| LeSport, The Body Holiday™ on the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia, West Indies |
UPDATE!
Click HERE for numerous additions and changes to the BodyHoliday at LeSport as of April 2003
Classes
It's 9 a.m. and I have just finished a one-hour yoga class with Thomas in the Fitness Studio at The Oasis. It was not difficult, but it turned out to be a good workout. It was also very popular - mats occupied every available inch of floor space. I am taking advantage of every class LeSport has to offer, making up for a couple of months of inactivity in a few days. Before yoga, I joined a group of about 10 people on a walk to Mount Du Cap at 7. Before the walk, I started my day at 6:30 in Ezra's meditation class. Ezra on the need for meditation, "Think of yourself as a cup. You have to empty your cup every day, for a full cup is of no use to anyone." Of course, my workout really began with the walk to The Oasis at 6:15 a.m.. Perched high on a hill above the rest of the resort, The Oasis is reached by climbing 80-some steps.
SPATIP1: Your first few spa appointments will be pre-booked. Since all guests can have two spa treatments a day, available time slots fill up quickly. Climb up those 80 steps soon after your arrival and make your spa appointments for the rest of your stay. That way, you can ensure you get the treatments that you want at the times you prefer.
Only two other early-birds were in that first class on my first day, Hilary from England and Aldyth from Dubai. We were all traveling by ourselves. Hilary was going on the walk, so we walked together and chatted. We returned in time for yoga where we met Aldyth again. That set the pace for the rest of my stay. We split up to go to spa treatments or take classes and would meet for meals, a class that held our common interest, or a lounge on the beach. The three of us became great friends and had a fabulous time together. In addition to all of the couples getting married, on honeymoons, or celebrating anniversaries, LeSport gets a good number of singles on vacation. With all of the classes and singles tables at meals, there are lots of opportunities to make new acquaintances.
SPATIP2: You will receive a tour of the facilities and booklet of activities upon your arrival at LeSport. Use it to plan out your days around your spa treatments. You can walk in on most classes, but Golf Lessons require advanced sign-up. There are ~40 classes offered each day in everything from stretching to circuit training to fencing to water sports.
One of the other classes I took was T'ai Chi Qigong 18 movements with Leibert Mapp, a martial arts expert from Barbados. He also offered Silk Reeling Exercises, Standing Qigong, and Keep Fit Qigong classes. These were part of LeSport's Master Classes that are offered from March to November. Each week or fortnight, different classes and lectures are given by invited specialists at no extra charge. I also attended a Master Class lecture given by John Rude whose topics included Shifting Beliefs (how core beliefs shape your future), Follow Your Passion (how to align your passion with your vocation), Pushing Health Beyond the Physical Boundaries (mind, body, spirit), and Living the Life You Want (successful health and well-being).
SPATIP3: A bulletin board posting daily activities is located in the Club House. You should check it before you retire in the evening for last minute additions or changes for the following day.
Spa Treatments
I scheduled my classes around my pre-scheduled spa treatments. LeSport offers a good selection of spa treatments that are included in the all-inclusive rate: Hot and Cold Plunge Pools; Sauna; Swiss Needle Shower; Hair and Scalp Rejuvenation; Chandra Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage; Hydro Massage Pool; Salt Loofah Bdoy Buff; Remineralising Body Wrap; Revitalising Mineral Bath; Seawater Jet Massage; Ultra Relaxing Foot Massage; Swedish Massage; Aromatherapy Massage; and Restorative Facial. They also offer some treatments for an extra charge: Therapeutic Bodywork/Massage; Sports Massage; Traditional Thai Massage; Reflexology; Ayurvedic Treatments; all services at Salon Clarins; and Hair Services. All treatments are held in The Oasis. The extensive facilities include: two aromatherapy rooms, three foot massage rooms, six massage rooms, three facial rooms, one hydro massage room, four Chandra head, neck and shoulder massage rooms, one hair & scalp rejuvenation room, two salt loofah body buff rooms, three mineral bath rooms, two seawater jet massage rooms, three Swiss needle showers, two saunas, a hot and a cold plunge pool, lap pool, relaxation temple, gym, fitness studio with sprung floor, and nude sunbathing deck. The treatment rooms have fans which supply a pleasant white-noise background (in the absence of spa music) and keep the rooms tolerably cool.
