SPA Treatment

by Naomi Serviss for WE Magazine, The lifestyle magazine for people with disabilities, their families and friends
September-October 1999, reprinted with permission

Take the plunge at South Carolina's Charleston Place, where the charms of the Old South are part of the cure. Other Articles by Naomi Serviss • Boston’s Giuliano Spa • New York Spas: The Greenhouse Day Spa • New York Spas: Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa • The Spa at the Disney Institute • Greenhouse Spa at Portofino Bay Hotel Universal Studios • Montreal Spa Dreams

From mud wraps to lavender facials, the magic word is pamper

Why should only the royals and fabulously rich benefit from la-di-dah spa vacations? We all deserve a little pampering in this age of fin-de-siecle stress. Being spoiled healthy by apricot facial scrubs, wrapped in detoxifying warm seaweed, massaged by a man-made waterfall or gently lulled into Zen-like bliss by underwater massage therapists elevates everyone to the status of the beautiful people. Long a bastion of the fabulously wealthy and ridiculously privileged, the spa experience has tricked down from old-world aficionados to a far broader clientele who knowingly toss around references to dermatological oxygenation, a deep-pore cleansing and exfoliation technique, and balneotherapy, using water to restore and revitalize circulation and reduce stress. From the mountains (spectacular Snowbird Cliff) to the oceans white with foam (family-oriented Disney World Cruises), with stops in between, there's a getaway perfect for all.

Sure, many are expensive, but if you're a savvy shopper, there's an affordable way to get your back rubbed without having your wallet massaged. The physical benefits will do wonders for the psyche. After all, there's no denying the mind-body connection. Even Oprah says so, and who reads Descartes these days, anyway? To save you a few rounds of research, WE magazine rounded up the top spas, both domestic and for­eign, to get you on the path to wellness.

If you're a mountain lover, a good place to begin is the spectacular Snowbird Cliff Spa in Utah, tucked into the Wasatch Mountains and Wasatch-Cache National Forest, just 29 miles southeast from Salt Lake City. According to spokesperson Kim Peterson, the facility is completely accessible and environmentally friendly, to boot. "We're very committed to preserving the integrity of the environment, and making great use of natural products from the Great Lakes region," she explains. The resort, with 20 private treatment rooms, is a favorite among skiers with disabilities, who arrive by the hundreds including many children from area schools for orienteering and snow-shoeing, including snowsleds for paraplegics, with a complete staff of instructors. They are attracted by an annual NFL-sponsored event to benefit the resort's adaptive program that also draws sports celebrities and fans. "In the winter our slopes are filled with an array of talented skiers of various abilities," Peterson adds. Event highlights include a ski race among NFL sports figures (including Utah-native quarterback Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers) and two auctions featuring NFL memorabilia and artwork. Snowbird is in the process of a 7-year Master Development Plan that will include improvements to serve those flocking to the 2002 Winter Olympics, as well as the general public.

The Ojai Valley Inn, 73 miles northwest of Los Angeles, has made a strong commitment to accessibility and offers adaptive equipment in the massage area as well as an accessible VIP alcove in the hair salon. Designed in the Andalusian Spanish architectural style, the new 31,000-square-foot spa sports the genteel charms of a Mediterranean villa. The impression is made by curving outdoor staircases, trickling fountains, terraces and loggias, topped by a 50-foot bell tower over the Courtyard.

Topnotch Spa Resort in Stowe, Vermont, boasts gorgeous view of the Green Mountains in addition to offering therapeutic waterfall hyrodromassage among its chi-chi menu (with nearly 100 services). Consistently listed by the "spanoscenti" among the world's top 10 resorts (including Conde Nast Traveler and the Mobil and AAA guides), Topnotch provides eye-appealing cuisine whipped up by Chef Edward St. Onge that can be geared towards individual dietary discretion. His specialties use fresh Vermont produce and delicacies, including goat cheese and apples, to create unforgettably delicious yet miraculously low-fat Classic American entrees. (See Food for Thought for more on spa nutrition) . Another favorite among mountain-lovers is the Peaks Resort and Spa in Telluride, a National Historic Landmark in Colorado located in an historic Rocky mountain town now known for its top-notch skiing. All treatments are individually tailored by the massage therapist.

