Day Three started with a Mini winding across the Bay Bridge and up through Mill Valley to Muir Woods National Monument.  It reminded me of an old growth forrest on the East Coast that was fed lots of Miracle Grow.  The trees were immense and the earth just smelled good.  It was a nice diversion to be out of the city and among giant trees.  Although there were still lots of people.  And we had to walk as far to parking and back as we did through the national monument.  Many of the side paths were closed during our visit, but the main path was still open; however, I wish more of the side trails would have been open where you could have left the crowds behind and done more serious hiking.  But none-the-less a beautiful thing to see.

We drove back through Saucilito, but it was so crowded we just drove right through and back into San Francisco.  We parked between Golden Gate Park and NOPA where we brunched.  I had Butter Basted Farm Eggs – Roasted Spring Onions, Romesco and Crispy Polenta, with a side of bacon, it was decadent, crunchy, but not overly filling or heavy. MMMMMM. But Hubby really beat me, he got the Chili Braised Pork –Purple Runner Beans, Chard and Buttermilk Biscuit and that was killer good, rich in flavor, but nicely balanced with the beans and greens that weren’t done in a heavy way. I want to try to make this at home.

After our quite filling, but not heavy brunch we explored the portions of Golden Gate Park that we previously hadn’t gotten through.  We visited the conservancy of flowers to look at their orchids and the exhibit on Wicked Plants.  We walked through the dahlia gardens and explored for a bit.  We then went back to the car by way of Osso & Co a fantastic dog store where we picked up some goodies for Max.  We did not get him one of the amazing dog houses they had there, but you never know, he might get one in the future, they were amazingly chic.  We then drove and checked out the shops around Hayes Valley, a very hipster area with great boutique shops.  There is a very good guide here.  I really loved Stark Home Furnishings.

We were so tired from all the walking we crashed at the hotel for a nap.  I had really considered visiting the excellent Nob Hill Spa, and looking back I can’t imagine why I didn’t.  The spa is beautiful with an amazing view from the pool.  And the treatment rooms really pretty.  Next time this will be a done deal.  My sore legs and tired feet could have used some pampering!

That night we had reservations for Boulevard, but neither of us felt like fancy, so we went and had spring rolls at the Slanted Door, which were killer good (we should have just eaten dinner here) and then we had fish tacos a hot dog and fries at Gott’s Roadside, which was good, it was, but not anything as good as the rolls at Slanted Door and the amazing smells emanating from that place. I am still regretting not eating at the Slanted Door right now.

We then wandered our way back up Nob Hill, we stopped in Chinatown to pick up a few goodies before the stores closed.  I got a silk pouch and jewelry roll for travel that pair exceedingly well with my Michael Aram Hartman.  And got some cute gifts for friends and loved ones that you can’t get in our area.

The next morning we wandered Chinatown and I bought some jewelry from an exceptional little jewelry store off the beaten path where you can find nicer things than the junky shops that are mostly visible.  I also drooled over a beautiful gold desk with with cranes for my guest bedroom.

We had a chinese pastries, a mung bean cake for me and a bbq bun for Hubby, and ate an early lunch before the airport at San Sun, which I highly highly recommend. They have some amazing noodle dishes, and that’s what I would order here. The broth, noodles and meat choices were great. You pick the broth-meat, then you pick your noodle type rice noodles, thin or wide, egg noodles, etc, etc, and you can do a combo, they also have some specialty noodle dishes. They have a huge menu so there is other stuff, but most people around us were also slurping up different noodles. Even at 11:00 a.m. people of all ethnicities came wandering in for a meal.  The flavors of the broth were complex, but so comforting.  We then headed off to the airport where I picked up  some dinner at the Napa Farm Market in the airport which had some really nice looking meals- for me roasted chicken, roast potatoes and asparagus.  They even had gluten free cupcakes.  Surprisingly fireworks from a plan are not as cool as you would expect.  Just little poofs of light far far away.

