Interesting Treats Found In Spas Around The World
We'll never tire of time spent at the spa. Whether we're indulging in a facial or working out some tired muscles with a massage, we leave feeling like a new person. What we can get tired of, though, is the spa water and dried fruit we find at every spa. We know it's good for us, but we'd love some variety! Check out a roundup of some spas around the world that are doing some fun and interesting things with the snack offerings in their own spa lounge or relaxation area. It just may bring the spa experience to another level!
Wine and Cheese
Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza Hotel offers distinct spa treatments for hotel guests and locals alike. With the French Paradox Wine Lounge located in Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at the Plaza Hotel, spa-goers are offered wine by the glass or bottle, artisanal cheese plates, fresh grapes, and wine flights to enhance the relaxing, vino-inspired experience. There is even a sommelier in the spa's lounge!
Fiesta Americana's Somma Wine Spa is the only spa of its type in Mexico, uses the healing and rejuvenating power of wine in all aspects of treatment, from merlot and chardonnay creams to a post-massage local wine pairing. Offering a fresh take on the common grape, the spa concept is based on the natural healing and rejuvenating power of grapes from Baja California's up-and-coming wine country, the Valle de Guadalupe. A tribute to the celebrated Somma Lombardo Italian wine region and to the Greek word for body (soma), the resort's signature spa specializes in a relaxing mind/body spa experience, pairing a glass of wine with every treatment not only for its antioxidants, but also for its ability to bring about feelings of youthfulness and relaxation.
Beer and Pretzels
Photo Credit: Calistoga Ranch
Not-to-be-missed is the Ale Immersion Bath for men at the Auberge Spa at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley. While waiting to soak in a hop-infused bath that calms the body and relieves muscle tension, guests can indulge in a local craft beer, pretzels and selection of artisan nuts.
The JW Marriott Grand Rapids is now offering beer-infused Brew and Renew spa specials for guests to pamper themselves and experience the beer culture of the city. Treatments include tastings of local craft beers and the use of local hops and barley to exfoliate the skin.
Chiles and Chocolates
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa , situated at the base of the Sandia Mountains, reflects the rich history of the Tamayame. The entire resort is known for their authentic approach to the people of the Santa Ana pueblo land in which it is located. There is programming around adobe brick-making lessons, Tamaya Bread Baking Demonstrations, and more. Guests are greeted with red-chile chocolate and a dried green chile trail mix (chiles are the iconic regional food in New Mexico).
Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa
Signature Teas
At Mayan-themed Wayak Spa at Viceroy Riviera Maya in Mexico, they offer an herbal tea made from fresh mint and lemongrass grown at the spa. But here's what makes it really special: Next to the tea sits a little honey jar filled with the special honey harvested on property from the indigenous, stingless melipones bees! These bees were considered the goddess of all bees by the Mayans because their honey has natural healing properties. The hive at the Viceroy Riviera Maya spa, which is in the hollow of a branch of an oak tree, is 70 years old and came from a Mayan village in the region called Tizimin. The honey is harvested for several services and treatments at the spa, but any visitor to the spa can enjoy a taste of honey in the magical herbal tea!
At Chuan Spa at The Langham Huntington Pasadena guests are offered a special seasonal tea before their treatment, at which time they'll also be given a fun little to survey to determine their "element" before their treatment. Guests receive a tea post-treatment that is specific to their element, which could be earth, wind, water, fire, metal, or wood.
Photo Credit: Chuan Spa at The Langham Huntington
The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg has created a Signature Apple Mint Tea guests rave about. The special blend is available both warm and cold depending on the season, and is made with a blend of 20th Century Purifying Tea, unsweetened apple juice, and cinnamon. The 20th Century Purifying Tea is a blend of organic mint leaves, gunpowder tea, and peppermint leaves, created exclusively for guests of The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg.
Ice Cream
Ease tense muscles, alleviate stress, and enjoy seasonal treats while drinking in the beautiful scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains at The Spa at Oak Haven in Sevierville, Tenn. The spa has tailored their treatments to reflect the seasons. For example, guests can get a sweet ice cream manicure and pedicure made with natural and organic products from Farmhouse Fresh. Enjoy a sinfully delicious ice cream sundae with the pedicure. "Pint-sized" versions of the treatment are also available so little kids can have some pampering with their parents.
Homemade Baked Treats
When we think of luscious spa baked goods, first and foremost is W Fort Lauderdale's legendary Brownie Buffet at Bliss Spa. The retro spa welcomes guests to the fun yet relaxing atmosphere with unlimited complimentary brownies, and an assortment of snacks like olives, fruit, cheese, and crackers.
Photo Credit: W Fort Lauderdale Bliss Spa
But there are other ways to satisfy your sweet tooth at the spa. Trellis Spa at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa in Houston offers fresh-made cantaloupe water and shortbread tea cookies. In the Northeast, delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies, as well as wine, cheese, crackers, can be found in the spa at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, NY.
Laniwai, the Spa at Aulani, a luxurious family wellness retreat, offers spa, relaxation, and spectacular Hawaiian experiences for all ages. Guests of Laniwai can enjoy a variety of great snacks, including herbal Mamaki tea paired with a mini zucchini carrot muffins, as well as organic, antioxidant gummy bears that aid digestion and chocolate-covered blueberries and yogurt pretzels!
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A huge hit at AWAY Spa located at the W Hotel in Austin are the chocolate-coconut bars that are made in-house by W Austin executive pastry chef Angel Begaye. They are bite-sized coconut bars made with a graham cracker crust, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk.
Raw bar
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, Thailand, has a completely raw food bar with a light and healthy menu of specially prepared treats with the emphasis on organic, freshly grown and prepared raw produce. Freshly made juices, mocktails, and herbal teas are served with information about their therapeutic and nutritional properties. They have also recently introduced a new tea program where they pair herbal teas with spa treatments to receive the ultimate health benefits, inside and out.
Aly Walansky is a special contributor to The Daily Meal.