The Big Apple, naturally, has its share of top-of-the-line spas. With a world-wide reputation for four-star service, and four-star prices, it's not surprising that the Four Seasons Resort in Manhattan serves a diverse population, accord­ing to Suk Mancinelli, spa manager. "We can provide just about anything here for people with disabilities and many of our guests are wheelchair users," she says. "Our staff is fully trained to accommodate individuals of various abilities and we are extremely sensitive to all our clients" she adds. Water treatments are popular here, geared toward increasing blood flow. A popular treatment is the "Rub A Dub Dub New York Scrub" which begins with a skin polish featuring an energizing essential oil and a mango, tangerine and honey-butter salt mix. Sounds good enough to eat--almost. Dead layers of skin are removed and rinsed away with warm water, followed by a lathering up with a PH neutral, soft cleansing soap massage followed by a gentle healing and hydrating massage incorporating aloe and cucumber gel. Ah, that feels good. Another favorite is the "Manhattan Splash," a combination treatment that includes Swedish massage with a brisk shiatsu water massage. A steady stream of water is applied while the therapist applies finger and foot pressure, following an ancient Oriental technique to release tension and rebalance the entire body.

New York's Equinox Spa on the Upper East Side is wheelchair-accessible and is connected to the Barbizon Hotel, whose lobby is usually filled with a variety of Romance languages, since it is a popular European destination. One of the first East coast spas to offer Heated Stone Therapy, the Equinox is a welcome respite to harried New Yorkers of all types. 

Another newcomer to the New York stress busting scene is the ultra-chic, "W" hotel offering therapeutic treatments, (special water massages; aromatherapy, facials, the usual) beautifully appointed decor by renowned designer David Kockwell and heart-healthy cuisine in the Heartbeat Restaurant (owned by Drew Neiporent of Nobu and Tribeca Grille fame).

The internationally acclaimed Canyon Ranch resorts (located in Tucson, Arizona and Lenox, Massachusetts) offer a full range of therapeutic aquatic programs, notably Watsu, which combines elements of Shiatsu, stretching, dance and yoga in 94-degree water. During treatments, therapists cradle the body, moving and massaging to the rhythm of gentle music. Movement therapy is another popular and safe way to stretch and strengthen muscles while relearning movement patterns, in 92 to 94-degree water. The therapies are de­signed for those who want to work on balance and posture or whose movement is limited by arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoroporosis, disk pain or joint replacement. According to Carolyn Collman, aquatic therapist and exercise physiologist, just about anyone can benefit from water workouts. "For those with physical limitations, aquatic therapy can be a Godsend. In the water, they can move and stretch again in ways that are not possible on land--and they can gradually make the transition to greater mobility" she notes. Life Enhancement Programs in Tucson provide in-depth, week-long regimens for those interested in focusing on significant lifestyle change or specific health concerns. The group experiences take place in the Life Enhancement Center, a luxurious facility created for group interaction. It contains separate living rooms, a meeting area, gyms, dining facilities, locker rooms and massage rooms. Specialty weeks are scheduled throughout the year, for those with shared health concerns, including arthritis, heart disease, life transitions, aging or spirituality. The upcoming conference on Living with Arthritis (October 3 through 10) will gather medical experts and specialists from the nearby Arizona Arthritis Center for a week of workshops, hands-on treatment, private consultation, relaxation and exercise. This program is geared towards those with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus and scleroderma.

If your ideal of a tranquil oasis drifts to southern charm and hospitality, check out South Carolina's Charleston Place, now owned by the upscale Orient-Express chain. Designed with people with disabilities in mind, it features a state-of-the-art Universal Design swimming pool with a horizon edge bordered by imported mosaic tile and signature retractable glass roof, allowing sun and fresh air year-round. For those with mobility limitations, the hotel has cre­ated a chair to enable guests to enter and exit the pool with ease. The Jacuzzi, located within the clock tower of the spa, also sports a glass roof for stargazing and reflection. From aromatherapy to the trendy' neuromuscular-cranial massage, treatments are varied to dovetail to individual needs.

