It's Not Really About The Spa....

Of course, sometimes it's about the spa. But more often than not, I've found it's more about the staff.

I've spent time in some of the most la-de-dah, you'd-recognize-them-if-you-saw-them-in-print, spas, that were positively awful.

Spas that blow millions on fancy facades and atriums and water walls and yadda yadda. But somehow they forgot to hire and train personnel about the importance of professional expertise and guest relations.

These spas won't be mentioned here, because I don't want to bite the hand that feeds my soul, so to speak.

Instead, I have quietly in the past, spoken to spa directors about personal bad experiences. And guess what? They appreciate it! So maybe, just maybe, if the spa directors actually made changes or even thought about improvements, my work is done. Except for the lingering headache. Explained below.

And maybe next time I visit a particular Western spa and dare to have a hot rock massage, the rocks will actually be applied to my vulnerable naked-under-the-sheet body. Instead of being dropped on my head.

Or if I deign to re-visit a certain North East spa, I won't be tightly cocooned in a body wrap and left alone to suffer claustrophobic sweats.

In both of these instances (and there are plenty more, trust me), obvious inexperience and compassionate consideration did not flow from my therapists' hands. Apologetic afterwards, perhaps, but apologies don't heal a throbbing head or a panic attack.

I urge all spa owners, directors and resort managers to take heed: train your staff well in the art of guest relations in addition to ensuring their professional prowess. You'll be surprised how far-reaching proper training and on-going staff support will result.

And maybe, just maybe, I'll try a stone massage again one day. But no more wraps for me. As someone once said, "Thanks, but no thanks."

p.s. I hope to one day visit some spas that reflect the region in which I now live: the Wild, wild west of Arizona. I've heard of an amazing spa one state over, that highlights traditional Native American traditions: Bishop's Lodge, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Just visiting the website results in a calming influence.

I'm still in thrall of the spa menu, which I urge you to explore, and this historic resort is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and offering tons of specials. Worth a look, especially if you're planning ahead for spring break....

And Santa Fe itself...who wouldn't want to visit this hippie-friendly, alternative-energy sacred place? Long preserved by Native Americans and myriad ethnically diverse folks who settled here, the place may be a little touristy, but its full of history. And spas, both natural and man-made.

Another spa I've read alot about is La Posada de Santa Fe whose spa sounds tranquil and tempting in ways both physically and spiritually.

And one more thing un-spa-related: on occasion I will report on a wonderful theatrical piece or performance that I happen to catch here in Tucson.

Why? Because, in another "life," I wrote features about Broadway and I miss it! So whatever theater that appeals to me here in Tucson, will be duly reported upon. Just warning you.

And what am I planning to see soon? How about "A Bronx Tale," performed in monologue by its author, Chazz Palminteri, offered by Broadway in Tucson. Hey, it beats taking the Long Island Rail Road.

This production is part of a national touring production and I urge you to check for it in your areas. Who wouldn't want to savor Chazz up close and personal? I'm just sayin.'