Home > The Luxe Life
Free six-packs at Birds this Friday
Birds Barbershop is keeping Austin cool with its “Fill Your Cooler” program.
Birds East, 1107 E. Sixth St., is giving away free Lone Star six-packs to the first 50 customers on Friday, July 3, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
So head on over to jazz up your ‘do and fill your cooler before partaking in Independence day festivities.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Salons
Tall honors for dad on summer’s longest day
Summer solstice — the longest day of the season — is also Father’s Day this year, meaning you’ll get some extra time with your father this weekend.
Why not take him to Birds Barbershop for a haircut and some beer?
Lone Star and Birds have teamed up to offer free tallboys this Sunday, June 21, at all four locations. Bike to Birds and you’ll get a free shampoo with your haircut too.
So grab pops, hop on a bike, soak up the sun and crack open a tallboy while you — and dad — get new hairdos this weekend. It’s the manly thing to do.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Salons
Look good, guys, with help from Nordstrom
Life after college usually means job interviews and a need for a professional wardrobe. Here comes the “Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style” (Chronicle Books, $19.95) by New York-based consumer trend expert Tom Julian, with a foreword by Pete Nordstrom, president of merchandising for the luxe department store.
The notebook-sized fashion tome goes through four major style categories — trend, contemporary, classic and luxury. Topics include picking the right fabrics and patterns, finding the perfect fit and how to tie various tie styles as well as packing tricks, style tips and stain removal.
The book is available at Nordstrom at Barton Creek Square, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360), Amazon.com and other book retailers.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Products
Eco Shoppe arrives in Austin with an earth-friendly focus
There is good news to report on the local green scene, as Austin welcomes the nation’s first Eco Shoppe at 10255 Research Blvd., Suite 900. A division of the Vitamin Shoppe, this new concept store is dedicated to providing the best in green living products, services and education for an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Store departments include apparel, home and garden, gifts, office, pets, kids, yoga and conservation. The Eco Shoppe will feature local Austin vendors such as Olive Green Dog and Mod Green, as well as green-brands like Klean Kanteen, Under the Canopy, Kassatex, Born Free, Bambu Home and Caldrea.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Products
Clips, feathers add style to your hair
Looking to give your hairdo some pizzazz?
Cedar Park High School senior Marlo Adelle Greta’s hair line, Marlo Adelle Accessories, is getting international orders as well as winning honors, such as the National Federation of Independent Business/McKelvey Foundation Young Entrepreneur Award and the Texas Christian University Youth Entrepreneur of the Year and scholarship money.
In its fourth year of production, the line features hair accessories, hair jewelry, hair clips and brooches. Also, there’s the new Plumette “Vintage” Collection of brooches and hair clips made from imported feathers with shells, hand-painted flowers and beads. You can order custom-made Plumettes with coque and ostrich feathers with black shells, rhinestones and beads.
The pins and pieces range in price from $7.50 to $21.99 and can be ordered online.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Products
After brunch, take mom to the spa
Sometimes, moms need their own quiet time. Give yours a relaxing day for Mother’s Day or any other day. Sabia, 1213 W. Fifth St., is offering an hourlong full-body massage, one-hour facial and optional makeup touch-ups. The holistic facial will include aromatic compresses, hydrating steam, a healing Cacaolatte scrub, a handmade honey and rose clay mask, and moisturizer. The $130 package is available on Mother’s Day and on May 17.
Other options are at 26 Bones Foot Spa, 1403 W. 47th St., which has a Mother’s Day special with a hot stone massage and hot stone manicure and pedicure and fresh-cut flowers. The package is 3 hours for $200.
For mothers-to-be, there is a one-hour full body prenatal massage using pillows followed by a hot stone manicure and pedicure and a special gift for the new baby. The package is 3 hours for $210 through Mother’s Day.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
Now arriving near Gate 13: Respite and relaxation
There are plenty of things about flying that rub me the wrong way, so I figured it was about time to have a different sort of experience at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
I found what I was looking for at Knot Anymore, which offers 10-minute to 30-minute walk-up chair massages right there at the airport, near Gate 13, under the stairway to the Admiral’s Club. It’s right across from an arrival-departure board, where travelers can easily find it.
