I don't know where to begin. I love this place. Frankly, I can't really afford it - or any spa - at this time in my life but I make it work about 3x/year (and my husband knows to get me gift certificates there!) because what it does for stress is SO WORTH IT. I always get the 80 minute massage and then sit in the grotto afterward. The price of the massage may be a tad higher than at other places, and I almost put that down as a "con," but the grotto is included which makes it waaaay worth it for what you get, since I'd pay just to use it! It's like being transported to another place and time - a very roman baths feel or maybe it's an ancient tomb feel (nice dim lighting too, which can be adjusted) but whatever it is, it's amazing. You sit in this very large (small pool-sized) jacuzzi next to a beautiful tiled wall with tea candles and they bring you wine or champagne or tea or a few other options, with appetizers, and the ceiling above slowly changes colors and has stars! Bordering cheesy? Nope - it's fantastic. For my 40th b-day last weekend, 11 of my girlfriends and I split the cost to rent out the grotto. We got treated like royalty and everyone was giggling hysterically about how we can be so stressed out one minute as moms living in chaos, not a 5-10 minute drive away, and the next thing we know we're at this insanely relaxing other world being spoiled to death. Everyone had different-shaped and sized bodies (we all wore swimsuits) and some were a little self-conscious about it/hesitant about coming but suddenly no one cared anymore...thanks in part to the wine? ;) and we just had a blast. The lavender smelling steam room is another real treat - as is the sauna, cooling bath (up to your neck, standing) and the light-therapy room w/ warm sand to lie on! It's also nice to go alone, as I do on Mother's Day, or with just one friend. And one of these days I want to bring my husband and do the couples massage!
My only real complaint is that they're not open for massages later at night. But then I suppose most places aren't. I just like a good massage before bed and it seems that can only be found in big cities or fancy hotels where they come to your room. I think they'll stay open late for large groups though - or maybe those special nights when they have live music?
Pros: Best pampering experience ever
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