SPA THE WORLD AWAY AT DELAWANA'S WANAKITA WELLNESS SPA

By Pamela A. Campbell

It's like music to my ears, just two little words, "Spa Menu" and I'm ready to surrender to any of the relaxing massages, body treatments, facials, manicures or pedicures. But better yet, tell me it's a mere 90-minute drive away from Toronto, and I'm ready to hit the highway!

This was exactly my reaction to the opening announcement of the Wanakita Wellness Spa last summer at the Delawana Inn in Honey Harbour. Adding to the excitement and anticipation of a stress-releasing break was the extensive number of specialized treatments available to stimulate, uplift and soothe my entire body and mind.

And it's all possible because Lale Popovic and his wife, Gordana, headline management of the Wanakita Wellness Spa. The spacious facilities offer an outdoor pool, indoor sauna and whirlpool. Guests can relax in between appointments with complimentary fruit, juice and tea in the lounge. Robes and slippers are provided for in-spa use, as well as lockers.

As any true spa aficionado will acknowledge the European method of treatment is the creme de la creme on the spa circuit. And how well Lale Popovic knows that - his wealth of knowledge has originated and developed at the family spa in his native Sarajevo. Add to his credentials, his position as the primary massage therapist during the 14th Winter Olympics (Sarajevo) in 1984, and you know you're in good hands.

I was like a kid in a candy store, each treatment as alluring as the next, the benefits beckoning me to say 'yes' with every word that I was absorbing as I pored over the Spa Menu. I would have to spend an entire summer in residence at the Delawana to satisfy my craving, so I enlisted Gordana's assistance and soon I was on my way to the land of carefree comfort.

A mud wrap always sounds fascinating and fun. Gordana explains the European mud she uses is enriched with minerals, a custom practiced throughout the ages. If it's a new experience, relax and enjoy the treatment. It's an almost indescribable feeling of total abandonment once the mud touches your skin, its rich texture soothing your body, penetrating every pore to detoxify and exfoliate, to renew and invigorate. By the time Gordana finishes the application I am in the throes of relaxation, and once I am "wrapped" and covered I begin to absorb the nutrients, only to drift off into a slight slumber. The result? Skin so smooth, it's amazing to the touch, but don't just take my word for it, give it a chance and I'm sure you'll become a dedicated fan.

I can never get enough of facials, just put me in the hands of a professional and I'm happy. After a careful analysis my aesthetician, Lura, determines I have a combination skin type, and in the t-zone area she finds it's little dry on my cheeks, a bit oily on the sides of my nose.

It's a step-by-step process and Lura uses gentle Marine cleansing milk to remove the surface impurities and makeup (this helps to maintain the skin's natural moisture). Lura's fingertips work magically over my face as she continues the treatment by applying a skin tonic. Then comes the "action" segment of the facial - the exfoliation process.

I am introduced to Descomask, a facial pumicing cream. Don't be deterred by the name, it's a gentle abrasive exfoliant with aloe vera and nettle extracts (they feel like sandy grits). Lura reveals this sloughs off dead surface cells, which will soften and restore natural luster, and yes, it really leaves your skin clean and tingling.

Next, Lura applies Thalgo nourishing cream and cold marine mask for 15 minutes. This is a cooling spearmint mask that reduces redness and relaxes visible stress while it tones and softens the skin. Formulated with propolis to combat skin aging, and protein-rich marine actives to nourish and hydrate, this skin care creation helps to preserve the natural balance that we may all need sooner or later. For me, a clear, supple and radiant complexion is just reward.

The finishing touch was La Creme day creme, very light with an active marine algae complex that has three super benefits - it offers protection against free radicals, promotes cellular renewal and softens the skin.

My spa experience would be incomplete without a massage by Lale, but I must confess to some hesitation, given his reputation as an Olympic therapist. That soon vanished when we met for my appointment because he only has suggestions to offer, the ultimate decision is left to the guest. I opted for the Swedish massage since I just needed a "body tune-up" from the rigors of traveling and everyday stress.

Once I'm up on the table Lale skilfully goes to work on my body after I reveal my "trouble spots" - shoulder and neck discomfort, both computer related. But first my feet are the focus of attention, which I know will almost instantly relax me. The soothing music calms my mind, and I recall Lale telling me about his younger days growing up in then Yugoslavia (now Sarajevo), where his family ran a well-established health spa. I can feel the tension leaving my body as my muscles respond to each massage stroke. I remind myself that this is an essential part of my well being that must be maintained regularly. Already my spirit feels uplifted and I drift off contentedly.

I become totally oblivious to the pressure applied here and there, but I am aware that my muscles are being gently cajoled into relaxing. Lale stands behind my head and begins stimulating my neck muscles and gradually I find myself releasing the built-up tension. It's almost like I'm being re-activated, especially when his hands move to my shoulders, and he carefully locates those troublesome, sore muscles.

Did I forget to mention the lower back massage? That is an area that receives a lot of attention because it's commonly a source of fatigue, and I am no exception. Again, Lale's strong hands persevere and I awake with renewed vitality ready to face the challenge of the outside world (especially summertime traffic).

Most of the spa menu offerings are unisex, and some treatments are fun if you'd like to book as a duo (Delawana beachside massage). And for guys there's the Gentlemen's anti-stress facial, catering exclusively to skincare for men, with a bonus facial massage.

Now, if only I could get there often enough to try the ones I missed - the 20 treatments that intrigue me with their exciting results. Maybe for my birthday? Sounds like a good idea to me!

PLEASE SEE "SUN INN AT DELAWANA, GEORGIAN BAY'S GRANDE DAME"
in Heaven 7th.