When I arrived at the check-in desk, there were already four men face-down in the four chairs, looking like starfish draped happily over rocks. Rebecca Kahn, who opened Knot Anymore at the airport in 2000, told me that’s typical. Most of the clients, she said, are outbound businessmen.
“They almost always say, ‘My body needed it,’ ” Kahn said.
Why would men, who tend to shy away from traditional spas, be so willing to relax and get rubbed on a massage chair at an airport? Because they get to keep their clothes on?
Kahn nodded, saying, “I think that’s probably it.” She said that 40 percent of the business is from repeat customers, so clearly the guys are into it.
I was perfectly happy to be the only woman getting a chair massage at that moment. Jennifer Keen, my therapist, put a new cover on the face cushion, adjusted the seat for my short self and went to work.
For the next 20 minutes she pushed, stretched, kneaded, knuckled and otherwise worked to cajole my back, neck and arms into relaxed submission. She found, as all therapists do, the knot in my left shoulder that I always blame on my heavy purse. She went after it like a baker kneading bread. I heard a few cracks and pops as the spot near my shoulder blade loosened up.
This was no cursory chair massage. It was a good, deep-tissue workover. If Keen hadn’t stopped a few times to pull my knit top down to cover my lower back, I’d have forgotten she was working through cloth.
While I was enjoying my massage, some of the men around me got up, and others — along with one woman — took their places, each quietly imparting information about which part of his or her back was most troublesome.
When Keen was done, I emerged relaxed and prepared — as much as one can be — to meander into a cramped metal tube.
I said I’d be back to treat myself again the next time my plane is delayed, and Eric Smith, Knot Anymore’s site manager, said he hears that a lot.
“People come back looking for a specific therapist,” he said.
Sure. That happens when you’ve been rubbed the right way.
Knot Anymore
Near Gate 13 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
10-minute massage $12; 15 minutes $17; 20 minutes $22 and 30 minutes $35.
Closed Saturdays.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
Remember Mother’s Day with cosmetics from Sisley, Giorgio Armani and Chanel
Just in time for Mother’s Day shopping, the makeup counters at Saks Fifth Avenue, 9722 Great Hills Trail, are getting a little fuller.
Sisley launches a new trio of fragrances on May 6, the Eau de Sisley Fragrances. Giorgio Armani premieres a Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20 inspired by extreme conditions backstage and at photo shoots — Uma Thurman, Alicia Keys and Angelina Jolie are all fans of the satin-touch, 14-hour stay foundation. Chanel introduces its Summer makeup collection inspired by resort destinations: lip glosses in cool coral, sun-soaked red, sandy-pink beige, lush peach and shimmering copper rose evoke the glow of a Mediterranean vacation.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Products
Allow a massage therapist to walk all over you
Remember the “Charlie’s Angels” scene in which Lucy Liu gives a bad guy a massage with her feet? Now you can try it yourself.
Massage Harmony, a spa owned by Derrick Amoriko, is having an open house event from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19 to promote its Ashiatsu Bar Therapy program. The spa’s Bee Cave Road location has four new rooms for the treatment and six trained therapists.
In this type of massage, a therapist uses bare feet to apply pressure while she or he is supported by two parallel bars anchored to the ceiling. “Ashiatsu” comes from the Japanese words for foot (ashi) and pressure (atsu).
During the event, the spa will offer Ashiatsu massages at the introductory rate of $44 for a 60-minute session. (The rate will be available through the end of April.) Also, attendees will be able to participate in live demonstrations. Hot tea and light snacks will be available. 3300 Bee Cave Road, 306-0900, massageharmony.com.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
Gadget gets to source of blemishes with heat
Hoping to rid yourself of blemishes for your hot date night?
