Las Ventanas al Paraiso - A Guest Article by Madelyn Miller

Dateline: 07/10/98

Madelyn Miller returns as this week's Spa Site guest author reporting on the spa at Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico, one of her stops on a recent trip to Scotland, Mexico, Australia, and Finland. Madelyn is a food, wine and travel writer who contributes to 12 Publications with a combined circulation of several million. She is the founder of Southwest Travelwriters Association. Fondly called "The Travel Lady," she frequently gives travel tips and advice on Fox-TV KDFW and NBC in Dallas. She is a frequent and welcomed contributor to the Spa Site. Last year, she took 30 trips to destinations such as India, Rio, Israel, Montreal, Australia and Hong Kong. Look for upcoming articles from Madelyn on Observatory in Australia and Coluum in Australia, among others. Last week, Madelyn shared her spa experiences at Gleneagles in Scotland with the Spa Site.

Julie Register
Spa Guide

photos courtesy of Madelyn Miller
Las Ventanas
al Paraiso
A Window on Paradise

by Madelyn Miller

Imagine a window to your own private paradise. Las Ventanas al Paraiso lies between sapphire seas and painted desert sands, rough-hewn mountains and golden beaches. It is a place of serenity and hospitality reminiscent of the grand haciendas of Old Mexico.

It is a tropical retreat where the pressures of modern life recede from memory. Where body and soul find nourishment. And you feel at peace with yourself and the world.

From every vista, the culture and history of Mexico are exquisitely expressed.  The soft curves of smooth adobe walls serve as a backdrop for intricately carved furnishings, colorful native paintings, and precious artifacts. Outside, panoramic views of white sand beaches and crystalline seas beckon at every turn.

And if this sounds relaxing, just wait until I tell you about the spa.

Opportunities for self-indulgence abound. Share a couples massage under the stars, or bask in a soothing purifying bath of aromatic body salts. Tone your body in the stat-of-the-art exercise facility followed by a healthy refreshment from the Juice Bar. Escape your cares and regain your spirit in the garden setting of the seculded meditation courtyard. The Spa at Las Ventanas offers a whole new world of pampering.

When we first arrived to celebrate our 30th anniversary, my husband  and I were immediately put into the mood by the gracious greetings. There is no check-in desk. No registration counter. Instead, you are wisked right to your room where a tasteful welcoming treat awaits you.

We started out by having the Sea & Stars Night Massage for Two ($195 for 80 minutes)on our upstairs balcony at dusk. The starlighted skies and the sounds of crashing waves was the backdrop for this unforgettable experience. (We could have had an inroom massage but we couldn't take our eyes off the glorious views).

As the sun went down, our tensions evaporated as we floated into the atmosphere of incredible indulgence. We looked up into the sky through one of the individual telescopes for stargazing and saw the twinkling lights that enhanced the environment. What a magical moment!

How many other ways can you pamper yourself? Let me count the ways:

1. Revitalizing Body Wrap with Natural Moor Mud.  An invigorating body wrap combined with the renowned detoxification and exfoliation powers of black moor mud. (some people bring back pinatas and tecquilla when they go to Mexico, I always bring back mud).  An activating gel especially formulated to smooth down fatty deposits is applied to the body followed by warm Moor mud and blankets to retain body heat and to sooth joints and muscles. Emulsified essential oils are then applied as a last luxurious touch.

2. Aromatherapy Massage. Utilizing essential oils extracted from plants, flowers and fruits, this form of massage relaxes muscular tension.  Long, light, rhythmic strokes relax and rejuvenate while the aroma of the essential oils enhances well-being. Great in case of jet lag

3. Eye Lifting Treatment.  The perfect antidote to late hours, computer time and exposure to the elements. An eye tension relief treatment that includes a safe exfoliating fruit gel, soothing lavendar vapors and a custom blend rosemary cream with plant-laced ampoule to combat loose tissue. You will be amazed at how much better you look and feel after 25 minutes.

4. Back Facial. This seems to be getting popular at many spas recently. Las Ventanas does a deep cleaning treatment for an often neglected part of the body. It includes a gentle exfoliation, cleansing masque to draw2 out impurities and moisturizer. The skin is cleansed, toned and nourished in this relaxing treatment.

5. Hot Rocks Massage. This is a very unique treatment I have not experienced anywhere else. Based on ancient Hispanic healing traditions, the body is massaged with hot and cold rocks. The smooth stones both relax and stretch the muscles and the effects of this soothing massage linger on. It was one of my favorites but takes a very skilled therapist. Of course, like everything else, the treatment was wonderful at Las Ventanas.

Would I go back again? I hated to leave. But I took with me many marvelous memories of special moments at Las Ventanas.

Los Cabos is located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, along the coast of the Sea of Cortez where it meets the Pacific. Las Ventanas is at the heart of Los Cabos, approximately 15 minutes from both San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, and 20minutes from the San Jose del Cabo International Airport.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
The Mexican peso is the official currency. However, U.S. currency is accepted everywhere in Baja California . For a U.S. citizen, a valid passport or original copy of a birth certificate is required.

LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO

http://www.lasventanas.com/
Toll-free reservations number in the United States and Canada is 1-888-525-0483

SPA SPEAK

-Madelyn Miller

Reprinted with permission by Madelyn Miller,The Travel Lady
copyright 1998,
all rights reserved.

Madelyn's web site, The Travel Lady, has lots of interesting features. Some highlights are:
•Destinations - What the Travel Lady has to say about different destinations to help you plan the perfect trip. 
•Global Cuisine   Some of the Travel Lady's more food oriented excursions and reviews.
•Gourmet Goodies  You too can eat like the rich and famous.
•Special Interest  You'll go anywhere to scuba dive. Or travel around the world to taste the best chocolate (The Travel Lady really did it). Or want to play on every golf course in the world. The Travel Lady recommends places to go in your special interest area. 
•Gadgets and Gizmos Things The Travel Lady has found that make travel easier.

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