In Transition....

For those of you who have given birth--not THAT transition.

I'm talking life changes. Evolution of the self and planet while we're still evolving in our own little corners.

And that transition, that evolution, involves taking care of ourselves. 'Cuz, if you don't.....

Which is why I have returned to the only way I know how to make a little (very little) money.
Writing magazine stories. Here and there. So I am in transit from being a semi-isolated freelance writer in New York, to being a semi-isolated freelance writer in Tucson. And exploring my options. And weighing them.

And still writing this smart-ass report on one of my favorite (in the top two) ways to take care of numero one.

By having an amazing, near-life-altering treatment at a, what else, spa.

Which is what I had last week at the Westward Look Resort and Sonoroan Spa.
Something absolutely otherworldly, called the Bindi Body Treatment.

Now, I've had Ayurvedic stuff done to me. By even one of the most famous women in the field, in New York City: Dr. Pratima Raichur. Google her and prepare to be astounded. Or merely click on her name and, well, you'll see and be amused.

So, Pratima personally treated me and each time was amazing.

But my recent 90-minute treatment at the Sonoroan Spa not only blissed me out, it relieved a chronic nerve pain that has been my shadow for the past 7 years. For a little while, anyway.

It was an elaborate, tailor-made treatment that traditionally includes wraps, but knowing how, uh, not a fan of wraps I am ( to say it delicately), Debra Henrickson, the wonderful spa director, made certain the incredible therapist (and of course, her name vanished as soon as she told me) merely placed warm towels on me and never totally cocooned me.

Which, in case you may not have read previously (it's back there in my clips somewhere http://spas.about.com/library/aa080402.htm) totally precipitated a panic attack. I didn't realize then that the therapist is not supposed to leave you for, say, more than 2 minutes tops.

During my bad-wrap experience, the therapist took what felt like an hour-long break and didn't return even when I called for her. I'm not re-living, merely reporting.



So imagine my relief and delight when she orchestrated the mostly soothing herbal and oil hooplah party on my body, cozily (not suffocatingly) enveloped me, after which which my head, face, neck and shoulders were massaged, pressure points (Marma, in this culture) attended to and serenity draped me while lazy flute music played.

Yeah, it was that good.

Westward Look is one of those "secrets" only the locals and local conventioneers seem to know about, because the la-de-dah tourists flock to some other name brand spas here in Tucson. So consider yourselves "locals" and when you come to this amazing part of the country, check out this spa and get ready for something completely different. And wonderful.

You deserve it, whatver transition you may be going through now, and later.

Come to think of it, everything in life is only for now.

Thank you, Avenue Q.

Scottsdale and Tucson in the Summer???

Yes, well, some of us have no choice. It's called "You have to live Somewhere." We now live in Tucson.

Where it gets hot. Really really hot. In the summer. Really seriously worried-about-Maggie-our-dog's-feet-hot.

In case I haven't made it clear: Tucson is hot. I don't know what a "dry" heat purports to be, but hot is hot. Actually, I DO know what a dry heat is because I used to "live" in Florida. That's not a dry heat. Closer to hell. Tucson's not so bad, come to think of it.



And if you use your Goddess-given spa-sense and live nearby, or even not so close, you could cash in on some incredible summertime opportunities. The same advice applies to any of you who live near big cities. They empty out in the summer. Sometimes resorts and hotels offer amazing deals that are worth the airfare. Check out your city for specials, you never know. I'm just sayin'......

In the spirit of "support your local business," let me tell you about some incredible Tucson/Scottsdale deals and opportunities that await the brave of heat and those who scoff at heatstroke. Just kidding. Heatstroke is a serious thing. We should not ever make jokes. And yet....



Since all of you have Internet, or you wouldn't be reading this...go to this site: JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson and start checking those spa specials. You know how to find them!

Why not be daring and go for a different experience? Why not try something a tad different from your same-old same-old Swedish Massage Ritual?

If you're open to experiencing pure bliss, warmth and a soothing presence of well-trained therapists, opt for the Abhyanga Ayurvedic Journey. Trust me, it's not weird, scary and doesn't involve chanting. It's simply sublime, compassionate touch when performed properly. And Jennifer has the kind of healing hands you wish all caregivers, therapists, loved ones......whomever, have.

Here's how it's described in the brochure:


This Ayurvedic journey begins with the Abhyanga, a rhythmic massage that uses Ayurvedic oils based on your individual dosha. (Me here....They'll explain"doshas" don't worry...)

The next stop entails a Champi that works both the physical and mental states by utilizing oils and massage techniques focusing on the upper back, arms, shoulders, head, neck and face. Your journey is concluded with Shirodara where a gentle stream of warm oils plays down upon your forehead to bring peace and clarity to your mind, body and spirit.


*********
This ritual was so life-affirming and relaxing for me I urge everyone under stress (I can see all those hands!), those facing an emotional heartache, or you who are merely putting up with a case of the blahs, to walk, nay, run, to this gorgeous resort and have this journey. Here, in Tucson, if you're local.

Or somewhere near where you live, if it's offered. Look hard. Ask questions. Find a place that has it.

