SPA HAVEN BY THE SEAText and Photography by PamelaAnn Campbell
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Tortola, The British Virgin Islands: To say I adore spas is the understatement of the year, yet it takes something special for me visit certain spas. Recently I uncovered another gem in the Caribbean, the Thalasso Spa at Prospect Reef Resort.
Thalassotherapy from France Treatments are fashioned after the Thalassotherapy Spas in France that promote natural healing with seawater, sea mud and specific seaweed properties. At the first European-style Thalasso Spa in the Caribbean spa-goers can choose from a myriad of body treatments - wraps, scrubs, facials, massages, reflexology, face and body analysis. Where it's at The resort is located within a short drive of Road Town, the BVI capital, but it's an all or nothing destination. Here you can take daily excursions to the other islands, swim with the dolphins, enjoy Continental dining or island creations at three |
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restaurants or just indulge in utter relaxation. Climbing into a hammock just a few steps from my patio and watching the blue sky rival the sparkling waters is enough to put me in a relaxing mood as the wind whispers softly around me.
The menu at the casually elegant Callaloo at the Reef restaurant offers contemporary Caribbean cuisine. The view of the resort marina through the large colonial-style windows is as pretty as a postcard. The cheese ravioli in a light pumpkin cream gratin or the scallops sauteed in honey and spice topped with ginger wine Zabaglione are two of my favorite appetizers. Caribbean bouillabaisse perfumed with Madras curry and pumpkin and seafood bisque are soups extraordinaire. Impressive entrees are seared tuna fillet on a mustard emulsion, citrus and ginger marinated pork loin in a pineapple sauce or linguine with chicken laced in scallion cream. A few laps in the pool and a workout at the gym always entitle me to my choice of dessert - aged rum truffle and tropical fruits, coconut crème brulee, banana bread with passion fruit moussse and homemade gelato selection. Island style treatment rooms
This is no ordinary spa scene. For every appointment I take a casual stroll along the walkway, past the sea pool and down the steps to the spa. The sunkissed breeze caresses my hair and I relish the sand between my toes. As the days go by my cares slip away and I am in BVI heaven. Florence, lovely Florence
As I lay on the table I gaze out of nature's open window at Sir Francis Drake Channel and Peter Island, but the magic of it all is the sound of six-foot-high waves thrashing against the huge boulders stacked less than a few feet from the window. There is no need for musical interludes, I am listening to a live rendition of the seawater synchronizing loud and lively tunes, similar to the sound recordings available on CDs.
Try something new One of the most unique treatments is the warm/cold wrap is a combination Thalgobodytherm treatment that combats stress, congested circulation and difficult digestion. The warm wrap is applied to locations such as the back, solar plexus, abdomen and lumbar vertebrae to allow the diffusing and relaxing marine and plant extracts to penetrate those areas. Problem areas such as legs, inside thighs and arms and buttocks benefit from the cold wrap filled with draining and firming plant essences and marine algae-based actives. Choose a package If the spa lineup is too mind-boggling take the easy route and opt for the packages. The Thalgo Tonic or Classic Cure for novices is performed over a 10- hour time frame. It features a combination body wrap/massage, fitness center session, body scrub, Chinese specific massage and face or body analysis. The Thalgo Stress Control is one of the most popular packages that takes 11 hours to cover a body wrap/massage/daily stretching program, a Californian or Chinese specific massage, hand/foot reflexology, body scrub and face or body analysis. Recommended for skin toning, to aid circulation and restoring elasticity, the Thalgo Veintonic requires 12 hours of treatments such as a combination body wrap/massage/stretching or fitness session (daily), Californian or Chinese specific massage, two foot reflexology massages, body scrub and face or body analysis. The Thalgo Slimming Program targets weight loss and also results in an overall 'feel good' sensation. Therapists treat body sculpture, skin toning and tightening tissues and cellulite problems over a 13 ½-hour period. The ultimate in relaxation I would recommend the hydrotherapy bath for a quick recovery from mini or maxi jetlag, soaking away those cares with an underwater massage in a soothing mix of sea salts, essential oils and local herbs. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing massage shower or try the steam chamber room for stress relief. Wow! Can you believe a spa is so much fun in the sun? I do, and I hope you will too.
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Ideally, a spa becomes my haven. Although set within the resort all the pampering takes place at the charming trio of beachfront huts at the water's edge. Nearby sea pools are an inviting treat and if you have the time it's very refreshing to take a dip prior to spa appointments.
I enjoy my sessions with Florence, who has an adorable French accent, but she speaks so softly I sometimes miss part of her sentences. What I do hear is her favorite phrase, "The best of the best" which she uses often as she applies the skincare products to my face or body.
Florence returns regularly to France for updates on the Thalgo European technique. After careful consultation she establishes a personalized skincare program just for guests. Results from a variety of masks depend on the individual's needs and preferences. The marine elastine firms and tautens and the marine algae re-balances and purifies, while the gelatin-verbena heat mask de-congests, relaxes and diminishes fine lines and redness. The modeling mask firms and re-contours, but after careful consideration we agree the floral mask is just what I need to be revitalized and energized.