I have a question that fits into the spa theme of this thread.....I'm interested in having a massage during our next trip. We are staying at VWL and AKV.... While I would like to try the spa at SSR, it may be more convenient to just book a massage at one of the resorts we are actually staying at. Has anyone done this at either VWL or AKV?
Thanks!
I adore my Mystical Forest lotion though!
I just had the Mystical Forest package on Monday (3 hrs: wrap, massage/reflexology, and facial) and it was heavenly. For once, the aesthetician wasn't overly chatty and just let me veg.
I kinda regret purchasing 2 of the skin products, however, since I really shouldn't be spending that kinda cash right now
Kate
I'm so sorry! It certainly is expensive to not get a fabulous experience.
I just had the Mystical Forest package on Monday (3 hrs: wrap, massage/reflexology, and facial) and it was heavenly. For once, the aesthetician wasn't overly chatty and just let me veg.
I kinda regret purchasing 2 of the skin products, however, since I really shouldn't be spending that kinda cash right now
Kate
). 
Now that I know what it is I'm more likely to do it.
aclov said:
Mystical Forest is, I think, rosemary and lavender, not evergreen. It's not an overwhelming scent, either--in fact, many of the products they use are not scented or only lightly scented.
I checked in at about 10 minutes before my appointment and they took me down to the locker room where I changed into a robe and slippers and went back up to the lounge to wait for my first treatment. They have tea, water and fruit in the lounge (which is co-ed, by the way; the locker room is not
Mike, my wrap therapist, came to get me in the lounge. He's very sweet and it's all very carefully orchestrated so you don't feel weird or exposed (the massage and facial were both done by women). You get undressed and lie on a table on your back with a towel wrapped diaper-like over your privates and another over your chest. First you are scrubbed down gently with a brush and then the mud is applied with a paint brush over your legs, sides, back, chest and tummy. He wraps you up in a cocoon of warm towels and lets you relax for about 10 minutes. Then you hop out and get into a shower to wash off the mud, and then get back under the covers on the table and he applies a light oil. The therapist leaves the room every time you are moving around with nothing on, so I was not uncomfortable at all.
After each treatment, they wait outside for you to get back into your robe, give you a cup of water, then take you back to the lounge for the next treatment. When you're all done, you're welcome to hang out in the sauna for as long as you like.
The package was $330 before tip. Kinda pricey, but it was one of the best spa experiences I've had, and not out of line with other top-quality spas.
Kate
if I didn't have anything on under the robe and found out that you're supposed to 
Mystical Forest is, I think, rosemary and lavender, not evergreen. It's not an overwhelming scent, either--in fact, many of the products they use are not scented or only lightly scented.
I checked in at about 10 minutes before my appointment and they took me down to the locker room where I changed into a robe and slippers and went back up to the lounge to wait for my first treatment. They have tea, water and fruit in the lounge (which is co-ed, by the way; the locker room is not
Mike, my wrap therapist, came to get me in the lounge. He's very sweet and it's all very carefully orchestrated so you don't feel weird or exposed (the massage and facial were both done by women). You get undressed and lie on a table on your back with a towel wrapped diaper-like over your privates and another over your chest. First you are scrubbed down gently with a brush and then the mud is applied with a paint brush over your legs, sides, back, chest and tummy. He wraps you up in a cocoon of warm towels and lets you relax for about 10 minutes. Then you hop out and get into a shower to wash off the mud, and then get back under the covers on the table and he applies a light oil. The therapist leaves the room every time you are moving around with nothing on, so I was not uncomfortable at all.
After each treatment, they wait outside for you to get back into your robe, give you a cup of water, then take you back to the lounge for the next treatment. When you're all done, you're welcome to hang out in the sauna for as long as you like.
The package was $330 before tip. Kinda pricey, but it was one of the best spa experiences I've had, and not out of line with other top-quality spas.
Kate
) She does the 25 minutes of traditional massage first while you are laying on your front, then you flip over and she works on your legs and feet (I guess if you are having problems with your hands she could work on those, too). If you don't want the reflexology treatment, you could get a 50 minute massage instead.
I always thought it was part of any facial. The facial was pretty good... not the very best I've had, but definitely not the worst. It did not help that I'd gotten a little too much sun in the 2 days before so my skin was a little more sensitive than normal. She has you get under the covers (underwear is fine, just take your bra straps down if you are wearing one; the aesthetician is not in the room), then she does an exam to see what condition your face is in. They use Sodashi products, which I've not encountered before, but they're pretty pricey. Because each person's needs are different, the facial is not "Mystical Forest" specific and she'll use the products she thinks you'll need. Did a cleanse, steam, extraction (zit squeezing, which you can usually request not to have done), mask and an eye treatment, as well as a hand massage while the mask set. She explains exactly what she's doing each step, and what products are being used. The only problem was that she spoke very softly and the music kinda drowned her out! At the end, she fills out a card listing what she used and which products she recommends you buy. Remember, you are not obligated to buy anything!
The reflexology turned out to be better than I expected. I'd had it done before, but thought this time I needed more work on my back and shoulders than feet. However, we actually carry a lot of tension in our feet, and especially after racing around the parks for 2 days, the foot work was sorely needed (pun intended
Hope that helps!
Kate
