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.'

Long Time, No Spa

Well, it's been one of those long, awful winters for me and I apologize to all three of you who may have been wondering what the? And it wasn't even the weather, because we live in ever-sunny Tucson, which is great for now, but get back to me if we're still here in June. Yes, it gets that hot.

We all have stuff to deal with, and this is it for us. Which is why I shall continue my spa trek, even if there is a long absence of postings.....and feel free to comment. Spelling doesn't count. And it won't be on your permanent record, either.

Truth is, after hubby finally recovered, well, still recovering, from his hockey injury, I was too distracted to post anything. When you're a one-car family, taking solo trips is very tricky. And for a good month and change, I wanted to make sure said husband was on the mend so traveling was not an option.

After all, he ended up in the ER when I was in Portland. Talk about drama king! Well, we can laugh now, but it was a close call.

So the next time I venture solo, I am making sure all the necessary back-up plans will be in place. And he is mending, thanks for asking.

And why don't I have new spas to recommend? Mainly because I had nothing to report, no spas to recommend. Well, no NEW spas. I have been slightly house-bound, shall we say.

I am still retaining wonderful memories of my last trek into the spa-world--Portland was a blast, and I urge anyone in the vicinity to get thee to Aequis Spa. Just visiting the website will calm your spirit. Hey, it still works for me and far cheaper than trekking back. The music on the site alone is calming without being airy-fairy. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I plan to return, of course, since my daughter now lives in Portland, the City of Roses. And hopefully we'll be able to live out the horrible Tucson summer up there. Depending on the writing gigs that will magically appear. I'm working on visualizing my intention. You know, The Secret and all that jazz.

Just to recap: I have been very negligent with this site, and I apologize for making you wait so long to hear from me. Joke, people.

Another fabulous place I mentioned earlier and will again, is the fantastic Seawright House, a not-your-typical spa. It is deemed a "Luxury Retreat" and that's no exaggeration. You can be pampered alone or with whomever you choose, in a gorgeous, homey, yet classic atmosphere.

And when you are greeted by owner Melinda Beville, she will welcome you as if you were a special friend. But the time you leave, you will be.

I wish I had more to report, but I am also recovering from a foot sprain....since you asked.

More spa news will be posted when it happens. Meanwhile, celebrate the new era of an intelligent, articulate administration, it's an historical moment we should all remember. Even if you voted for......

And if you are looking for trends in the spa world, let me know and I will be absolutely thrilled to list them for you.



Until next time, your gal Sal.