| A Rosy Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Huntington in Pasadena | |
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There’s
something about a vista that includes rolling hills, fragrant roses and a spa
that draws upon ancient Indian treatments that instills a sense of peace and
calm upon the spirit. That is, until the realization hits that you have to
make a cross-country flight back to New York and battle impending airport
stress.
But
until then, my recent visit to the Ritz-Carlton Pasadena’s outstanding spa
was serene, uplifting and soothing. Pasadena, famous for its Rose Bowl and
assorted rose-related attractions, is a charming bedroom community of Los
Angeles. The Ritz, situated in the verdant (unless it’s fire “season”)
San Gabriel Valley, is the quintessentially gorgeous getaway resort and its
spa deserves a visit, should you be in the neighborhood. For the Rose Bowl
Parade perhaps?
The spa
is located centrally, but discretely separate from the main building, which is
surrounded by gardens and a lovely pool. Signature treatments are based on
Ayurevdic philosophy combining physical well-being with spiritual attunement.
This 5,000 year-old Indian-based methodology purports to be a science of
healing, rejuvenation and good health from principles based on the elements of
air, water, earth and fire.
The
Shirodhara (pronounced: sheer-oh-dah-ra) treatment (80 min.) begins with a
warm stream of herbal oil gently applied to the forehead in order to calm the
mind and center the spirit. Herbs and specially selected essential oil, based
on personal sensory preference, are massaged into the scalp. If that’s not
enough to calm you down, wait there’s more: a light massage on the entire
body using the same wonderful aromatic oils chosen just for you. Heavenly.
The
Bindi treatment (80 min.) involves a botanical mask, soft exfoliation, a dry
brush massage, aromatherapy and a warm herbal wrap. That morning I was
experiencing severe neck and shoulder tension (probably in anticipation of the
upcoming flight) and when informed, my wonderful attendant tended to said
region. The result: the tension abated, albeit temporarily, and my state of
mind improved along with my body.
If you
have the time, (110 min.) and willing to spend the money ($225 at the time of
my visit), you can opt for the Nirvana treatment, a combination of the two
aforementioned experiences. There are many other massage therapies from
which to choose, including the signature Ritz Massage (50 min.), which is
custom-designed to target specific aches and pains, as well as Cranio-sacral
massage (50 min.), a gentle treatment recommended for headaches, TMJ and
lower-back problems. If you’re feeling particularly celebratory, you can go
wild and have the Champagne Facial (80 min.) and Eye Contour Therapy (25
min.). The spa and fitness center is available to all hotel guests, and
contains 17 treatment rooms (including 2 wet rooms), pristine work-out
equipment, a sauna and steam room and spotless changing areas.
The
lounge is a wonderful space in which to stretch out on an oversized sofa,
catch up on current magazines, quench your thirst with cranberry juice and
orange water, or simply take a little nap between appointments—if you’re
lucky (and rich!) enough to be able to loiter here. Spa Director Victoria
Koonce and staff’s dedicated pampering will make you never want to leave.
“We’re here to address the physical and emotional states our clients are
in,” Victoria explained. “This is a holistic spa that addresses every
client individually. Some people need perfect quiet and our therapists respect
that during a treatment. We want people to leave here refreshed and
rejuvenated.”
At
least until they have to go to the airport.
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