You might consider Zeno, an over-the-counter blemish device that can be found at stores such as Walgreens, CVS and Wal-Mart and online at myzeno.com. The portable device, which has Austin’s Sante Ventures as an investor, helps to eliminate or visibly fade acne within 24 to 48 hours for most users.
Zeno uses heat to treat blemishes by killing the bacteria that causes acne.
The device’s retail prices range from $89 for a Zeno Mini, which uses two AAA batteries, to $189 for the Zeno Pro, which comes with a wall charger, leather case and mirror. The more advanced Zeno MD can be found through physicians and medical salons in Austin.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Products
Django Spa at Lost Pines resort awakens mind and body with rhythmic massage
I love the serpentine 2.7-mile drive from Texas 71 down the narrow paved road through the trees to Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, deep in the woods of Bastrop County.
I like to roll down my window and listen to the birds chirp as I poke along at the posted 19 mph — until somebody roars up behind me, nudging me to go faster (and I do, grudgingly).
I’m on my way to the resort’s Spa Django, where I’ve signed up for the signature Django massage, which, in honor of Austin’s Live Music Capital status, emphasizes rhythmic massage that changes with the accompanying music.
Django, by the way, translates as “I awake” from the Romany language, and the spa folks say the name pays tribute to gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt.
As massage therapist Bonnie John begins with a medium-pressure kneading of my back, though, it’s not Reinhardt I hear but a soothing dose of Moby.
Throughout the massage, the music changes, and the rhythm of the massage does change as the tempo picks up — but it doesn’t pick up much. This is all spa-friendly mood music; it’s not as though Marcia Ball’s keyboard sets the pace. (That would hurt.) The music is soft enough that I’m barely aware it’s there.
Before long, John is deep into my muscles, trying gamely to get a persistent knot out of my back. She asks: Do I lean on that arm while I’m driving? No. There has to be some reason for the tension in the left side of my upper back, she says. It’s only later that one possibility occurs to me: I carry my purse, which probably weighs 10 pounds, on that shoulder.
The scent of sage wafts around me. Before we started, John gave me a choice of cedar wood, sage, lavender or ginger oil for the massage. I chose sage because it’s subtle — not that I am subtle, but I like to seem subtle or at least smell that way.
John tells me that in the world of aromatherapy, sage contributes to “mind-clearing and groundedness,” both of which I can always use a good dose of.
She places a heat pack on my back as she moves to my arms and legs, adding some of the sage to a multiscented cream for that part of the massage.
As she works on my limbs, she talks (only because I’ve asked her to) about other aspects of mind-body health. She notes that a dose of cod liver oil can help moisturize skin (mine’s a bit dry) and help keep the heart healthy. For the mind, she recommends, instead of worrying about bad things, imagine good things happening.
Then, as I listen to a softly strumming guitar, she finishes with a massage of my face and neck. The sage makes me smile. I’m ready to roll down the window and drive back to the world.
Afterglow
I’m reluctant to hurry back to the highway, so I join a friend for lunch in the resort’s Firewheel Cafe. We share a goat cheese, spinach and artichoke dip, followed by my huge grouper sandwich with sweet potato fries and her gigantic poached chicken burrito. Thus fortified, I can face traffic again.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
‘Project Runway’ contestant, designer bring pop-up boutique to Malverde
Elisa Jimenez, a contestant on “Project Runway’s” fourth season, will feature pieces from her three lines — Urban Nomads, The Hunger World and “other” — at a one-night-only pop-up boutique at Malverde on Thursday, April 2, from 6 to 9 p.m.
To accompany Jimenez’s pieces, Moe Nadel will be selling Meander War contemporary carry-all bags.
Some of the items popping up will be direct from New York Fashion Week and The Continuum Art Fair. Both designers will be selling at well below wholesale prices; Jimenez’s items will range from $20 to $225.
