests looking to hydrate and moisten the skin through the healing powers of Aspira's vibrant clay.
A Labyrinth of Treatments
One of the newest destination spas in Wisconsin, Evensong Spa, opened in the popular resort town of Green Lake in late 2006. In appearance, Evensong (800-444-2812; www.evensongspa.com) is simultaneously sleek, modern, and organic. Natural elements like wood, bamboo and stone combine with expansive views of the surrounding landscape (where white-tailed deer are often spotted in the winter) to create a sense that the spa simply grew out of the earth itself.
Ponder that thought and others in the spa's signature Labyrinth, a meditation room designed to offer guests a contemplative moment - or several - before enjoying their selection of deluxe treatments.
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