During my stay, I had a Salt Loofah Body Buff, Swedish Massage, Sea Jet Massage, and The Ultimate Ayurvedic Massage. Here's a run-down on what they were like:
Salt Loofah Body Buff
There was a little bit of a mix-up on the room/time on my printed spa
schedule for this treatment and the next. The
therapist and I eventually both met at the right room.
This is a twenty-minute exfoliating body treatment
which combines the use of sea salt in a suspension of massage oil. Samantha massaged
this mixture
is on my body with a loofah mitten. When she was done, she had me wrap up in a
towel, leave the treatment room, climb the stairs and get in the Swiss Needle Shower.
Lots of tiny water jets sprayed my body all over while I rinsed off the salt.
The shower was invigorating and the scrub left my skin soft and smooth. This is
a good treatment to get early in your visit, since it prepares your skin for a
great tan.
SPATIP4: All was not perfect in paradise. I ran into a few problems with the spa treatment schedule and so did four other people I know of. The best way to ensure a smooth spa experience is to check into the reception desk early in the day to verify your treatments, the room and the time.
SPATIP5: Be sure to arrive in front of your assigned treatment room 5-10 minutes before your treatment. If you are late - even a few minutes, you may miss your treatment.
Swedish MassageThis treatment was scheduled immediately following the Salt Loofah Body Buff. Feeling somewhat like a student rushing to get to the next class, I headed for the room assigned for my massage - across the courtyard and up the stairs. Because I was a bit late from the prior treatment starting a bit late, no one was waiting for me. I told the Receptionist and a therapist was sent right away. Dawn gave me a very nice massage for about 25 minutes. She asked how much pressure to use and never lost contact with my body during the entire massage. It was extremely relaxing and a good choice for a day following the journey to St. Lucia.
SPATIP6: If a therapist is not at your assigned room within 5 minutes of your scheduled treatment time, go right to the reception desk and let them know.
Sea Jet MassageI had this treatment at 5:30 p.m. after spending most of the day sitting in a car and touring the island. I stood in my bathing suit at the end of a long glass-brick room on a black rubber mat while the therapist literally hosed me down. She stood somewhere between 10 and 15 feet from me and aimed the high pressure jet of water along my muscles. The effect was like getting a massage. I was amazed at how accurate her aim was. The Seawater Jet Massage Treatment is said to stimulate circulation and encourage the release of toxins, breaking down adipose tissue assisting with the reduction of cellulite and stimulate the nervous system by helping to release stored stress from the body's tissues. All I know is that it was quite invigorating and was perfectly appropriate for my state of mind/body at the time. I followed it with a dip in the hot and cold plunge pools and was ready for the evening activities to begin.
The Ultimate Ayurvedic
Massage
This was one of the treatments that was not included in the all-inclusive
rate. At the time of my visit, it was an additional US$225/150 minutes. The
following is the brochure description:
Ayurveda (Ayur : life; Veda : knowledge of ) is an ancient art of healing which evolved on the Indian subcontinent some 3000-5000 years ago. According to Ayurveda, humans consists of three parts: the mind, the body and the spirit.
This is the full treatment made up of all four holistic Ayurvedic therapies. That is the Abhyanga (Synchronised Massage), the Udvartana (Herbalised Mud Treatment), the Steam Treatment, and the Shirodhara (Oil Drip). These treatments complement each other to ensure maximum benefits to your body, mind and spirit.
