Have you heard the term “destination spa”? It can change your world. In March 2018 I was given a Jack Canfield book called The Success Principles. It was unlike any other business read. It had you look within, understand your true purpose, and design your life. One of the activities was to write out 30 things you want to do, 30 things you want to have, and 30 things you want to be before you die. It’s a fascinating practice.
One of the things I wanted to do was to take a wellness vacation. I had never identified that before and realized I could easily make that happen. This would be my 2019 commitment to myself. I set aside three days in March and worked with a wellness travel specialist to make it happen. I was preparing to potentially do this trip on my own so I opted for something driving distance that had intrigued me for years. Canyon Ranch Lenox, here I come!
The Joy of Planning
As part of the Canyon Ranch experience, your meals and snacks are included in the room rate. With that out of the way, I focused on what I wanted out of this destination spa experience. I spent hours reading through all of their services and classes. My good friend, Sallie Fraenkel, suggested I try things I never had before. That’s easy for me. I love trying new things. I set out to really make this trip count.
My therapist recommended EMDR for my trauma triggers. When I saw this was an option, I knew it had to go on the list. Then I saw something called “Life Mapping” to help identify dreams, find solutions, bring clarity. Sign me up! For body treatments, the Bindi-Shirodhara sounded interesting. Balance for the body and mind? Yes please. With all of this in place, I worked with a Program Advisor to properly schedule. There are weekly activities where you have more choices included in your rate. The Program Advisor made sure I had time to go to yoga at least once a day.
First Impressions
Finally, it was time for the trip. Upon arrival I was greeted by valet, escorted to reception where a front desk professional welcomed me by name. I received a refillable water bottle, tote bag, itinerary, and list of activities. Time to get this party started! The first thing I did was eat. I chose a vegetarian dish, something I had not attempted to make at home. This delicious dish blew me away. This delightful food fantasy occurred at every meal throughout my stay. The freshness of the vegetables, the combination of flavors, and the ability to add so many healthy options into one dish – I was hooked.
Magical Spa Treatment
I decided to do the Bindi-Shirodhara at night. I had never had a spa treatment in the evening. Might as well give it a go. First of all, schedule night treatments as often as you can! It’s the perfect way to end your day and provide a deep, restful sleep. Second, the Shirodhara is now a personal favorite.
For Bindi-Shirodhara, you begin by filling out a questionnaire to help establish your dosha to determine the oil used. An Indian balancing bowl is rolled along the soles of your feet to restore harmony. The therapist then applies an herbal masque to your body, gently cleans it off, and performs a light Ayurvedic massage using the oil that matches your dosha.
Then comes what I now refer to as “the magic”. Sesame oil is dripped onto your third eye to clear your mind. I remember laying there with my usual busy mind, hopeful that it would work though understanding I might be the exception. In the midst of my thoughts running over, there was this moment that felt like nothing I’d ever experienced. It was like a white light came swooshing in and quickly cleared out the chaos. I was calm, relaxed, and at peace. For the first time in over a decade, I was able to enjoy a treatment and fall asleep.
There’s so much more to tell, but I’ll wait for another day. That’s the beauty of a destination spa – the memories are overflowing. If I can leave you with one recommendation, it would be this: when you see a Shirodhara on a spa menu, reserve that treatment immediately. You’ll thank me.