We had a pretty amazing trip to San Francisco.  Between the day-trips, the food, the shopping, the attractions, it was just a really great trip.  I found so much great stuff I have to cover it day by day.

We arrived in San Francisco airport around 10:00 a.m. West Coast time and hit the road for Carmel and Monterey.  Of course I was starving, really starving, but didn’t want to ruin a nice lunch on the coast.  So Hubby suggested we stop for an In and Out Burger, as I had never had one.  There isn’t one in the city, but using the great app Next EXIT we found one off the highway on our way.  The app is excellent in places where they don’t label the exits or you just want to see what else is out there, beyond the signs.  It gives you the options and when you pass the exit it moves to the next.  We split a hamburger with fries.  The fries were really light and crisp and not overly salty like so many french fries.  The burger tasted fresh, with actual ripe tomato, the sauce was ok- I would save the cals and add ketchup or mustard.  It was definitely good for fast food, but not something to go out of your way for.  Then we headed through Santa Cruz and down the coast for Monterey.  If you can hold your hunger a little bit there are some amazing looking road stands on that drive out in farm country.  You could see them picking the fresh strawberries and artichokes, mmmm.

Monterey is incredibly touristy, mind you, but the aquarium is really fantastic.  I have been to aquariums all over the world- because yes I am five inside- I love aquariums like some people like art, or shoes or breathing.   But because I have been to so many, I have a fairly high standard at this point.  The Monterey Bay Aquarium is spectacular.

But to be honest one of the things that makes it spectacular is the restaurant.  Oh no not the cafeteria- the real restaurant.  You have to go to the hostess stand and then wait a bit, but you can look through the aquarium then.  Then you sit down with an amazing view over Monterey Bay with otters playing in the bay, and not just a couple, but piles of them.  There were seals swimming around and sunning themselves the birds flying in and out of the kelp beds fishing.  This might be one of the most fantastic dining spots for a nature enthusiast.  (Bring good binoculars, the ones on the table are not adequate.)  They serve wine and beer, have fantastic organic and local food and desserts.  I had a lovely California Bass, pan roasted with sauteed vegetables and roasted potatoes and a reduction sauce of butter and apricot.  It was an incredibly high end lunch that was relaxing and just amazing looking out watching the bay teeming with little otters playing in the sun.  The exhibits are quite breath taking, they light the exhibits so well and they have a huge section of things you can TOUCH!  If you have a small child, or a me, expect to spend a whole day here.  Check out my pics for some of the amazing exhibits from seahorses to jellyfish.

After this we drove through the lovely Pacific Grove with misty, rocky, craggy coastline sprinkled with beaches.  We then drove through Pebble Beach- which for us who don’t know- the whole area has quite a number of golf courses.  You have to pay to do the drive, but the pull offs and views are really quite nice to enjoy.

We then ended up in Carmel and Carmel by the Sea.  We perused lots of cute shops.  Drove by beautiful houses.  We checked out the Nielsen Brothers Market which was a combination between normal little super market and gourmet store, farmers market, but the wine selection inside was very nice, especially local wines.  Thinker Toys across the street has an amazing ferris wheel built out of Tinker Toys and a really great selection of neat toys and vintage toy items.  They had a number of cute dog shops, as well.  Lots of clothing shops and shoe shops with neat things.  But the galleries were the real draw.  We really liked the selection at   Gallery 1000 Fine Art.  So much we thought about purchasing a piece, that is unfortunately a little too big for our space.  There is also the George Rodrique- known for Blue Dog- Studio and so many other great galleries.  I almost found that piece I have been looking for to place in the dining room.