If an island oasis is more your style, Bermuda may suit you just fine. From Ariel Sands' Nirvana Spa to Bersalon's Spa at Sonesta Beach overlooking the coastlines, you can choose from a full range of sybaritic services including skin care, massage and customized spa packages. And FYI: this upper-crust resort is frequented often by the island's famed Dill family, whose most famous member is actor Michael Douglas. A cottage colony owned by his mother's family on Bermuda's Shouting Shore and a founding family of this British isle, Nirvana aims to spoil you with its beachside massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy.

Prefer the Pacific? You could do worse than to luxuriate at the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa in Maui, Hawaii. With its "East meets West," philosophy, the spa blends traditional Hawaiian healing techniques with European, Japanese and Indian spa treatments from the intriguingly dubbed, "Deep Lomi-Lomi Wela Pokahu," massage with a pouch of heated lava pebbles, to the "Fango Facial," during which Italian mud is lathered on to create a deep-cleansing masque. Exotique, n' est-ce pas?

The Claremont Resort and Spa, in Berkeley, California, overlooks the spectacular San Francisco Bay and offers full-service treatments as well as specialized programs individually tailored. From gentle Yoga-based workouts to aromatherapy massage and facials, there's a treatment for everyone, regardless of physical ability.

One of Florida's most exclusive properties, The Breakers in Palm Beach, recently completed renovation, meeting all ADA requirements. Its unique, tiled treatment rooms allow guests to remain in the same locale for up to three separate treatments, including massage on a hydraulic table, hydrotherapy tub and Swiss shower system.

The newly opened spa at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan, is wheel­chair friendly and features hand-held showers, extra-wide doorways, halls and restroom areas. The spa's regular clientele includes several wheel­chair users who re­ceive treatments such as manicure, pedicure and hair designing services.

Spa La Quinta, located near Palm Springs includes three inhalation rooms, a hydrotheraphy tub suite, private tubs and specialized body treatments and facials. Popular ones include the Cahuilla Sage Wrap, Grape Seed Crush Glow Exfoliation and PGA West Golf Massage, geared toward the aching duffer.

Chateau Mont Tremblant, part of the elegant Canadian Pacific hotels, is located abut an hour's drive from Montreal and well worth the effort. From luxury treatments to massage packages, spa professionals are experienced in raindrop, Swedish, California and therapeutic treatments. And considering the Canadian dollar's worth, a well-planned respite can save you a bundle.

Last but not least, for those young-at-heart with a penchant for all things Disney, consider a cruise on the newly launched Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, both equipped with state-of-the-art spa facilities. From Tropical Rain Showers, recreating the warmth of nature with the heady aroma of passion fruit and peppermint, to underwater massage for aching muscles, your wish is Mickey's command.

And never feel guilty about pampering your­self. After all, if you don't, who will?

