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Spas beat the blues - Soothing treatments help lighten your mood

by Sharon Mayr

Have you got the winter blues? Why not beat them by pampering your body and soothing your soul. After all, well-being comes from within, doesn’t it?

Through relaxation and de-stressing, a spa experience can help us achieve a greater level of health that can positively impact our life physically, emotionally and spiritually.

To be energized and blissful better enables us to meet the demands of our daily life and can ultimately result in achieving more meaning and purpose in our lives, which we all strive for at one time or another.

A trip to a local day spa is sure to put a band-aid on the aches and pains caused by daily pressures and stress. But is that enough?

One could always go on a spa getaway, for a few days of rejuvenating treatments to revitalize our spirits and treat our chronic ailments. Another suggestion if you want to improve your relationship is for you and hubby to take a spa vacation together.

The first step in choosing your spa destination is to know what type of treatments you are looking for. Do you just need some pampering or do you need intensive treatments to relieve various maladies and concerns?

Around the world there are many luxury spas, some offering specialty treatments and programs that offer life-changing results. There are also many spas that boast medicinal mineral waters with healing qualities.

Various therapies and treatments offered at spas include mud treatments, body scrubs, aromatherapy, clay, seaweed and hot stone massages, reflexology, reiki, non-surgical facelifts, facials and footbaths.

Internationally, Hungary is a country renowned for the its richest medicinal water resources. There, treatment programs and cave cures are monitored by experienced doctors in the spa and wellness resorts.

Another suggestion for the two of you if you want to “get your game on” is the new Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort located on Cancun’s Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. With more than 50 spa treatments offered, an electronic bingo room and an exclusive Jack Nicklaus 27-hole golf course, this Palace Resort is sure to please both “him” and “her.” For information telephone 1-800-635-1836 or visit www.palaceresorts.com.

Closer to home, Grail Springs Spa & Wellness Retreat, located at Bancroft, Ontario in the heart of Ontario’s ancient granite highlands, offers restorative healing through anti-aging, detoxifying and holistic spa therapies. This spa is considered a leader in life-transforming retreats by Elle Magazine. Inspired by the castles of Europe, the interior is graced with rich tapestries, stone fireplaces and wrought iron details and is feng shui certified. A visit to Grail Springs, whether for a two-night stay or the 12-night Transformation program, could change your life. Call 1-877-553-5772 or visit www.grailsprings.com.

Beautiful British Columbia also offers wealth of mineral springs, spas and wellness centres. For example in Whistler, B.C. you can combine winter skiing with pampering, intensive or traditional spa therapies at Solarice Wellness Centre and Spa. All body products used are organic and natural. For info call 1-888-935-1222 or visit www.solarice.com.

In the Kootenay Rockies you will find numerous hot mineral springs with spas and wellness centres. Some favourites include Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort (natural cave springs), Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Halcyon Hot Springs Resort, Nakusp Hot Springs, Radium Hot Springs and more. For more information visit www.kootenayrockies.com.

An enchanting destination right here in Alberta that is popular among spa-goers is the Fairmont Banff Springs Resort. Located in Banff, this Scottish-styled castle offers the seclusion and majesty of the Rocky Mountains and is the perfect getaway for any couple or the perfect hideaway for the busy professional. You can relax and unwind while enjoying the many spa treatments available at the Willow Stream Spa. For more information on this or any of Canada’s Luxury Destination Spas visit www.spasincanada.ca/spa_destinations.html.

Even if you cannot afford to go to a day spa or a spa retreat, treat yourself special right at home and as often as possible. A soothing bubble or aromatherapy bath in candlelight, a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate if that is your preference, and you have all the ingredients for a “spa experience” right at home.

Yes, the world is becoming more aware that a healthy lifestyle creates greater well-being and ultimately prevents disease.

Who could possibly have the winter blues, when feeling so blissful!