Stop by and join other celebrity clients — including Marisa Tomei, Courtney Love, Cher and Sarah Jessica Parker, among others — who are fans of Jimenez’s work.
Malverde is located in Downtown Austin at 400 W. Second St.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Products
Ron King launches new cosmetics line
Ron King’s new line of cosmetics is all about moisturizing and revitalizing the skin. It’s easy-to-wear makeup for an on-the-go Texas lifestyle.
King’s line was developed specifically for use in Texas weather. It is made to wear well in humidity and is very light on the skin. With Austin’s heat, many people are looking for something that isn’t heavy — makeup that doesn’t feel like a mask.
“I wanted something everyone could use that fits the weather in Texas — something light and sheer to meet all ranges of skin tones and ethnicities,” King said.
His line of Mineral Tints with SPF 20 ($28) is vitamin-based and vitamins A, C and E — along with Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng — provide antioxidants and nourishing nutrients. It also has light-diffusing pigments that help fade lines away. This comes in a pump tube, and you can apply with your fingers, so you don’t waste money and time with brushes and sponges. It’s on the go.
You can wear Mineral Tints alone or after applying King’s Retexturizing Face Primer, also with SPF 20 ($26). The primer plays an important role in smoothing the face and prepping it for quick, even application. And for unsightly spots or under-eye areas, King’s Mineral Photo Touch concealer ($28) contains sodium hyoluronate, which attracts and holds up to 1,800 times its own weight in water to fill in the space between collagen and elastin fibers while refreshing the skin. Its corrective micro-spheres help to diffuse light for a camera-ready, flawless complexion … so you’ll be ready for your next A-List photo op.
Finish the look with King’s Lip Plump ($39.95), which also serves as a sheer lip treatment. It comes in four of King’s favorite shades. The Lip Plump draws moisture to the lips and keeps lips lubricated and plump. And with regular application, it actually decreases visible lines by 63 percent when applied three times a day over a 28-day period.
You can buy any of these products at King’s Bo Salon, Steiner Ranch Dermatology, and Restora Plastic Surgery.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Products
Spa treatments promise to give allergy sufferers a breath of fresh air
My daughters know that Austin’s allergy season is in full bloom when I phone them and announce, “This is Bomb.”
Spring is bomb season, for sure.
I’m at Lake Austin Spa Resort for the Breathe Easy facial, designed to defuse the pollen-allergy bomb and make my nose work as designed.
But first, I take a relaxing five-minute walk down the path from the resort’s Lakehouse Spa, through its beautifully landscaped grounds, past burbling water features to the activities center, where yoga teacher Paul Smith instructs me in some yoga techniques for managing allergies.
First, he shows me how to use a nasal irrigation pot, which my friends swear by. I’d always been a bit afraid of using one, but it’s really pretty simple.
Next, we work on various yoga breathing exercises, such as alternative nostril breathing and ujjayi, breathing with a slightly closed glottis, making a sort of soft hissing sound.
These techniques energize and strengthen the breathing system, Smith says. They are accompanied by hand positions to help direct the body’s energy currents. For example, in padma mudra, I form my hands into the round shape of a lotus flower opening its petals, concentrating on energy moving upward from the lotus and circulating through my body.
Sometimes Smith offers an affirmation for me to think while I’m doing the breathing and hand position, such as “I embrace the deeper heart of each being” or “I trust myself and I trust the world.” (The latter’s a tall order, especially for a journalist. But I try.)
Then we do some body positions, including one that’s a modified cat stretch but involves humming like a bee while I’m arching my back. Later, I rest on my back while thumping my chest like a gorilla waking up in the morning. (Ever see a bee or gorilla with a stuffy nose?)
I depart the session breathing through my nose — progress! — and head back to the spa for the facial.
The minute I walk into the room, I smell a gentle eucalyptus mist that I know will help my breathing.
Therapist Pascale Torrance explains that the aromatherapy is a big part of the Breathe Easy facial.