There are so many good choices of places to eat in Carmel by the Sea.  With fresh ingredients grown so close, it is hard to screw them up.  We wanted something light after a long day of traveling and we wandered into Mundaka, a Spanish tapas restaurant using local ingredients.  It was a great choice.  The setting is really nice, and food was excellent.  We had a hilarious group of neighbors in the dining room that made it quite a humorous evening, but our server was so nice and gracious (we could have asked to move to multiple other seating options, but it was like watching simultaneous train wrecks).  We started with fried squash blossoms with chili oil.  They were crisp and light with a sweet taste that balanced well with the chili oil.  We then moved on to patatas bravas which were crisp and spicy and a good version. Squash and zucchini spaghetti with almonds and pecorino were very fresh and vibrant.  Lamb chops with mashed potatoes and some herbed olive oil were cooked perfectly with nice gamey flavor, and tenderness.  The lavender pork skewers with almost a kimchi like side of greens was not what I was expecting, but a nice taste and very different. I really loved this little place and we didn’t want a huge meal, even with this we ordered to much, but it was all fresh and prepared well.  The staff was gracious and very nice.  They had a great wine list, but we stook to there homemade lemonade in preparation for the ride back to San Francisco, which was crisp and refreshing.  From the pictures, the lighting after dark seems pretty cool too, we left before dark to get home!  (Pictures from their website- not our meal.)

Last but not least: Home Sweet Home at the Huntington Hotel.  This place has quickly jumped onto my short list of fantastic hotels.  The customer service is amazing, they are so nice and personable, by the second day they recognize you.  Housekeeping was Nay, who told us if we needed anything to call her at any time.  The doormen were just friendly and helpful as can be.  The room itself was spacious and clean, with a mix of modern and antique furnishings and art.  The bathroom was huge with a large vanity, the room had floor length mirrors, a necessity in my book.  L’Occitaine amenities were quite adequate.  The view from our room was just amazing, one of the perks of being on the top of Nob Hill.  And they have a spa, that I WILL go to next time.  It looked incredible and has a pool and sunning patio overlooking the other side of the city.  The hotel and staff are amazing, this is the place to stay in San Francisco.  Below you can see our exact room and incredible view.  MMMMM, I can close my eyes and dream of this place.

Beaver Creek may be one of my bodies favorite and least favorite places on earth at the same time.  On the one hand you are skiing for as long as you can possibly go in a day, AT LEAST five hours; and if that doesn’t kill your muscles then I don’t know what will.  You are burning mad amounts of calories and parts of your body you don’t normally use.

On the other hand there is one of the best spas in the United States at your fingertips in the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt, wonderful food and a view and fresh air that is crisp and clean. As far as the Aspen area goes there are a lot of different vibes.  Vail has more restaurants, more people and I think tends to be a little more 80′s yuppie, although it is SUPER pet friendly.  Beaver Creek is elegant and laid back.  It doesn’t lack in amenities, but it is a little less showy and more about having a good time in a more relaxed and less crowded area.  But the nice thing is that skiing at Beaver Creek you also get access to Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead Village lifts, as well, and the villages are easy to get to.  Beaver Creek is the perfect vibe.  They have ice skating, family events, bars and restaurants all in the village.

As for staying there.  I, ahem, have a great connection, a very very good friend whose family has a home in Beaver Creek.  That in itself isn’t exactly roughing it.  BUT if you don’t have that kind of access I highly recommend the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek (which you can sometimes find on Jetsetter.com, you’re welcome).  There are other places to stay that are also nice, but the Park Hyatt is right there and just amazing.    The heated pool overlooking the slopes ain’t so bad, either.

Currently I don’t have skis and boots that I absolutely love, I need to trade them, and you don’t want to have to take skis all the way out and back so I recommend renting, if you have comfy boots you love take those, there are multiple places with different levels of skis to rent.  If you can get your gear here in this area, off season at a good sale time, it will probably be cheaper.  I tend to get mine in Garrett County when there are sales, I really like High Mountain Sports, they do a ski swap at Autumn Glory too.  Out in Beaver Creek we rented from Gorsuch, which is a little pricier, but also tends to have a little better equipment rentals.  They also had a super cool penguin hat I acquired.