The Abhyanga (Synchronised Massage): A unique herbal oil massage which is performed on the client by two therapists simultaneously. This is the famous “double massage” of Ayurveda. Besides deeply moisturizing the skin, stimulating circulation, soothing the muscles and lubricating the joints, this double massage has the added unique benefits of promoting balance between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Each therapist works in complete synchrony with the other and the four hands feel like one. This therapy enhances the immune system, relieves aches and pains dramatically, and assists in the detoxification of the blood, lymph and muscle tissues.
The Udvartana (Herbalised Mud Treatment): A full body herbal paste is put onto the skin and the paste is allowed to dry and then is rubbed off using a unique Ayurvedic technique involving deep tissue stimulation. This invigorating massage breaks adhesions, loosens deeply seated impurities and it stimulates, nourishes and cleanses.
The Steam Treatment: This is not a treatment in itself, but it enhances the benefit of the Abhyanga by allowing the body to fully utilize the benefits provided by the oils used in the massage. The steaming opens up the pores, assists in the elimination of toxins and impurities and provides yet another means of body relaxation as your body becomes lighter
The Shirodhara (Oil Drip): A profoundly relaxing treatment which involves the streaming of warm, specially mixed oils over the ‘third eye’ area (ajna cahakra) of the forehead. The oil hangs over the clients’ head and drips out of a small hole at the bottom of the receptacle. This treatment soothes and harmonizes the entire nervous system. It has been shown to synchronize brain waves and to coordinate mind and body.
This was the last treatment I had before leaving LeSport. It started with Dexter and Cynthia giving me an excellent four-hand massage. Starting with me on my back, Cynthia worked on my feet while Dexter massaged my head. Then they each took a side and massaged my arms and legs in exactly the same places at exactly the same times with exactly the same pressure. They worked on pressure points and finished with a brisk rub down. I turned over and they repeated the procedure on my arms, legs and back. It was really very, very good. When the massage was finished, they spread a coarse "mud" that was the color of paprika and made from a paste of beans and Indian spices all over my body. I rested while the mud did it's thing. Dexter said goodbye and Cynthia removed most of the mud with a loofah. I then wrapped up in a towel and went downstairs to the Ladies' Room near the Reception Desk to shower off. It's the only shower there and there was another person in line before me. I showered off and went back upstairs to the treatment room. Back on the table, Cynthia placed a steam tent over me and I steamed for about 20 minutes. When that was done, Cynthia set the oil to drip on my "third eye" for another 20 minutes or so. It's a pretty long treatment (2 1/2 hours) and I got fidgety towards the end. After rinsing off the mud, I was on my back for the steam and then the oil drip. Because I was tired of lying down, I did not find the oil drip very relaxing. A bolster under the knees would have helped, but I was just ready to move about. So... if I were to do it again, and I would like to, I would schedule the treatments at separate times since the Ayurvedic treatments are available individually. On top of high praises for the massage part of the treatment, I will add praises to the mud treatment and steam. This was the first time I came home from a spa trip that my husband commented on how soft my skin was. Considering how often I go to spas, that is high praise, indeed!
SPATIP7: Most spa treatments are included in the rate. However, a few have an added cost. If you have never had a four-handed massage with two therapists working in unison, I highly recommend paying the additional cost for Abhyanga (Synchronised Massage).
Sports
I spent most of my time at The Oasis. However, there were many, many other things to do - or nothing at all. Myself, Hilary, Aldyth, and Helen and Charlie (a couple from Scotland we made friends with) spent time relaxing on lounge chairs under palapas on the beautiful beach. We made use of the red flags - plant them in the sand and a server appears to take your drink order (available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Hilary and Charlie tried water-skiing. Then Hilary settled down to read "A Beautiful Mind" and I checked out a snorkel, mask and fins. Both sides of the beach have reefs that are terrific for snorkeling. Among the many colors and varieties of fish I saw were trigger fish and small fish that looked like angel fish - some yellow, some black. The black ones were very territorial and chased off fish with neon blue fins that were 20 times their size. I found you could hear fish - some make clicking noises, some sound like static electricity. It was relaxing and interesting. Other water sports offered are windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and Scuba diving (PADI Certified Dive Center - Beach dives only, with beginner and certified options. Resort courses are included. Open Water certification courses are offered at an additional cost.). Land sports included archery, volleyball, bicycle tours, fencing, walking, tennis, and golf at the nearby 18-hole Championship course at the St. Lucia Golf and Country Club (Free green fees and transfers are provided to the golf course. Carts are mandatory and are available at an extra charge as well as clubs.).