Ariel Sands' Nirvana Spa 34 South Shore Road Devonshire DV 07, Bermuda (441) 236 5155 (800) 468 6610 e-mail: ariel@ibl.bm  This 14-acre, 48-room hillside resort overlooks Bermuda's South Shore. Deluxe rooms and cottages, updated by designer Jeffrey Bilhuber. Spa packages include, "Life Saver" and "Head Start," with ocean views, afternoon tea, airport transfers.	The Spa at the Breakers 1 South County Road Palm Beach, Florida 33480 (888) BREAKERS Conveniently located on the first floor, all showers, doorways and surrounding facilities at The Spa are easily accessible. Spa suites offer guests the option of receiving up to 3 treatments in the privacy of the same room. A hydraulic table, hydrotherapy tub and Swiss shower enable guests to enjoy all available water treatments.
The Spa at Camelback Inn 5402 E. Lincoln Drive Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 (800) 922 2635  602) 596 7040  Uniquely Southwestern health spa, one of the first in the U.S. to offer fitness, pampering, and life-enhancing wellness programs. From Desert Nectar Honey Wraps to Adobe Clay Purification, a day spent here is an investment in holistic health.	Canyon Ranch Health Resorts 8600 E. Rockcliff Road Tucson, Arizona 85750  or 165 Kemble Street Lenox, Massachusetts 01240  (800) 742 9000 Both are award-winners, re­cently recognized for excellence by Conde Nast Traveler.
Chateau Mont Tremblant 3045, CH Principal CP 100 Mont-Tremblant Quebec, Canada JOT 1 Z0 (819) 681 7000 This picturesque summer/winter resort recently completed extensive renovation that resulted in adaptive spa areas, including extra-wide doorways, hydraulic tables, chairs and water treatments. The largest health center in Quebec, with 15 treatment rooms, 3 whirlpools and mixed sauna and steam baths. Located at the base of Mont Tremblant, the views are breathtaking and the experience rejuvenating.	Four Seasons Hotel Fitness Center 57 E. 57th St. New York, NY 10022 (800) 332 3442 (212) 758 5700  New York's tallest hotel, the Four Seasons opened in 1993 and is the only I. M. Pei-designed hotel in Manhattan. This striking, completely accessible 370-room hotel has spacious rooms, stunning views and is rated Five-Star by Mobil and the AAA Five Diamond.
Disney Cruise Lines 210 Celebration Place Celebration, FL 34747  (800) WDW CRUISE  (407) 566 7000 Choose either the first ship, The Magic, or the latest, The Wonder, for accommodations to fit all needs. Twelve staterooms are extra large and include ramps on bathroom thresholds and bathrooms provide full turning radius for wheelchairs. Accessible elevators with Braille call buttons and audible arrival announcements. Handrails throughout the room. Other highlights include ramps, a ship-wide 911 emergency system, strobelight equipped telecommunications devices (TDD) and sound-enhancing FM receivers for theater shows. Five motor coaches (transporting passengers from the airport) are wheelchair accessible.	Ojai Valley Inn & Spa  Country Club Road Ojai, CA 93023 (800) 422 6524 Ranked on Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's gold list, also a member of the Great Golf of the World and Historic Hotels of America registry. Known for its innovative programs, treatments and activities and honors the sacred traditions of the Chumash Indians, the Valley's first inhabitants. At Acorn, the poolside card, the freshest vegetables, exotic and local fruits, olives, cheeses and Pacific Coast seafood are personally selected by the chefs daily. Since 1923 guests have enjoyed the tranquil pleasures of this 220-acre, tree-shaded oasis, with six fully accessible private rooms, hydraulically adjustable massage tables, and an accessible VIP alcove in the hair salon.
Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort/Cliff Spa & Salon PO Box 929000 Snowbird, Utah 84092-9000 (801) 742 2222 Renowned for its sensitivity to the disabled community through its annual NFL-sponsored events, this picture-perfect resort offers adaptive skiing, educational workshops and up-to-the-minute treatments.	Charleston Place 131 Market Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401 (843) 722 4900
Claremont Resort and Spa 41 Tunnel Road Berkeley, California 94705 (800) 551 7266	Equinox Spa 140 East 63rd Street New York, New York 10021 (212) 750 4900
Grand Traverse Resort 100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard Acme, Michigan 49610 (800) 748 0303	Grand Wailea Resort and Spa 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 96753 (808) 875-1234 (800) 888-6100
The Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa 136 Country Club Drive Telluride, Colorado 81435 (970) 728 6800 (970) 728 6175 (fax)	Spa La Quinta 49-499 Eisenhower Drive La Quinta, California 92253 (800) 598 3828
Topnotch at Stowe Resort and Spa P.O. Box 1458 Stowe, Vermont 05672 (800) 451 8686	W Hotel 541 Lexington Ave. New York, New York 10022 (877) 946 8357

article reprinted with permission from
 WE Magazine
The lifestyle magazine for people with disabilities, 
their families and friends
 September-October 1999
photos courtesy of WE Magazine

Other Pages of Interest for People with Disabilities

Food for Thought, another WE Magazine article 
Spas that Provide Facilities and Offer Treatments for People with Disabilities
About's Disability Issues Site

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