As for eating, you definitely want to eat and drink early and often.  This is not a time to watch calories because you burn so many and you are up in the elevation, so you need to keep hydrated.  I am not a breakfast person, but I ate breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks everyday.  When you are on the slopes, definitely try to make it to Blinky’s at Arrowhead Village for a Blinky Burger.  I was trying to eat as gluten free as I can and they had a phenomenal chili that I really enjoyed.  Food in the cafeteria at Arrowhead Village ris really lacking.

If you can swing it a lunch at Beano’s Cabin is truly special.  You come in take your boots off and enjoy some great snacks and cider or hot chocolate while waiting for your table.  The kitchen has a wood burning oven and rotisseries on the wall.  They have a menu with a ton of gluten free options too, clearly marked on the menu!  This is not your normal ski food, it is a gourmet experience. I had lobster tacos one day and rotisserie chicken with potatoes and green beans the next with a wonderful reduction sauce.  This was a long leisurely lunch but it gives you the energy to go the rest of the day.

Not too far away in Edwards, the Gashouse Restaurant has a great selection of game meats and seafood.  It is a glorified bar, in the best of ways with a real local feel, animals on the log cabin walls and ski passes enameled on the bar.  The food is top notch.  We had the game platter, and even with the leaner meats everything turned out cooked exactly to the right temperature.  Although the wait can be long, the menu is varied and the bar is comfortable, it is definitely worth the wait.

We were there over Valentine’s Day and we went to the Swiss Chalet in Vail for fondue.  This place was chintzy in the absolute best possible way.  Normally this food would be a little over the top rich, but after a long day of skiing you will not believe the food you can put away and then it is great.  And they were really nice about being accommodating with my food needs, brought me extra veggies and etc.

Now after all that skiing what you need is a phenomenal spa, and the Park Hyatt has it- The Allegria Spa.  Not only are the spa treatments top notch, but they have saunas, steam rooms, mineral pools and a tepidarium.  The spa is really decorated nicely with a lot of water and stone, similar to the Nemacolin Spa, but a little more Colorado.  The massage was really warm and they had just the right touch to soothe and relax your muscles without hurting those aching shins.  It is a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing with friends.

As for ski slopes, Beaver Creek has a lot of lifts, it is well groomed and with the ability to move into other villages.  They have some nice long runs with varying expertise levels.  On holidays it gets crowded, like every ski resort, but catch it on an off weekend and ski all around the mountain and you can move through a lot of terrain.  It also isn’t so big that you can’t separate from your group for a run or two and easily meet back up.  It is a good size if you are with a group or family because you won’t get lost or end up too far from each other.  Beaver Creek’s slogan really rings true, the whole trip I felt I was wellt aken care of and I just needed to concentrate on my form they took care of the rest.  And it didn’t hurt that I had phenomenal hosts.

I don’t have a lot of pictures, but here are a few I do have:

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This Wedding Wednesday I am exhausted, absolutely exhausted…

Wedding portraits last weekend, this weekend is an endless list of things to finish so this week Wedding Wednesday is going to be short and sweet:

Make-up.

You have a couple choices airbrushed make-up, having a salon or spa do your make-up, get it done at a cosmetic counter or do it yourself.

Air brushed make-up:

If you are going to do this make sure you get it done by someone with a good reputation.

In the DC area I suggest Rodney Pinion at Andre Chreky.  Pinion uses an airbrushing gun to gently spray tiny droplets of color onto your face. The results are very natural: Even those with a fear of foundation will love it. You can get base, blush, eyeshadow, and even brow tints, all of which last for ages, go on remarkably evenly, are hypoallergenic, and won’t clog pores.  The bonus is it photographs really well because of the even matte finish.

