| A Spirulina Sensation at The Sea Island Spa | |
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When I was
greeted by two genuine smiles as wide as the doors their owners were holding,
I had a good feeling that my visit would be a memorable one. That sincere and
unaffected southern hospitality is just one of the hallmarks of the Cloister
hotel at Sea Island, Georgia, a world class resort since 1928.
Sea Island
is a private, five mile-long coastal resort island surrounded by the Atlantic
Ocean on the east and separated from St. Simons Island by wide salt marshes on
the west. Golf, which has been a primary draw since the beginning, has
recently been significantly upgraded as the centerpiece of a $300 million
resort master plan designed to thrust the already elegant resort into the
twenty first century.
Also to be transformed as
a part of the extensive renovation will be the Sea Island Spa, first opened in
December 1989. Relative to the history of the resort, the spa is a recent
addition. However, in today’s accelerating growth of the spa industry, the
Sea Island Spa is a grandmother. And that describes how it felt when I
ventured in for my first encounter --- like I was going somewhere familiar,
somewhere where you feel at home, knowing you will be nurtured and cared for
with grace and dignity. Nothing unexpected, nothing intimidating, but
everything just right. Reinforcing my thoughts, Carole Cornell, the Spa Sales
Coordinator commented, “My favorite aspect of the spa is the people who work
here.” She also noted that, “We would prefer to err on the side of
conservatism when incorporating a new spa treatment.” Just like a good
grandmother, whose recipe for apple pie should not be altered.
With a look
toward their new and expanded facility scheduled for completion in 2003, the
grandmother will give way to a more modern era as they continue to enhance
their program which has already begun to address new ways of treating the
whole person. Drawing inspiration from the nearby ocean, their current spa
programs include yoga classes, morning meditations by the sea, aqua exercise,
tai chi, nutritional consultations, aromatherapy in addition to an extensive
menu of healthful spa therapies which incorporate seaweed facials and products
and algae body wraps.
The new spa
will move from its ocean front and poolside location to the other side of the
island facing the serene and more secluded marshes. Plans call for the spa to
become a destination complete within itself, including access to special
lodging and cuisine. Assuming the spa continues its attention to excellence,
as recognized by Travel & Leisure Magazine’s 1998 rating as the Best Spa
in North America, I will definitely look forward to a return visit.
Now, to
share with you the delicious details of my personal spa afternoon. Neia, a
petite and vivacious young woman from Brazil, escorted me to the dressing area
and fitted me with a luxurious terry robe and comfortable slippers. Her joyful
attitude was infectious and her attention thorough. I was glad to have her
guide me through the retail area and on to the relaxation room where I could
quietly gaze at the bold, black storm clouds brewing over the ocean.
For my first
treatment, I had selected what I thought would be a basic Deep Muscle Massage
but Marcia Terry, trained at the Florida School of Massage, gave me one of the
best massages I have ever experienced. I am still not sure what she did that
was different. She simply knew, with the precise pressure, where and how to
use her hands. She claimed it was her training in techniques known as Bodytalk
and color puncture, both designed to assess a body’s energetic needs.
Normally, I prefer quiet during a treatment, but Marcia was so fascinating I
felt compelled to ask her questions as the hour quickly passed. She asked if I
had any special aches or areas which needed attention and I immediately
pointed to my lower back, which ultimately seemed to be a specialty of hers.
The day was in late September and I knew that I, too, was experiencing the
collective sadness and horror of the events from earlier in the month. She
reminded me that the base of the spine, where I hurt the most, was the
location of the first Chakra, which represents the energy of our grounding and
our relationships to family and security. Although I had intellectually
resisted feeling fear or a loss of security, it was evident I had
internalized it in my lower back. Marcia reminded me that we are all somehow
connected at the atomic and molecular level and that was how I was
experiencing the world’s pain. Although, there were a lot of other
circumstances which contributed to my achy back, I was intrigued by her theory.
It felt so possible.
