Relax and say,‘spa’ in eco-oriented luxury
BY MICHEL NOLAN
BORA BORA? A rain forest? A mountain lake? You choose. Escape without a passport or worries about out-of-this- world gas prices.
When you indulge in a sensory journey at a luxurious day spa, you escape to the destination of your choice.
If vacation time is not an option in your busy schedule, the spa experience rejuvenates and restores, bringing a sense of serenity amid daily stresses. In short, a mental getaway.
Think facials and body wraps, massages and masks. And as we look forward to Earth Day on April 19, why not do something for your body and the Earth? Think green.
Seaweed. Green tea. Rosemary mint.
Caribbean Sea Masque. No chemicals — just luscious natural stuff.
Sarah Weeks, owner of Jade Salonspa at Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, takes pride in making the salon as environmentally safe as possible.
"We literally go through and research the most sustainable sources — from our building with its bamboo wood floors and furniture — to our supplies," says Weeks, whose salon features products by Aveda, a company that has been working with an environmental concept since 1978.
Even the soft spa robes are made from bamboo fiber.
The "high" you get with one of Jade’s amazing facials or massages is a natural one.
"I think everything combines — the lighting, candles, music — the touch of the therapist. Aveda’s philosophy is ‘high touch, not high tech,’ " Weeks says.
An important component of the spa’s sensory journey is aroma, which can be a balancing element.
With the Natural Elements Facial, as well as other treatments, visitors close their eyes and choose their own custom fragrance — energizing, calming or focusing.
The nose knows what’s needed.
A good thing about the naturally derived aromas is that they have the power to affect our bodies, creating a measurable change, Weeks says.
During a recent escape to Jade, arriving with jangled nerves, I opted for a massage with a customized "calming" aroma.
After massage therapist Deanne Vanderholf had worked the knots out of my back, I couldn’t remember why I was stressed.
Then esthetician Sarah Sweeney did the Elemental Nature Facial, with more customized aroma and massage, an intensive hydrating mask, fragrant hot towels and a hand and foot massage.
Silky. Steamy. Fragrant. Tingling.
Next, master stylist Maria Aguilar shampooed and styled my hair and included a massage of my hands and forearms.
Was I relaxed? Can you say "Jell-O"? Weeks shares one of her favorite quotes, "What goes on your body goes into your body, and what we wash off our bodies goes down the drains and back into the earth. Be cautious with the products you use and think in terms of the seventh generation." Aveda products, which contain organically grown ingredients, are packaged in recyclable containers.
Aveda keeps 300,000 pounds of plastic out of landfills each year, according to Weeks, who also owns two other Jade locations — Dos Lagos in Corona and Chino Hills (opening in May).
Redlands, too, is home to earthly delights.
Red Earth Spa, an urban retreat in a historic Redlands Victorian, also caters to environmentally conscious guests.
Red Earth is green.
Their lines of ecologically friendly products are botanically based, says owner/esthetician Stephanie Woodarczyk.
"We feature Darphin Paris and Sothys products, which are organically grown in France and are certified by an international manufacturing board," Woodarczyk says.
Their treatments include Darphin Total Well-Being Facials, anti-aging facials, Detoxifying-Destressing Facials for Men Only, Signature facials using plant extracts and intensive serums, and detoxifying body wraps.
"Guests will experience healing to mind and body by restoring balance to busy lives," Woodarczyk says.
"Our facials aren’t just for girls. We do masks, steam and exfoliation on men, too.
They enjoy the treatment and are our most loyal customers." According to Woodarczyk, "Our customized oils and creams restore the body’s vitality and elevate your spirits naturally." I’m convinced. If you have just a few hours to indulge your senses, treat yourself to some sensory perfection.
Feeling like Jell-O is a good thing.
Go ahead, put "spa experience" in your Day-Timer — under "must-do’s."
