Looking out the wall of windows, I gaze into a garden oasis of tropical plants. Beyond this meditation garden is a sea of banana trees, magnolias, sabal palms and moss-draped oaks sheltering a boardwalk that leads to a tree house, the ultimate gathering spot for yoga classes. The immediate scene is beautifully tranquil and wonderfully relaxing–the perfect appetizer while awaiting the main course of herbal pampering.
Located in the top of Florida’s northeast corner, The Spa at Amelia Island is part of a 1,300-acre island resort of nature and luxury. The eco-friendly playground lies tucked between the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and green marshland and intra-coastal waters on the other. If you should ever find yourself there, you’ll encounter a full-service spa that features an enticing mix of treatments, services and spa programs.
Given my love for body wraps and coconut, I’m tempted by the Tropical Island Wrap. But after a day of kayaking and bike riding at the resort, the Deep Tissue Sports Massage seems more soothing. And soothing it is. Organic homeopathy and herbal combinations that include star fruit and coconut infused with heat instantly melt away muscle tension in a head-to-toe massage that leaves me feeling like soft butter.
I wish everyone could experience the soothing luxury of the Churana Detox Bath, which incorporates a host of Andean therapeutic herbs in a European hydrotherapy tub filled with 200 air and water jets that suspend your body while massaging every muscle with pulsating motion. The ancient herbal blend contains more than 22 hand-harvested and dried herbs that include lemon balm, lemon verbena, basil and dandelion. Herbal indulgence, indeed!
• FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation
6800 First Coast Highway
Amelia Island, FL 32034
(877) 843-7722
www.spaamelia.com
