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Top 10 Best Massages at a Spa Resort or Lodge

Posted July 22, 2009 , trackback

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Shibui Spa in Sisters, OregonShibui Spa in Sisters, Oregon

I’m the first to admit that I love a good massage. In fact, if I won the lottery, I’d have a massage once a month; once a week if it was the super-lotto. But I don’t play the lottery, so I splurge on a massage whenever I can.

Here are some of my favorite lodging properties where I have experienced wonderfully relaxing massages:

Aurora Hotel and Spa Certified Massage Therapist Lavina Jones works out of the Aurora Hotel and Spa on Southern California’s Catalina Island. Her speciality massage combines aroma therapy with Swedish massage and finishes with hot river stones and warm towels.

Bernardus Lodge and Winery provides a relaxing place to unwind and recharge in Carmel Valley, California. The Spa at Bernardus Lodge offers services from vinotherapy and marine-inspired, to international treatment techniques. While you’re there, visit the spa’s meditation garden, warming room, and soaking pool.

Carnival Splendor a floating resort on the sea, offers a 21,000 square foot, two level spa and gym facility. The Thalassotherapy Pool features jets of water that massage your body and a special formulation of ocean water. If you splurge for a Cloud 9 Spa Stateroom, you’ll have access to the special pool and Theramal Suite, in addition to two complimentary fitness classes and priority spa appointment bookings.

Five Pine Lodge in Sisters, Oregon is also home to Shibui Spa. I had the Thai Bandle massage, heated Maja Bandles, filled with lemon grass and other herbs are steamed and used as heated compresses during the massage. Guests leave with a suggestion card for using the herbal compress with a Metta Mantra on the other side of the card.

Metta Mantra

May I be safe

May I be happy

May I be healthy

May I be peaceful

May I be filled with loving-kindness

Spa Gaia in the Napa Valley is connected to the eco-friendly Gaia Hotel. I tried the Ayurvedic Hot Stone massage and it was wonderful. After filling out a short survey, my dosha (natural constitution) was determined and the relaxing massage began.

After a day of horseback riding at Riochet Ridge Ranch, I was in need of a massage. Fortunately the Third Court Salon and Day Spa is located on the Little River Inn property. I have plenty of recommendations on places to visit, stay and dine in Mendocino.

Visitors to southern Napa can check out the 9,000 square foot underground Spa Terra and try the cave stone massage. Pardon the pun; this massage rocked! If you are a guest at Meritage, you are welcome to use the spa facilities, including the hot tub, complete with water wall, until closing time.

Sheraton Maui Spa at Black RockSheraton Maui Spa at Black Rock

For an outdoor massage experience with the privacy of a treatment room, The Sheraton Maui’s Spa at Black Rock is Kaanapali Beaches’ newest addition. The Mango Pomegranate signature line of products smell entoxicating.

While not on property at Sonoma’s Inn at Occidental, the Osmosis Day Spa in nearby Freestone, California offers a unique spa experience. Now that I’ve tried it, I can say that I am not a fan of the cedar enzyme bath, but the massage was first-rate.

On a recent trip to Lugano, Switzerland, I experienced my first water massage at Villa Sassa Hotel and Spa. The Aurum Spa offers the Mare massage on a bed of colored water reproducing the effect of the vibrant blue shoreline.

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

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