| Sleeping Over - Spa Services for B&B's | |
|
Spa services for B&B guests? The mind conjures up hydrotherapy pools, mud and seaweed wraps, wet rooms and expensive investments. Novotel’s Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast may come to mind as one of the most upscale resorts with such “big ticket” treatments. They can provide the high-end décor, spas, products and professionals. But wait! B&B owners and inns can take simple steps to offer value-added services for guests to feel fully pampered.
This
is an ideal opportunity to cash in on the developing spa trends. Here’s how!
Small touches such as aroma therapy candles lit in the bedrooms before guests
arrive, lavender sachets on the pillows for sweet and effortless sleeping,
perhaps a poem or affirmation on that pillow are all touches that make the
guest feel special.
B&B’s
such as Narocoopa in Shorncliffe, Queensland or Noosa Country House in Noosa
Valley have a superb whirlpool tub perched on their back deck. Guests may slide into the
watery warmth and ease away stress and tension. The jet streams soothe aching
travel weary muscles. The expansive lawns and trees offer a lush verdant ease
to the eyes as well. Brochures and cards of local masseurs are
made available for nightly “tuck-ins.” However, Grace Cross of
Naracoopa mentions, “One of our guests was so relaxed by the hydrotherapy of
our spa, she decided she didn’t need a masseuse after all. We feel it’s a
real selling point of our Queenslander B&B and we round out the experience
with fresh fruit platters designed on hand painted plates, by my artist
husband, David!”
Food
does play into the spa philosophy when it’s truly healthy. Jacquie Little of
Lord Lodge at Caulfield in Melbourne presents fresh figs from her tree and
herbs from her garden all arranged and garnished beautifully. Roz Green at her
new B&B on the Gold Coast prepares her “Microwave Scrambler” with just
as many egg whites as eggs. And the only bacon she uses is extra lean! (See
recipe below!)
For
one of the richest and relaxing accommodation/spa experiences take a trip out
to the West on Margaret River, to visit Louise and Keith Smith of Dunsborough
Views of the Bay. They embody both the art and skill of operating a luxury
B&B and an “escape to the cape.” Features include a resident beauty
therapist and masseuse - Louise and her daughter. Husband, Keith is getting in
on the action and taking lessons to give massages to those more comfortable
with a masseur.
Several
types of treatment packages are marketed to gratify guests on many levels. For
example, DayDreams begins with a relaxing hydrotherapy hot tub, followed by an
Aromatherapy full body massage as well as foot reflexology massage and mini
facial. This treatment lasts a full 3-½ hours. Other packages include great
marketing names such as Time Out, A Touch of Bali, Trip to Paradise with a mix
of spa treatments and spa cuisine.
Spa
or wellness cuisine is designed in consultation with a local dietitian; goal
setting and weight control behavior modification. Menus may be geared to
low-fat, diabetic, heart healthy, low cholesterol or low sodium. Guests are
asked to obtain a doctor’s excuse or certificate for the detoxifying diet or
juice fasting. They use only local organic foods wherever they can and natural
products from small regional purveyors.
Each
package is individually programmed for guest to vault out of bed and take a
Hatha Yoga class from a local teacher or sleep in until 11:00am if they
prefer. Robes are heated by the fire; beds are turned down with a present of
chocolate-coated almonds that’s “just a bit naughty.” This is for the
pampered treatment not the spa weight control weekends. There is even an
extensive library of self-help books.
The bushwalk trail itself is situated with hammocks and resting benches. On each bench is a gentle activity and gift. A book of poems resides on one bench that guests have written their thoughts in. New visitors may add their own perceptions or simply read previous poems. Another bench might have a bag of crystals or stones with meanings of each, explained. Visitors are invited to take one stone they feel particularly resonant with.
The
benches and gifts are varied and ever changing with one meditation bench
having nothing there so walkers may simply sit and meditate at their leisure!
“Every
activity, treatment, furnishing and food is about making the guest feel
special, explains Louise, to realize your aspirations in running a B&B or
anything, follow your dreams and strive for limitless imagination.”
Microwave
Scrambler
By Roz Green & cute partner; Chris Priscott
-
1 oz. extra lean bacon
-
2 lg. Whole eggs
-
2 lg. Egg whites
-
1 Tbs. Water
-
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
-
1 tsp. Freshly ground Parmesan
Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate & cook on high for 30 seconds. Set aside.
Place the whole eggs and whites in a medium bow. Add water, seasonings to taste and mix lightly with a fork. Cut bacon into small pieces and fold into egg mixture.
Spray the inside of 2 custard cups or other microwave dishes with vegetable cooking spray. Pour the egg mixture evenly into dishes and cook on high for 2-3 minutes. Turn once during cooking. Top with cheese; let sit 1 to 2 minutes, then serve with cooked sliced tomatoes or mushrooms.
Begin with Grilled Grapefruit, crushed nuts and brown sugar. Finish with herbed tea or coffee.
