Spas

GOING GLOBAL

Experience spa treatments from around the world without leaving the country.

BY DIANE BAIR AND PAMELA WRIGHT

Think you have to visit Asia to experience a Tibetan massage with Chinese herbs, Thai poultice treatment or rejuvenating Himalayan body scrub? Guess again. American spas are adding these ancient healing rituals to their menus quicker than you can say, “Balance my chakra, please.”

“As travel-savvy spagoers become more well-versed on the therapeutic benefits of India’s Ayurvedic healing, traditional Chinese medicine and more, it’s only natural that they’ll come to expect the same type of treatments in their own backyards,” says Heather Mikesell, executive editor of American Spa. “And for those who prefer to stay closer to home, it’s a great way to sample a taste of the exotic.”

With its ahh-inducing combination of acupressure, gentle stretching and oil-enhanced rubbing, Thai massage is quickly becoming a spa favorite. The 80-minute Royal Thai Poultice treatment ($185) at Edouard de Paris Salon & Spa at El San Juan Hotel & Casino goes a step beyond, thanks to a heated herbal poultice bag that is positioned on various spots on the body. Like a big, gooey version of a hot stone, it melts out aches you didn’t know you had.

Encounter an intriguing bit of Asia at Biella by Ruth Michelle Day Spa & Salon in Tacoma, WA. The 100-minute Return to Devachan ($225) features medicinal Chinese herbs and ancient sound rituals. In Sanskrit, devachan means “place of gods, paradise or heaven,” and you’ll definitely be transported to a tingly, happy place. Elements include body exfoliation, herbal massage, hot stones and a thermal wrap with a creamy facial mask; the tingle comes when the therapist applies vibrating tuning forks to your acupressure points and a Tibetan singing bowl to your belly.

Coastal Maine seems like a world away from Japan, but the ancient healing art of reiki has found a home at Fairwinds Spa at Sebasco Harbor Resort. Manager Brigit Cavanagh recommends the Connecting of the Hearts package, a couples’ treatment that features a massage and reiki “connecting of energy” ceremony that balances the heart, mind and chakras.

Spagoers looking for something a bit out of the ordinary will find it at Fusion Spa.Salon in Pensacola Beach, FL. This Aveda spa offers a Himalayan Rejuvenation Treatment ($150) with a full-body exfoliation, massage, aromatic steam bath and a continuous stream of plant-based liquid that is poured onto the forehead.

Next time you’re in the mood for an exotic spa treatment, there’s no need to travel halfway around the world—a global experience is just a short flight away.

A WORLD OF RELAXATION AWAITS

Edouard de Paris Salon & Spa, El San Juan Hotel and Casino
CAROLINA, PR
(6 MILES FROM SAN JUAN)
6063 Isla Verda Ave
787-253-1300
www.edouardparis.com

Biella by Ruth Michelle Day Spa & Salon
TACOMA, WA
(34 MILES FROM SEATTLE)
1506 Pacific Ave
253-682-2005
www.biellaspa.com

Fairwinds Spa Sebasco Harbor Resort
PHIPPSBURG, ME
(37 MILES FROM PORTLAND)
29 Kenyon Rd
800-225-3819
www.sebasco.com

Fusion Spa.Salon
PENSACOLA BEACH, FL
5 Via de Luna
850-932-7724
www.be-fusion.com