Having it done at a Salon or Spa:

I am not very good with make-up.  I don’t normally wear it and putting it on scares me a little.  So I trust the professionals.  Again reputation is key.  Not only should they have good make-up, but a good knowledge of what will photograph well.  Sparkly powder or eyeshadow with sheen does not photograph well.  I recommend splurging on this a little more than you regularly would.  Find someone who does this often, who has good credentials and does this often.  People that work often with people being photographed really helps.  I recommend when you do your make-up test to do some photographs, and really scrutinize the look.

Having it done by a cosmetic counter:

I really don’t recommend this unless you can test the results.  Although, I had a great experience last weekend at the Bobbi Brown counter at Belk in Charlottesville.  I didn’t have a salon to do my make-up for my wedding portrait because it was in Charlottesville, not the Greenbrier and I didn’t drive down from the city.  Luckily I found someone really experienced.  If you go this route, you want the make-up woman who is older and has worked there forever, not the young thing, but their make-up should look good. They will have done a lot of make-up, they will know the product and have a good eye.

Also choose the brand carefully.  You should probably go with what you normally use, but consider your look.  I find Bobbi Brown to be very natural.  They don’t have a lot of bright colors and that would look odd on me, who never wear make-up.  Really I think natural brides look best.  so unless you really want a “look” you might consider going that route.  Certainly don’t switch to a brand you have never used.  Many people are allergic to cosmetics.  Mom is allergic to blue eyeliner from Lancome, I am allergic to a lot of Clinique products.  But I think looking at the make-up and testing the products you will find something you can use.  this bonus is so you can learn how to apply it and use it for the honeymoon.

Make sure to ask if they have any sample products like these online that you get for free with an order:

Do it yourself:

Don’t… just don’t.  Unless you are getting married out in the middle of nowhere.  If you do go get your colors done and buy the products they recommend that you don’t have, especially correctors and concealers.  Practice, practice, practice.  But really you are going to be so stressed out, do you really want that added pressure?

So think about it, test it out and find what works for you.

So this is not in honor of DC spa week, but is still a spa.  This week Arlington, we are going to Phoenix!  Why Phoenix you ask?  You doubt me I know you do, but readers here is the logic:

Yes right now it is sunny and warm and delectable, you obviously don’t remember last week, but give yourself about 7 months and then you will start needing to get-away to somewhere with a mild climate, food you can’t get in DC, plush romantic rooms and a spa.  You forget that now while it isn’t humid and while the temperature is perfect, but you will remember.  Also for many of you Spring Break or Passover just ended and you will be thinking about where to book that trip for next year.  Here is where the Royal Palms in Phoenix fits perfectly.

See readers.

Not all rooms come with a skinny, tan lady rubbing herself, but hey, it’s still worth it right?  Stupid PDF files make pictures more work than they are worth.

This spa is up there, I would rate it currently at number two.  Maybe in time after a few more visits it might move up, but I am telling you peeps that Nemacolin Woodlands Spa has got it going in.

The Royal Palms is in itself a relaxation process.  It is a small resort nestled at the foot of Camelback mountain, right near the gaudy huge Phoenician, a few miles away from the lovely, but not near as nice Biltmore.

The Royal Palm is tucked in away off the road you pull up and are delighted with how adorable this little place is.  Then you go to your luxurious room, even the rather basic rooms are wonderful here and you just melt.  More about Phoenix vacation tips in another post soon readers, so hold on!

Outside the area where the spa is you can smell the eucalyptus in the air, and the smell itself lures you to the spa.  You can use the steam, room, sauna and relaxation rooms at any time during your stay.  The staff is happy to assist you with a robe and sandals to do this.  I especially recommend this after a work out.  They have just relaxing places to sit by the fire and read or zone out or, ok let’s be honest here, nap.  Oooh the napping.  They will serve you water or hot tea while you relax and make sure it is readily available.