The primary ingredient of my facial is rose. She uses a rose cleanser and exfoliation agent, a rose mask and rose moisturizer and serum during a facial massage that includes pressing on my sinuses and forehead to clear congestion. The aroma of rose relieves stress, and rose also bolsters collagen — an added bonus.
Hands, arms and shoulders get their own massage, too.
It all feels divine. By the time I leave Lake Austin, my face is glowing and I am Mom, not Bomb, braced for the pollen battles ahead.
Afterglow
After shoring up my sinuses, I wanted nothing more than to walk outside and breathe, so I meandered down to Lake Austin’s garden, filled with herbs, veggies and flowers. Garden Design just named it one of the top 10 spa gardens in the world. At its end is a semicircular stone wall perfect for sitting, breathing and trusting the world.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
Let your frustrations float away at Zen Blend
Zen Blend is not your typical spa.
First, it’s located in a home off Slaughter Lane. Completely renovated to give it a spa-like atmosphere, the home has housed Zen Blend since 2001.
Second, there is just one massage therapist, Kristi Ludlam, and you are her only client. Kristi schedules, at most, three clients per day so that you are given ample time and aren’t rushed out the door to make room for the next person.
Two services are offered: the Zen massage and the flotation tank. I enjoyed the relaxation day for one, which includes both services. You are given the choice of deciding which service you would like first, and I chose to go with the massage simply because I wanted to be completely relaxed before entering the flotation tank. The massage takes place in the “living room” complete with candles, music and a fish tank.
I’ve had a few massages in my day, but nothing quite like a Zen massage. It was wonderful. The hot stone treatment, aromatherapy … everything was so seamless, soothing and relaxing. I would have been satisfied after that, but then came the float.
I headed upstairs to shower and rinse off the oil from the massage. Kristi gives you a tour beforehand, so I was very aware of what to do and where to go. From the shower, I was off to float. The tank is approximately 5 feet by 8 feet, holds 200 gallons of water and 800 pounds of Epson salt. There is so much salt in the water that you bounce straight up like a cork, and are essentially weightless.
There are underwater speakers inside the tank and you have a choice of music, or no music at all. There is also a timer on the tank so you could have music for a certain length of time and silence the rest. Inside the tank is completely dark — so dark that I would find myself wondering if my eyes were open or closed. The longer I was in the tank, the deeper I fell into relaxation. Pre-float, I thought I might have some difficulty staying in complete darkness and silence, trying to relax and clear my busy mind, but it was one of the best things I’ve ever experienced and I can’t wait to do it again.
After the float, it was off to the shower again. Everything is provided: towels, shampoo, body wash, lotion. Ladies, you may want to bring your brush.
Last is tea, chocolate, and a sit-down with Kristi. Being able to sit down and talk about the experience was a great treat because it was clear how passionate Kristi is and how much she believes in what she does.
Overall, Zen Blend was an unbelievable experience. They offer instant online gift certificates, or you can do it over the phone. Their rates are extremely reasonable and relaxation day packages are offered for one person or two.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
Rock, roll and relax
South by Southwest Platinum badge holders, beware: In between all the parties and music, you’re going to need a South by South rest.
In the middle of Austin’s own March Madness, stop by the Spa at the Four Seasons for the Relax Like a Rock Star treatment. Available during SXSW only (March 13-22) , the treatment begins with a penetrating mud mask to detoxify before a soothing scalp and foot massage, and it all leads up to a back, shoulder and neck massage.
Rumor has it you might well run into your favorite rock star while you’re there. $140 for 50 minutes. The Spa at the Four Seasons, 98 San Jacinto Blvd., 685-8160.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
Get ready for spring break with a Brazilian at Blush
Believe it or not, spring break and summer are right around the corner.