Shortly
after Marcia had worked her magic, I found myself in the care of another pair
of skilled hands belonging to Nancy Champagne, also trained at the Florida
School of Massage. This time I was in for another surprise --- a Natural
Spirulina Kur described in the spa menu as “An ideal way to relax,
exfoliate, detoxify and nourish the body. Experience a natural spirulina body
wrap, rich in anti-oxidant minerals, followed by a luxurious bath. Finish with
an application of soothing mineral creme mixed with lavender oil.”
I thought
spirulina was something edible and I was correct! Spirulina, a
blue-green microalgae, is actually one of more than 25,000 known species of
algae from a family of plant material billions of years old. Research has
shown that when used topically, spirulina promotes healing by increasing the
skin’s cellular regeneration rate and it can also inhibit the growth of
bacteria, yeast and fungi.
After being
generously slathered from chin to toe with the Kerstin Florian spirulina
formula, I was warmly cocooned in a special blanket while Nancy massaged my
head and feet for about thirty minutes. Once the spirulina had penetrated my
skin, I was unwrapped and asked to shower before soaking blissfully in a hot
tub filled with German wildflowers and herbed aroma oils by Aromatherapy
Associates of England. After I was completely nestled in the tub, it’s jets
were activated and I let the flickering of the candles throughout the room
dance in my sleepy eyes. Following a lengthy soak, I returned to a fresh
massage table where Nancy applied more delicious lotions during a complete
body massage.
By the time
I redressed and slowly wandered back to my room, it was almost time for my
dinner reservations. In hind sight, room service would have allowed me the
pleasure of falling in to a deep sleep so I could extend that incredible sense
of relaxation, well-being and nurturing just a little while longer. Instead, I
plunged back into the world of activity and enjoyed the grandeur of their
formal dining. If it had been either Saturday or Wednesday, I would have
donned my evening gown for one of their traditional black tie affairs.
In case you
were wondering if men get to enjoy these pleasures, the answer is a resounding
“yes.” Nearly one in three spa guests is male. And if they are
staying in the new Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, they have three additional
massage rooms to enjoy in that facility as well. Opened in March 2001, the
Lodge features 40 luxurious guest rooms and suites situated above the elegant
new clubhouse. The architecture is quite masculine with stone floors, exposed
wood ceilings and heavy timbers. If the brochure hadn’t indicated its recent
construction, I could have been easily convinced it was built along with other
original structures. Closer inspection, however, revealed impressive modern
design and convenience.
Although no
women are allowed access, I was told that the gentlemen can enjoy complete
dining services, a pool table, five to six television sets and a full liqueur
and cigar bar all within the hallowed confines of the men’s locker room at
the Lodge. If it resembles the women’s, it is certainly inviting. As elegant
as I’m sure it must be, the rest of Sea Island is far too beautiful to stay
indoors long. With the ocean, the marshes, tennis, the spa, restaurants,
horseback riding, water sports, cruises and golf abounding, I ran out of time
long before I ran out of things to see and do. Next time…
Just
the Facts
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The Cloister’s 269 rooms and suites are found in a delightful variety of styles though out the island, offering tremendous choice and flexibility for couples, families, foursomes, business groups, extended families and circles of friends who may be visiting together.
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Guest room amenities include: premium bathroom amenities, plush robes for guests’ use during their stay, remote-control color televisions, two-line telephones with message alert, ironing boards, hair dryers, in-room safes and air conditioning/heat. Some have refrigerators.
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Renowned for its championship golf, The Sea Island Golf Club offers a total of 54 holes at three courses. These include the 18-hole Plantation Course, opened in 1998 and designed by Rees Jones; the 18-hole Seaside Course which was totally renovated by Tom Fazio and reopened in late 1999; and opened in August 2001, the Retreat Course renovated by Sea Island Touring Professional Davie Love III.
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The Sea Island Spa has three facial rooms, seven massage rooms and one body treatment room. They average 60 staff to serve the clients’ needs including a Spa Concierge dedicated to making a spa visit as carefree as possible for those guests enjoying a spa package.