Services:

The Avadora spa has a host of services.  I got the Signore’s Eucalyptus Body Scrub.  This was one of the best scrubs.  The scent was invigorating, the technique qas great.  The scrub itself not too oily, but oily enough that the application was soothing.  Also on nice days they open the shutters and you can hear the birds and get fresh air, it is just lovely.   After the scrub they lead you to an outdoor shower outside on the terrace, if you open the spa brochure it was the blue room the far door on the left goes to the shower.  The shower has great water pressure and is really warm, in case you go when it is a little chilly.  You can take your time and have a long leisurely shower.  Then you have your lotion application.  You smell so good after this treatment you will sniff yourself.

The massages are very nice.  I had a hot stone massage.  The sound of the birds, the rocks, the scent of eucalyptus all made for a really relaxing treatment.  The therapist was extremely nice, very personable and charming.  She really made the experience.

Also if you don’t open the spa brochure for anything else, open it to see the pedicure station.  Oh the pedicure.  You sit on this bench with your feet in a warm copper bath.  They really care for your nails and cuticles, they ask if you want them pushed or trimmed, and make it a relaxing experience.  This was one spa pedicure that was worth a little extra dough from your regular place.

At the Royal Palm they are all about romance.  The couple’s experiences are really nice.  I also like the fact that you can get massages with a view, in your room, in a treatment room, pretty much wherever you request.  Since it is a small place they are really accommodating.

But readers the best thing is they are open until 8:00 p.m.  Readers, when you are in Phoenix you will want to be active, for sure the biggest perks are the scenery and athletic pursuits, but how nice to come back from a hike and head to the spa for a rub down and steam.  I love that you can do evening spa appointments, I think that is genius!  Think about it massage then going to bed in a big fluffy bed.

Ok, some of you may have heard of a little resort out in Western Pennsylvannia called Nemacolin Woodlands.  Those of you who haven’t, you’re welcome.  Think of it as the Greenbrier or the Homestead, but with a cabin or french theme in the country.  They also have Falling Rock, inspiration taken from the nearby Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Rock.

So not only is it a really nice resort, it happens to have my all-time favorite spa.  Oh yes, readers, ultimate favorite.  Now there are still a lot of spas in the world I will get to at some point, but I have a pretty long list of visited ones.  If I ever find one that tops this place you will know.

What I love about it:

First off the spa was designed by someone trained in Feng Shui.  I don’t really believe in all that stuff, but it translates to very clean, comfortable design.  The colors are muted and there is a lot of natural wood used.  I like the use of circulating water which makes for a really peaceful sound barrier to noises, and it looks nice too.

The spa is multiple levels, you enter on the top level, saunas and steam rooms are on the middle level, spa pool and deck on the lower level.  Treatment rooms are on the middle and lower level.

On the top level they have a saloon, which for out in the middle of nowhere in between Deep Creek Lake and Pittsburgh the stylist are very nice.  The pedicures and manicures are pretty standard, very much like your normal high end saloon.  I normally get the normal ones, and save my money to get another treatment.

One saloon service I really like is the make-up lesson.  I don’t wear much make-up so I appreciate someone teaching me how to apply it nicely should I want to pump it up a notch.  I can read how to do it all day in a book and screw it up, but show me exactly how to do it once, and I am gold.  They don’t make you look like a tart and they have very nice make-up.  For anyone who is a little unfamiliar with the tips and tricks of good make-up artists I really recommend this, plus you leave looking nice.

Quick tip:  If you get this service with other services make sure you save it to last.

Also on the top floor is a nice workout room, they also have high and low intensity classes.  Nothing like a sweat before the relaxation.

The locker rooms are well-appointed.  I appreciate that they have nice amenities, even spray deodorant, which many spas forget.  They have a whole room of hair dryers and mirrors so you can leave looking nice.  Standard robes and plastic sandals.  Also their waiting room upstairs has very good infused water, fruit and snacks.  You can also order food or champagne, although they don’t tell you this.