For the ladies, that means dusting off the razors and putting those bad boys back to work. If the thought of that brings out a groan, there’s always an alternative — waxing. I’ve had a few waxing jobs in my day, and I might have just stumbled upon my new favorite spot. It’s called Blush and recently relocated near the intersection of Medical Parkway and 45th Street.
It is a tiny upstairs unit with just a few rooms, very cozy, and run solely by owner Angie Chase. Blush offers waxing services and facials, but specializes in Brazilians. And so with that information in hand, I decided to muster up the courage for one of Angie’s specialties. Before my appointment she gave me a few instructions:
The hair needed to be at least 1/4 of an inch long (about to two to three weeks of growth);
Exfoliate every day the week prior to the appointment using either a scrub with salicylic acid (such as St. Ives facial scrub for blackheads and blemishes) or exfoliating gloves scrubbing in circular movements against the hair growth.
Following both recommendations, the time had come for my appointment. I won’t go into detail about the specifics, but Angie was as gentle as she could be considering the circumstances, soothing and comforting during the uncomfortable moments, and very thorough.
I had heard great things about Angie’s talents and she definitely lived up to her hype. Besides being great at her trade, Angie is extremely personable, which is more of what I hobbled away thinking and less about the pain.
A few things you need to know about Blush:
Angie came up with the name Blush because she wanted something young, fun and simple to remember, also thinking about the fact that after you receive a facial your skin is fresh, new and glowing. Blushing.
Blush offers two lines of skincare products in-store — Epicuren and Image Skincare — so be sure to check those out while waiting or on the way out. Especially the coconut lotion.
Due to parking wars with the property owner, park on the street in front of or behind the building or you might get towed.
Blush is located on the second floor above Salon Sirah and Blue Skies framing, just south of the original Taco Shack.
Angie runs things all on her own, so if she doesn’t answer when you call to make an appointment, leave a message because she is more than likely with a client.
On that note, Blush is booked WEEKS in advance, so be prepared for that as well.
Cash and checks are the only forms of payment accepted.
Happy waxing!
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
Birds Barbershop now open on East Sixth Street
The third Birds Barbershop, located at 1107 E. Sixth St., opened its doors in late February.
Like the other Birds locations, the shop a cool Austin vibe, free Wi-Fi and a free Lone Star or Steamworks beer for every customer of age.
This cozy location features an oversized, wrap-around mural of East Austin painted by Bryan Keplesky using wheat-pasting techniques. Inside you’ll also find a classic video game to keep you company as you wait for your next haircut.
To celebrate the grand opening, Birds East will offer shoe shines for its customers, as well as weekend DJ sets. The shop will also host a Space Camp-themed day on Thursday, March 19 from noon to 8 p.m. where customers can enjoy a Ladybird or a Mohawk cut while jamming to top artists NASA, Cut Off Your Hands, King Khan & the Shrines … and a special guest.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Salons
Luxury hair oil long time in the making
Austin-based celebrity hairdresser Giacomo Forbes, 904 W. 12th St.has launched a new Organic Hair Oil Treatment after — get this — 18 years of experimentation.
The treatment is a custom blend of grape seed oil and the essential oils of French jasmine and organic mandarin, specially designed to heal damaged hair and give it a lustrous, healthy shine.
The native Italian stumbled upon an all-grape-seed oil treatment when he ran out of olive oil and discovered that grape seed was actually better. The jasmine and mandarin elements then came to him in a dream.
Celebrity client Ali Larter (“Heroes”) claims that this method of development makes perfect sense, saying, “Giacomo is an artist, and these hair oils are a natural extension of his creativity.”
The cost? $35 for 4 ounces.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Products
Milk + Honey makes tension evaporate with massage, steam
I breeze into Milk + Honey Spa at Hill Country Galleria on a cold, windy winter day. Red-faced and chill-bumpy, I’m ready to warm up and relax. The treatment I’ve chosen is sure to do that: In addition to scrubbing and massage, the process involves steaming.
Called the Spa Partisan, this treatment is design to make you a true aficionado of massage — not that I need any persuasion.