Dining
There are three restaurants at LeSport with all meals and beverages included in the all-inclusive rate. Cariblue Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Breakfast, lunch and some themed dinners are buffet-style. Some dinners are ordered from the menu. For those wanting to watch what you eat or even lose weight, it's possible but not easy. Low fat, high fiber foods are available, but they are on the same buffet table as the not-as-healthy, tempting foods. You have to be very disciplined hot to take a spoonful of Tiramisu or Passion Fruit Mousse here and there.
LeSport dietician, Josée Derrien, offers classes each day in how to eat healthy and choose healthy options in the real world. She also offers individual consultations for an additional fee. Starting July 2002, she will be offering a Weight Management program.
SPATIP8: Specialized meals are available on request for vegetarian, vegan, low cholesterol and low salt diets. If you have special dietary requirements, be sure to let LeSport know prior to your arrival.
The Deli is open only for lunch and serves gourmet sandwiches and specialty salads. It also serves espresso.
TAO, located above The Deli, is open only for dinner by reservation and serves East-West Fusion cuisine. I had the good fortune to eat two dinners at TAO. It was fabulous. I particularly enjoyed the TAO Trio Salad and Vegetarian Ensemble. While most things on TAO's menu are included, there are some items that come at an extra cost (particular wines, for instance). I tried a Chocolate Ying/Yang Cake that was offered for an added cost. I know...not spa cuisine, but oh-so-wonderful!
SPATIP9: Dinners at the restaurant, TAO, are included in the resort rate. However, reservations are required. On the first day of your visit, I suggest you decide which nights you would like to eat at TAO and call to make reservations for all of them immediately. TAO is very popular, the food is fabulous, and it can be hard to get a table.
Entertainment
Because I did so many activities during the day, I usually went back to my room to crash before the nightly live entertainment started. One night, I cracked open the door to my balcony so I could hear the waves below and got into bed. Soon, I heard that night's performer, a jazz musician that had performed at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival that year. The sound of a smooth, soft, sensual saxophone over the surf, a tired body, and a calm mind...it doesn't get much better than that.
Future Plans
According to General Manager, Alan Stocker, LeSport is contemplating plans for improvement in the near future. Possibilities include: a 9-hole golf course near The Oasis; an updated web site that will allow more customization and planning before your visit to ensure you maximize your enjoyment during your stay coming in the fall of 2002; redecorate and add music to The Oasis treatment rooms; and perhaps, change the lily pond behind the Oasis Temple into a waterfall feature.
Final Notes
LeSport is a holiday for the body but doesn't forget the mind or spirit! You can do as much or as little as you want this all-inclusive resort. The instructors were excellent. I wish I could have more time learning to "empty my cup" from Ezra, practicing T'ai Chi movements from Leibert, and yoga positions from Thomas. I enjoyed and appreciated the spa treatments. And there were so many things I didn't have time for...great reasons to return.
Hilary, Aldyth, Helen, Charlie and I all crafted our own ideal holidays - each individualized and different - all at the same place. LaSport can be many things to many people - an active vacation, a romantic escape, a golf getaway, a destination spa, or a quiet and restful retreat. Like its sister resort, LaSource, the ingredients are all there. It's up to you to take a little of this and a bit of that to make a recipe for what you want your vacation to be.
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Photos copyright 2002, Julie
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