Backpack to Buggy

I fell asleep for the first time ever during a massage at the Spa at Equinox. Guess how highly I recommend this spa?!

The Spa Environment

A newer addition to the Equinox Resort, the spa did a great job of creating a peaceful, Vermont-esque environment in the locker rooms, waiting areas and treatment rooms. Think birch wood, fireplaces, forest green walls, natural sunlight where you would read a magazine and candle light in treatment rooms. If not for the rude guest who was talking on her cell phone in the locker room, (is there any way to avoid wedding guests when staying at a resort?) it would have be perfect

The Treatments

Spirit of Vermont, Signature Treatment
Described as “reflect(ing) that calming energy of Vermont,” it was the first time I tried a 100 minute massage and one of the new age-ish massage combined with Reiki, reflexology and other alternative bodywork techniques. I don’t like the deep massages where I consider crying in pain, so I found the gentle but comprehensive nature of the massage perfect. I don’t know when I fell asleep. I only remember being gently woken up at the end of the treatment and taking about 5 minutes to get off the massage table. Ahhhhhhh….

Custom Facial
A great esthetician closely examines your skin, is willing to switch products mid-treatment, and explains what she is doing and with what product every step of the way. After my massage, they could have probably smeared marshmallow on my face and I wouldn’t have noticed, but my esthetician quickly assessed my skin – rosacea and combination. Using Jurlique products, she skipped the irritating steam treatment, only did minimum extractions, explaining to me why they were there and what I could do about it at home, and finished up with an extra treatment to calm my skin. I was sent home with only a little pink and a list of all the product used, including instruction.

Cost

We had a spa discount with our room rate, but the normal treatments are definitely pricey (>$100/hour). If the spa facility has lots of extras like soaking or hot tubs, steam rooms, et cetera available, I assume that’s in the higher prices. The Spa at Equinox didn’t have all those extras, but with the second best massage I’ve ever had and a thorough facial where education was included in the treatment, I’d say it’s worth it. (And am including a Spirit of Vermont treatment in my budget for our next stay.)