Clear Habit #2: RELAXATION
As part of a health ritual I take regular massage. This seemed like a luxury at the beginning but now I know that it is just self care. The body takes on a lot physically but it also stores our unexpressed emotions and traumas. As we get older, muscles become overworked, even if you’re not a tri-athlete or any type of athlete.
There are many types of massages and therapies. I enjoy a traditional spa experience over a straight clinical experience and I usually select a sports massage, or a deep tissue with stretching massage since that has provided me the greatest benefit. However, I like to try new things too usually as add-ons.
This past weekend I visited Spa Avania in Scottsdale (above) at the Hyatt Regency Resort. I was staying at the Hyatt Regency for a wedding celebration. The heat was nice on my body and the 40 foot or taller Saguaros were STUNNING!
I took the Sunday after the wedding for a spa day. It was the perfect way to spend my day between checkout at 11:00am and my flight at 5:30pm. I stored my luggage and entered the large, modern, and clean spa. The facilities are larger than what I am accustomed to in Los Angeles. For instance probably double the size of the facilities at the Lagham’s Chuan Spa in Pasadena, CA. The dry sauna was well kept and easily could hold 6-12 people within the two rooms. The steam sauna was my favorite. It is very large able to hold ten easily with comfort. It also featured a light therapy for chakra stimulation. I’m not sure if it worked, but I found the light relaxing. The hot tub is nice and outdoors, however, much too sunny while I was there to enjoy it so I opted for the mineral pool exclusive to spa guests. A great way to enjoy the water and sun without all the kids (sorry not sorry). The minerals are imported from France and very good for skin and hair. Pro tip: Bring a wide brimmed sun hat and lots of sunscreen!
The highlight for me though were their showers. Being from drought concerned So. CA, the experience was nothing short of sheer indulgence. The options are, an overhead large shower head, hand held shower head, rain shower with water pouring from the ceiling and body blasters, and a row on both right and left sides spraying you down. It was a lovely experience and relaxing in it’s own right. I cleaned up using the all inclusive toiletries provided and grabbed lunch before heading out the airport.
The massage
My therapist Monica was excellent and provided me a lovely hot stone massage. I like hot stones because they can melt away tension without having fingers dig deep into your muscles leaving me less sore. Also the heat feels wonderful on sore muscles. The 50 min massage felt worth the price of $165 plus tip and I definitely recommend it. However I did find some of the front desk staff quite curt and unfriendly, it didn’t really take away from the quality of the massage and facilities which is where I spent most of the time.
I would definitely give this spa 9 out of 10 stars. The loss of one star only being the less than considerate treatment at the front desk. This is where chain spas like Burke Williams really shine. It’s not always about just the spa facilities and the service, a guest who feels welcome will have a more enjoyable time overall. However these facilities and therapists are so top notch, they can get away with it but I would love to see that small improvement for their guests.
Even if you’re not in the habit yet of massage, I recommend trying out a local place within your price range and figuring out what you like. Or try a Groupon for Avania! Massage has helped me boost my immune system and decrease the negative effects of stress. It’s not always easy to meditate and clear our minds. I find that a good clean well maintained spa can help me reach this place of comfort to de-stress effectively.
Please make some time for yourself this week and book a massage with spa facilities!
love you all,
Clear Habit 