The middle floor is segregated by sex, so you feel comfortable in a robe.  The whirlpool on the middle floor is huge, and is the perfect place to gather your thoughts, or talk with friends.  They have water and towels nearby.  The steam room and sauna are appropriately hot to do their job, they are nice and roomy with multiple levels of seating, which is good because the spa is a popular place.

The bottom level spa pool is unisex.  The water is cooler than the outside pool and it is a great place to do laps, as it normally isn’t crowded.  There is a deck for sunning outside, and you can get drinks from the regular pool and bring them back, and no one will bat an eye.  Of course if you are detoxifying, maybe go with a strawberry smoothie.  I like that there are a couple unisex places here: the pool, workout rooms, etc.  When you go on vacation with significant other or spouse and go to the spa sometimes you just don’t see them at all!

Their treatments:  My favorite is the lavender kur, it starts with a lavender scrub that has a good balance of salt and moisture to exfoliate with proper technique, but not leave you dripping in oil.  The exfoliation itself feels like a massage.  The first time I had the service I had a male who even did my armpits, he was the best massage therapist I have ever worked with, I hope he is still there, I should call and see to share his name.  They are good with your privacy but still work your butt and stomach unless you prefer them not too.  You are then put in a lovely lavender bath with many rotating jacuzzis where you relax and rinse.  You then have a massage/lotion application.  The rooms are kept warm so you are never cold, they are appropriately dim and they use eye covers for the massage portion to help you relax. Plus I love the scent of lavender, I find it really relaxing.

Again if you are getting something with an application of moisture, book it for late in the day so you can use the other amenities first.

Their swedish massage is very relaxing, as well.  Because of the reputation of the spa they get very good massage therapists who know proper technique and have just the right touch.  They are very personable and really want to make your stay pleasant.  I have also enjoyed the hot stone massage.  I love the sound the rocks make when they hit together.

They have some hocus pocus treatments, but if you stick with the basics you will be really happy.

Another nice perk?  If you want to use the whirlpool, steam room, sauna and pool without a service you can for just $15.

Their gift shop even has nice products and if you forget something they are likely to have a nice replacement.

I visited Lansdowne Spa Minerale, and it really tries to be Nemacolin Woodlands Spa.  It REALLY tries.

It looks pretty on the website.  They have a steam room, sauna, whirlpool.  They have the nice locker room, relaxing rooms.  They have the flavored water.  But something about this place is just a little off.

The steam room was nicely hot and steamy.  The sauna appropriately warm; however, the spa isn’t too large so in the off season there is no one there, and in season there are too many people there, and the rooms aren’t very large.  So you are ok in off season, if you like to be in a silent spa.

The relaxation rooms were nicely appointed with magazines and tea, but it just wasn’t quite comfortable.  The fabric choosen just isn’t very soft, and I found the color scheme to be just trying to hard and not relaxing.

I had a scrub and a massage.  For the scrub they put you on this big plastic table so they can run the shower nozels over you during the scrub.  The table itself was not very comfortable.  The scrub used was very oily.  The technique was good, much like a swedish massage.  But then they would shower you and you would freeze on that table.  There is nothing I find that makes you colder than damp skin.  Also the room was not dark enough to relax in.  This service was really just someone exfoliating you.  It wasn’t a relaxing treatment.  I can say with certainty this is the worst scrub experience I have ever had.

The Massage:  I had a deep tissue massage after a rough day of tennis the day before, and just generally a stressful life.  There was good pressure, but I left with knots still in my shoulders.  Also unlike yesterdays spa they just don’t pay a lot of attention to personal relaxation.  There was no attention to heat or to personal comfort.

I think the spa itself could learn a lot had they sat through many of their own treatments.  It was obvious they had not.  And many of the staff were professional but not personable.  For a spa trying to compete with the other big name resort spa’s in the area, it didn’t live up to any expectations.  For a spa experience go elsewhere.

I will admit their pedicure rooms looked very nice, so skip on the massage and scrub, but if you are there and are tired of golf or tennis, perhaps get a pedicure.