My therapist, Lisa Wickware, begins by dry-brushing my skin. Using a soft brush (and I get to take it home with me), Wickware brushes firmly in the direction of blood flow to the heart. Next comes the scrub. Wickware uses a mixture of brown sugar (less abrasive than salt), almond meal, buttermilk powder, decaf coffee and coconut oil. (If you’re allergic to coconut she’ll use grapeseed oil.) The mixture smells good enough to eat. She slathers me with it, scrubbing gently but firmly.
Despite Wickware’s best efforts, the scrub mix gets in my hair, of course. Scrubs always get in hair. They’re totally worth it, but that’s why I scheduled this treatment at the end of a workday. I can go home and wash my hair afterward.
After I’m thoroughly coated in the nutty coffee stuff, a steam tent is lowered and my body is softly steamed. I don’t feel hot and sweaty, just warm and cozy. I think about how cold I was outside and take comfort in the gentle heat.
While I’m steeping, Wickware gives me an amazing neck massage. The small headache I arrived with is banished.
As the steam tent is lifted, I’m briefly chilled — but not for long.
Wickware pours warm water over me to rinse off all the scrub mixture, then I towel off and move to a second, clean table for a long massage with — what else? — milk and honey. The spa’s milk and honey body butter is paraben-free and contains organic jojoba, shea butter, honey, chamomile botanicals, safflower, sunflower and sesame oil.
Wickware goes right for the problem area — my shoulders — leaning into the knots. My left side, as it turns out, is knottier than my right. Is this because I carry my purse on my left shoulder or because I lean on my left shoulder while I’m watching TV in bed? Probably a little of both. The deep-tissue massage, Wickware explains, releases chronic tension.
“When muscles are stressed, the fibers become contracted, blocking oxygen and nutrients leading to inflammation and a buildup of toxins in the muscle tissue,” she says. “A deep-tissue massage will loosen the muscle tissue to release toxins and get blood and oxygen circulating properly.”
The 100-minute Spa Partisan is a really special treatment — a great combination of elements, well done. And that’s how I emerge: well done. I’m thoroughly relaxed, and my skin is baby-soft.
Afterglow
My skin feels so soft. I want to maintain that softness. So I buy a 70 percent organic moisturizing cream that Lisa Wickware recommends. The Naked Bee orange blossom honey cream’s scent is sweet, but light, nicely balanced by the citrus. 8 ounces, $19.91.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
Get away at nearby Lake Austin Spa
The Lake Austin Spa & Resort is the perfect lovers’ getaway.
With romantic lakeside spots, the healthiest cuisine around, fun fitness options and tons of pampering services, the resort will help you relax and reconnect with your loved one.
The resort is upping the ante for Valentine’s Day weekend with wine and cheese tastings, cookie decorating classes, a cooking demo, special dance classes, a boat cruise and “fun at the fire pit.”
Three-night packages with three meals a day and unlimited fitness classes start at $1,555. Call (800) 847-5637.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Spas
Latest comments
I find it more than a tad suspicious that six of the eight comments added in the past year were all posted within 26 hours of each other and almost two full months after the article was published (and, thus, comment submissions opened). -Perhaps- a group
... read the full comment by Hhhmmm... | Comment on Nonmembers now welcome at El Rey Read Nonmembers now welcome at El Rey
Very interesting site, Hope it will always be alive!
... read the full comment by propecia | Comment on A fabulous day at the spa Read A fabulous day at the spa
I want to say - thank you for this!
... read the full comment by propecia | Comment on Get ready for spring break with a Brazilian at Blush Read Get ready for spring break with a Brazilian at Blush
Love, Love, Love this place. Best shave in Austin, and the nicest barbers you’ll ever meet.
... read the full comment by Josh Redner | Comment on Shave and haircut just the beginning at Finley's Read Shave and haircut just the beginning at Finley's
See more recent comments