When I arrived at the Emerald Mist Spa at The St. Kitt’s Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino, I was unexpectedly surprised. My perceptions were that the spa facilities would be a relaxed vibe in a small environment. On the contrary, the spa was relaxing but is a professional and multi-faceted space consisting of 15, 000 square feet of eight treatment rooms (including one couples’ room, featuring a private Jacuzzi and dual-head shower). There are a myriad of treatments: massages, body wraps, facials, body scrubs, and a full beauty salon. Bridal services and spa packages are also available. Additionally, the spa is located beside the 24 hour full-access fitness centre, which includes yoga classes and personal training sessions (additional charge).
When I arrived at the spa, some friends recommended the bamboo massage. Bamboo what? The treatment wasn’t listed in the brochure, so I was curious as to how it would compare to the popular Swedish massage ($115 USD for 50 minutes; $165 for 80 minutes). My therapist, Reginald Bartlette, made me feel comfortable right away, as I soothed into the table, legs elevated, under dimmed lights and flute-inspired music. What I really liked about the room, was that there was a lot of space. Many spas in cities have small treatment rooms, where I’ve always felt cramped in and unable to fully let go of the stress. This massage room was a nice change of pace.
Reginald started with a regular massage with oils and then incorporated the thick bamboo sticks (which were more like wooden blocks) into the pressure points of my shoulders and back. Having been tense from my six hour flight, the added intensity of the bamboo was a relief to my stiff shoulders, neck and back. There were points where it was painful, but breathing techniques helped and I eased into it. He was very patient with me and answered my questions throughout the process. Added benefits of this massage were the hot cloth pressed on my legs and back for extra relaxation.
After the massage, I meditated in silence, thoroughly relaxed and glowing. Changing facilities were very close to the treatment rooms. I headed straight for the therapy baths, easing myself slowly into the larger hot whirlpool to continue to soothe my sore muscles. It was the appropriate accompaniment, as I basked in solitude, jets streaming from below. The smaller, colder bath was a much shorter visit, waking up my muscles; the freezing water made me much more alert and ready for the remainder of the day. Since my appointment was near the end of the day, I had the facility practically to myself; however, it would have been nice to stay a little longer taking in the beauty of the spa: its small, crystallized rainbow mosaic tiles; the clean wooden sauna; spacious showers and steam room.
Instead I retreated to my King Size bed for a quick cat nap. It was one of the most comfortable beds to retreat – like Goldilocks, the mattress was not too firm nor too soft. I sauntered out to the spacious balcony, retreating in the shade and overlooking the massive property and glistening swimming pools, and ocean views in the midst of a humid breeze. There was no time to read on the lounger, but the ideal way to begin a luxurious, laid-back weekend for some R&R.
The bamboo massage at St. Kitts Marriott Emerald Mist Spa rates are: $135 for 50 minutes and $175 for 80 minutes.
For more information on the St. Kitts Marriott, please visit:
stkittsmarriott.com
Indulge In Value Promotion
Promotional Code: SUM
Receive unlimited spa services in the Emerald Mist Spa and unlimited rounds of golf at The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club when you book your room.
The package runs until December 17, 2011. $299 – $324. Blackout dates apply.
For more information on the Emerald Mist Spa, call 1-869-466-1200.
For more information on the The Royal St Kitts Golf Club, call 1-866-STK-GOLF.
*Unlimited spa services include:
Kittitian, Aromatherapy and Bamboo massage (50 minutes)
European Renewal facial and Gentlemen’s facial (50 minutes)
Classic manicure (30 minutes)
Classic pedicure (45 minutes)
Body wraps- after sun soothie & blissful Aroma Balm (30 minutes)
Valid seven days a week through 12/28/10. Rates vary by view type. Please make spa or tee-times at least 24 hours in advance. Limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Tax is additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions may apply. Rates are per room, per night and based on availability at the time of reservations.
Author Note: this trip was generously sponsored by The St. Kitts Marriott Hotel