It's truly special. Only one downside in Tucson's resort--while I was being led back to the lounge, in a state of la-la-la...I was so blissed out, I could only look down and follow meekly behind Jennifer. To tell you I almost fainted upon doing so, would be a slight exaggeration. BUT, whomever was in charge of the carpeting choice must have had a wicked sense of humor or have been color-blind. Maybe both.

I kid you not. Picture every color under the sign. Now picture them in loooonnnnnnggg vertical stripes down a loooonnnnnnggggg hallway and then to the outer rooms (not all, but enough). Looking at this design felt almost like being punished for having such a great treatment.

When asked "Why?" I was told it had been a mistake, of which the staff were well aware. Well, maybe you'll be so lucky you won't notice. If you're properly blissed out, you might not.

My bliss-meter, unfortunately,sometimes gets over-run by my "writer"-meter and I take in far too much. Case in point.

But it was almost made up for by the soothing Foot Ritual in the spa. I confess I have never had a reflexology treatment, and it was time I 'fessed up and tried one. Jose was lovely, had great soft hands and my feet were never happier than when he stroked, kneaded, pressure-pointed....you get the drift... He even touched some point that affected my blocked sinuses! Yup, they unblocked...lovely sight, but it's the truth.

Well worth it, even if my toenails are still an ugly color of peach.

Coincidentally (this must be Marriott week!) I recently visited the Scottsdale property http://www.camelbackinn.com/, albeit it hasn't been "officially" opened. That happens this fall. But in the meantime, this spa also has some amazing treatments, a gorgeous separate building (although in the heat, take advantage of those cute golf-cart drivers) and if you're lucky.....wildlife viewing.

Admittedly, we enjoyed a spectacular respite, wonderful hospitality and a residence complete with its own pool. It was bigger than my own house. I only got lost twice, though.
But back to wildlife.

Imagine my surprise when my husband Lew told me of his early-morning bobcat sighting near said pool.

Beautiful spa with a great variety of treatments.

Excellent facials--I had the Dr. Perricone special, which purports to reduce lines, wrinkles, you know the usual. Whatever was done, it felt wonderful, wrinkles or not. And the wrap treatment I had was a last minute replacement for a Bhindi treatment, which sounded intriguing. You know me. I like intrigue.

Fortunately, I explained to the therapist that, uh, I'm not a big wrap fan. So she figured out a way to do the treatment as least constricted as necessary. Some people love 'em. Others tend towards the claustrophic side. That would be me. But I sure smelled good afterwards and the therapist was lovely.

This Scottsdale property, while in a crowded field of excellent spas in that corridor, truly stands out. If you have to be in the Southwest, take some advice from someone who finally took her own: Treat yourself. We're worth it. And when you get to the Tucson site, make sure to dine in the incredible Primo restaurant. If they have Diver Sea Scallops, Salmon or Swordfish on the menu, you'll be in luck.


Incredible--for a landlocked locale, Primo had some sweet seafood choices. If you're a meat-eater, you're on your own. The only suggestion I would make is to encourage the staff to pace themselves with the diners. Our only disappointment was the service was, well, remember when your mom told you about not saying anything if you have nothing nice to say.......

And the room was freezing! We took our (excellent) Sencha green tea back to the comfortable room to warm up. Imagine having to warm up. In Tucson. In June.

Party hearty.

Spas 'R Us

Ever get tired of doing the same old thing?

Of course you do. Well, shockingly, even spa-going has its drawbacks (stop yelling, I can't hear when you're yelling).

Naturally, it seems like a glam career, visiting hither and yon (especially yon) to describe the latest and greatest treatments and products, and sometimes not-so-great new information about the industry and its players.

Which is why I thought I would be taking a break from this gig, for an assortment of reasons. Reasons that will perhaps one day make the light of day in book form. Involving disreputable publishers who make outlandish demands and personally inappropriate moves. But with lots of humor!

We'll leave it at that.

So a brief foray into a totally different field has led me to this one conclusion: I'm a writer, not a teacher. That said, I'm back and ready to deal with reputable editors and publishers once again. But the day I write my tome about what goes on behind the scenes of spa-writing and spa-going, I hope to share lots of juicy stories with you via the ladies of the View, or maybe even Oprah....I wholeheartedly believe in dreaming big.

So I have joined with a great new magazine and will be writing regularly for that, once it is launched and in play. However, if there's an inkling of interest out there that I should continue this blog (helllooooo--anyone out there?) then blog I shall......

In the meanwhile, take advantage of the summer specials that are hitting the internet in your city--cities tend to empty out during the summer (especially the big ones) and you can get some fabu deals if you are careful.

Make sure the place is reputable, the personnel experienced and the place is CLEAN-----if possible, visit before your treatment and immediately head for the locker area and lounge. That's where you'll find clues about sanitation and general attitudes-- behind the scene.

Next time I hope to let you know about two new spas at the JW Marriott in both Scottsdale and Tucson....spas that were under renovation up until recently. Should be good.

Fingers crossed and I will let you know. Meanwhile, let me know if this blog has helped, given you a laugh or some insight into the nether world of spa-trekking. Use this email: naomi.serviss@gmail.com

I'll answer anyone who dares contact me.

Stay cool and breathe. Oh, and drink plenty of (NON-corn-syrup-ridden) beverages--I am not talking about Red Bull...go for the good stuff. You know what that means.....

Later, trekkies.