Built in 1913 with granite stones mined from Sunset Mountain, the Grove Park Inn overlooks the city of Asheville, N.C. and provides majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 43,000-foot spa opened in 2001 and boasts four different water features including a giant waterfall.
The Treatment: Fire, Water and Light, 80 min. $275
The signature treatment blends the natural elements of The Spa -- fire, rock, water and light -- into one luxurious experience and includes indulgences such as a softening soak, a full-body exfoliation, Vichy waterfall massage, healing body masque and a relaxing massage.
The DIY version: To recreate this blissful treatment at home, follow these steps from the spa's director.
Step 1: Begin in your shower by exfoliating your body with the Epicuren Old World Salt Scrub, $29 (at the spa). Step 2: Fill your tub with warm water and add a few drops of Grove Park Inn Spa All Natural Relaxing Lavender Shower Gel, $25. Slide in and let the lavender essential oil soften your skin and drift you into deep relaxation. Step 3: After soaking for 10-20 minutes, wrap up in a towel and prepare your soothing facial mask. Blend together a nickel-sized amount of Epicuren Volcanic Clay Purifying Mask, $14 and Epicuren Aloe Vera Calming Gel, $29. Apply a thin layer to your face. Allow to dry, then rinse with warm water and a damp cloth.
Step 4: Remove your towel and mist your face and body with the Epicuren Sandalwood Protein Mist, $22. This highly active enzyme solution works as a toner and hydrator for the face and body. Step 5: Finally, seal moisture into your skin by applying the Epicuren Sandalwood After Bath Lotion, $68.
There's something about getting a spa treatment that's transcendent. The entire ritual -- from the exhilarating moment you enter the sanctuary to the melancholy phase of checking out -- is indulgent and exhilarating. Especially when you're at a top-notch destination like the ones featured in this story. These award-winning spas are some of the best in the United States -- and for good reason. They're not only breathtaking to behold, but offer signature spa treatments steeped in either ancient methodologies, new wave thinkings or a combo of both -- all guaranteed to cure what ails you, and feel (mostly) heavenly in the process.
But, what if you can't make it to the Florida Keys or the Blue Ridge Mountains? What if a jaunt to Scottsdale for an Ayurvedic spa treatment simply isn't in the cards (or budget)? Relax. Thanks to overwhelming cooperation from the head honchos who run these swanky spas, we're able to bring you DIY information on their signature spa treatments. Sure, it's not exactly the same to experience, say, a salt glow in your tiny pink bathroom as it is in a luxurious suite with a Vichy shower, but with the step-by-step how-tos, and info on precisely which products to purchase to recreate the spa treatment as authentically as possible, you'll at least end up with similar results.
So, cozy up and flip through this gallery of spa treatment goodies and, as you read each tantalizing description, allow your mind's eye to be transported to the destination, luxuriating in the service. Then, when you come back down to earth, plan out how you're going to recreate that Shangri-La from the comfort of your own home. Your body -- and mind -- will be so happy you did.
