Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy?

[srferson]

For those who have done it, how is the Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy? Does it really last 75 minutes? Is it worth $190?

 

[debc1212]

I had it last year on our Magic cruise. Mine lasted a bit longer than the time listed. But I think that is because it was a port day & the ship was nearly empty & the spa was really empty. It was relaxing and the warm stones felt soooo good. I had a kink in my neck for two days prior that she worked out for me. I thought the whole experience was fantastic. In fact, I liked it so much I booked it for our upcoming cruise in June.

 

[Tigger&Bubba]

Hot stones is a favorite massage for me. I have had great and not so great stone massage on the ships. It mostly depends on the experience of the CM. Those that are familiar with the stones, really know how to use them. Less experienced may not know how to adjust the pressure and temp to your preferences. It is very relaxing and worth the price but I always ask for someone that is experienced with the stones.

 

[srferson]

I made a reservation for our Nassau day.

(DH is going to do the rum and cigar excursion. I plan to stay on the ship and relax.)

Do you think I should keep the reservation? Or would it be better to wait until that day to book it?

Oh, and I am new to both cruising and spa stuff... Do you tip the masseuse? If so, about how much do you normally tip?

 

[bcanderson78]

Congrats on your upcoming cruise!! I did the hot stone massage last August on the Dream and I still think about it. It was the best massage I ever had and can't wait to try it again. I'd keep your day booked because in my experience, the massages can sometimes be very popular.

You can always change once you are onboard if wanted but at least for now, you have a space and time reserved. My massage lasted the whole 75 minutes and I think I tipped them 18 - 20% when I was done but I was in such a state of bliss, that I don't actually remember.

They may also try to offer other products to you after the treatment but if you're not interested, just say no and they won't push too hard. You're not required to purchase anything to enjoy a great massage.

Have a great time sailing!!

 

[srferson]

Wow. You tipped around $35 for a massage that already costs almost $200? I'm not sure I can justify that to myself. $190 already seems like a lot...
I have no intention of stiffing anyone, but seriously, where is that $190 going if you then still need to tip big?

 

[bcanderson78]

I agree with you, the $35 was a big chunk of money. I've always looked at tips for massages (and hair, nails, etc) as that is what the person is actually bringing home. The actual fee is for the building, spa environment, owners and tools needed for massage (heer, the stones).

If I think of it that way, $35 isn't extremely terrible for someone who is an expert in their craft. There are other massages available for slightly smaller prices, that may be within your acceptable limits with tip included. I've always wanted to try the bamboo massage, which I think was a bit cheaper.

If you're looking for something pampering but maybe not particular in what it is exactly, you can definitely wait until the cruise and see what specials they are offering. We got pedicures done that way and it was very relaxing as well. The Rainforest Spa is also great and that you pay per day.

If you're unsure of the Rainforest Spa, it's a co-ed place in the spa that offers rainforest style aromatherapy showers (4 of them I think). Also in there are multiple steam rooms/saunas but the best part are the heated tile loungers! One of my favorite memories of another cruise was relaxing on the warm soothing tiles and just listening to the waves. They require everyone to wear robes while in the Rainforest Spa and I'd say almost everyone had their bathing suits on as well (if you used the shower, they all did).

There are plenty of options to pamper yourself without having to pay the large price tag of the hot stone massage. I haven't tried a bad one yet!

 

[srferson]

Yeah, actually, I was planning to get passes for the rainforest room for me and DH for that same day.

I don't know. Maybe I should just get a manicure or pedicure or something. Or maybe just wait until that day, head down when DH leaves for his excursion, and see what I can get.

Have you had the pedicure? Do they really soak your feet in milk? If so, how big of a part of the pedicure is that? I think I'd like a pedicure, but I can't do the milk thing.

 

[bcanderson78]

We ended up doing the fire and ice pedicure, which was on special, so there wasn't any milk soak that I recall. I had a peppermint soak I think in the kind of standard pedicure whirlpool foot baths. If the milk isn't a good option for you, I'm sure you could ask for alternatives and see if there is a different soak option.

I did the pedicure a couple days after a major car accident and they totally adapted the process to fit my limitations. We just went the first day (also usually a deal on the rainforest passes that day) and asked what I could do because of the accident. They cancelled all of our other appointments and booked us into the fire and ice pedicure the next day. The whole process was very easy and they helped out a lot.

 

[srferson]

Oh, that's so nice. I'm sorry about your accident, but it's great that they made sure you were pampered properly.

I believe I read the milk thing while looking at descriptions of treatments in the website "Planning Center." I'd guess if it's actually used, they could just work around it without much trouble.

Is there ever a problem getting rainforest passes on the day you want to use them? Do they sell out? I can't imagine it would be a huge problem on a port day...

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks to those providing input!

 

[bcanderson78]

I'm not completely familiar with the usage of the rainforest passes but I've been told that they do limit the number of people allowed in each day. I'm assuming that is due to space though, so this way 100 people don't try to sit on 12 loungers.

On a port day, you should be fine to get a pass for that day and it's good all day. I think the passes you buy at the beginning of the cruise are for the length of the cruise but I could be mistaken. The prices might be like $16 - $20 a day if you buy per day. The cruise-length pass might be little cheaper if you're going to go every day.

 

[fijidoc]

My wife and I just did a couples massage and both got the aroma stone therapy. We loved it! it was our favorite massage we have done.

We did tip 20% each for ours on top of the fee for the couples massage.