So in honor of spa week I am reviewing a spa I have been to everyday this week.  I have been to a lot of nice spas.  I love to spa.  I judge spas by their massage, scrub and salon services.  I don’t like those hocus pocus seaweed wraps or non-sense like that.  And since I have very even, clear skin I rarely get facials.

Today I am reviewing the Natural Body Spa and Shoppe.  I went because of the fabulous Washingtonian special which runs through April 15, where you can get three services for $99.  They have several locations in the metro area, the Arlington branch in the Ballston Mall just happens to be closest to me.  You wouldn’t expect being located here that it would be as peaceful and tranquil as it is, but when you walk inside, you forget you are inside a mall, inside a busy city.

Included in the Washingtonian special was an express manicure and choice of two of the following: body scrub, facial, deep-tissue massage or pedicure.  I got the pedicure and scrub and added a 60 minute swedish massage. But don’t fret if you can’t get there that quickly, they have other specials, just check the web for their coupons and specials, or join their mailing list.

Let’s start with the overall experience:  While the space is small it is nicely laid out.  They don’t have quite all the facilities of a big spa, but they are very nice.  It doesn’t have a big lounge space, but there aren’t a lot of customers so it is comfortable.

The Massage:  the thing I noticed about this spa was the great use of heat.   They have a heated table, they quickly pull warm towels off your feet and dry your skin so you don’t get cold.  They use warm neck supports and scented eye pillows.  The use of heat mixed with just the rigt pressure really made me relax from the very start.  A lot of other spas overlook the issue of warmth and relaxation.  They asked about the temperature to adjust it to your preference.  The oil used was moderately applied.  Overall it was one of the better massages I have had.

The Scrub: The scrub started out with some time in their steam room.  This was the weakest part of the whole experience, the steam room did not stay hot enough and the steam dissipated quickly and left you staring at dripping walls a little cold.  You next went into a service room where they began the scrub.  A lot of scrubs are applied like a massage.  This scrub was really just that a scrub of your body.  I missed the massage like moves; however, it was a very good exfoliation.  I really enjoyed again the use of heat to make sure you were warm.  I loved the hand washing of your feet, they really should expand upon that, as that part of the service was really heavenly.  For me as spas go for scrubs this was somewhere in the middle.  Not the worst not the best.  I also felt a scented scrub would enhance the experience.  You then showered off and they had very nice quality lotion for you to apply afterwards.  I did appreciate that their scrub did not have oil in it, and therefore, did not clog your pores once it exfoliated.  The lotion provided left yoru skin soft without the oil.  Also perhaps this was because of my impending pedicure, but they used the disposable flip flops instead of sandals that could be cleaned.  This seemed against their message.

The Pedicure:  At first I had a little trepadation as I was lead to put my feet in a run of the mill footbath you can buy for yourself to use at home.  But then after my cuticles and feet has softened they titled you back in this chair so you were almost laying on your back with legs and feet elevated somewhat.  They gave you a warmed neck pack and again a scented eye pillow and then did the remainder of the pedicure while you laid back.  It was actually a very relaxing pedicure and you didn’t really pay as much attention to what was going on.  All in all, I really liked this better than pedicures in the big machine.  Although they should upgrade the foot bath, it was a weak version my Mom has better.

Express Manicure:  This was a quickie manicure without all the thrills, but the polish has stayed on well, my nails were trimmed, filed and buffed nicely.  The service was professional and my nails look great.

For a day spa I highly recommend this little place.  It is relaxing, they pay attention to your needs, and they are very friendly and personable.  For me they rate above some of the bigger name spas in our areas that try to be spa destinations because they paid attention to what things people find relaxing.  I left after a half-day feeling completely rejuvinated and ready to handle the world, after perhaps a nap, because I was sooo relaxed.

Another feel good:  They use as many recycled products as possible and carry lines that do not have really harsh chemicals.  You can even drop off old cell phones here for recycling.