The Spa at Palmetto Bluff is set beside serene waterways flowing through verdant sprawling countryside, lush gardens and moss laden oak trees, will lull you into a peaceful state of mind, body and heart.

Don't Miss: Baths on the Bluff. Relax to the sounds of nature while bathing on your private outdoor veranda overlooking the maritime forests and rivers of Palmetto Bluff. Each bath is formulated with unique desires in mind including "Sea Foam Escape", "Lemon Balm and Jasmine" and "Fresh Cucumber, Mint and Lemon."

Tucked into the side of the luxury Mountain Village section of the property, the spa complex now incorporating The Bush Spa, blends well with the natural environment. The natural stone, thatched double storey main building is curved to represent a baby lying in the foetal position to evoke feelings of nurturing, comfort and peace. The Bush Spa offers a range of luxurious health and spa treatments, including hydrotherapy, massage, body wraps, and skin care treatments.

Take time to enjoy the healing and relaxing benefits of water therapy in the outdoor Hydrotherapy Spa Garden, featuring a heated jacuzzi pool, a refreshing waterfall and the Elixir Liquid Sound Flotation Pool designed for floating.

Some of the spa's signature treatments include the Garden Spa Facial - $199 - A deluxe 100- minute facial utilizing elements from the garden (includes face, hand and foot massage).

In the recently completed 5,200-square-foot spa, you will have your choice of a wide-range of renewal services: Massage Therapy, Kneipp water treatments, Skin Care, Makeup Application, Hair Services, Body Wraps, Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing/Hair Removal, Hydrotherapy, and more.

The Garden Spa also offers its guest a host of amenties, including Swiss Showers (locker rooms equipped with multiple-head, pulsating showers that reach those aching trouble spots), a Vichy Shower (horizontally situated showerheads provide a gentle cascade of water as you rest), a Kohler Soaking Tub (state-of-the-art overflowing bath creates the ultimate soaking experience), a Hydrotherapy Tub (scores of jets pulsate to soothe muscles and facilitate circulation), a relaxing Sanctuary Room dedicated to rest and meditation before and after treatments, Multi-Purpose Suites (specialized rooms allow different treatments to be given to guests who may require privacy and convenience), and a Water Massage Table (Massage table with water- cushioned support, perfect for pregnant women and others with limited mobility).

Don't miss a "Kneipp Water Kur" at this comprehensive spa facility. In the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, an entire town is devoted to the philosophies of the 19th-century doctor known as the father of preventative medicine. Throughout Europe, "Kneippism" is a way of life for the more than 80,000 visitors each year who visit any of the 660 clubs belonging to the Kneipp Society. The Garden Spa is proud of its distinction as the only spa in Houston to subscribe to the Kneipp philosophy.

Our staff-favorite Kneipp soak is the Valerian & Hops Stress- Reducing Herbal Bath -- a deep cobalt blue ocean of calm in a bathtub, which we rely on whenever we check into a hotel after a long and arduous flight.

Amid the hustle bustle and burning sun of downtown Burbank, California, there exists a quiet garden spa in a restored landmark building, with a unique feature -- one of the only authentic Finnish saunas in the US. Entering through the rustic iron gate at Burbank Spa & Garden, Burbank, California, USA, you step into a lush garden with a central fountain and cozy seating areas. Clients travel from all over the country to visit the traditional Finnish sauna, specialized massage techniques, and many other luxurious Spa services. Amenities include a spa boutique and gift shop, relaxation garden, sauna with eucalyptus steam, showers, spa robes and slippers, a vanity area and complimentary fruit.
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Voted number one of California's top ten luxury day spas, Le Petite Retreat Spa in Los Angeles, California, USA, has been featured in numerous articles and television shows including NBC's "The Other Half", Los Angeles Magazine, Day Spa Magazine, Elle magazine, Allure Magazine, American Spa Magazine, Los Angeles Family Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times. At Le Petite Retreat Day Spa, guests enjoy fresh flowers, bubbling fountains, a glowing fireplace and soothing aromas, signature facials and deep tissue massages in a plush outdoor garden cabana, and invigorating hydrotherapy baths in an exclusive Copper Tub... the only one of its kind in Los Angeles.
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Avanyu, a Tewa Native American name for a mythical water serpent, represents the restorative and life-giving power of water. Avanyu Spa at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamoranda, Florida, USA integrates water therapies with the use of nourishing products from the sea and the surrounding region to revive body and soul. Nestled amid the tropical splendor and lush gardens, guests enjoy a 5,000-square-foot oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa features four massage rooms, two facial rooms, a wet room with a Vichy shower for scrubs and wraps, a Poolside Cabana and Oceanside Tiki Hut for outdoor treatments .
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Mystic Garden Spa & Salon in Longmont, Colorado, USA, offers a full menu of spa services, including hydrotherapy, in a garden inspired setting with pale buttercup, lavender, and sky blue treatment rooms, with soft murals and colors meant to relax its patrons. Mystic Garden offers an excellent "Create Your Own Package" for Spring, valid through May 31st, 2005. For $100, choose any 2 services from this list: Express Massage, Express Facial, Haircut, Formal Style, Manicure w/paraffin therapy, and, then receive any 1 service from this list: Pedicure, Manicure, full set of Nails, or special occasion Make- up. What better way to refresh than a $100 hair to toes package?
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Available from the Lavender Marketplace: lavender soaps, bath and body products, lavender pillows and sachets, lavender heated spa products, lavender wreaths and bouquets. Also featured: farm tours, U- cut lavender, lavender plants, lavender massage and aromatherapy, wreath & craft making, and lavender cuisine. In addition, three times each day of the festival, Sonoma Lavender will offer a class to help you discover health and beauty secrets of lavender. You'll learn relaxation techniques, rejuvenation tips, exfoliation and deep moisturizing treatments, all in preperastionto set up your own in-home spa. Saturday & Sunday, June 18 & 19, 2005, 10am-4pm. Directions and additional information on the website.

Visit our Spa at Home collection to view the entire collection, and SharAmbrosia's three recipes. Photo courtesy of SharAmbrosia and AllNaturalBeauty.us.

Note: For those who enjoy making spa treatments or practicing aromatherapy at home, try two sources: Green Valley Aromatherapy in Canada (wholesale and retail) and the Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Centre of Australia (wholesale). Both companies offer excellent guidelines to the proper use and care of essential oils.

Green Valley tells us "Every home should have a bottle of Lavender [essential oil] as it is undoubtedly the most versatile and useful oil. It relaxes, soothes and restores balance to mind and body. It is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant and sedative. It also stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process." Green Valley's oils are 100% pure top quality product, and they are happy to provide safety data sheets via email. They offer three different varieties of Lavender Essential Oil: a middle note variety from Bulgaria, a high alpine variety from France, and, Lavendin from Provence, also in France. From $1.70 per bottle, USD. This is an excellent retail resource.

The Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Centre of Australia -- which also has a website for US and Canadian orders -- has a complimentary 39-page guide to Aromatherapy which you request on their website, and, has your favorite oils in quantities from 1/2 ounce to 55 gallon drums. AEOC offers a wide range of Therapeutic Essential Oils, Natural Raw Materials, Soap Making Bases and Supplies, Carrier and Vegetable Oil, Botanical Extracts and much more. Since shipping to the continential USA and Canada is complimentary, this is an excellent wholesale resource.

Says Sharon Houghton, its creator: "I've found that my favorite time to use this treatment is while taking a bath. I apply the formula to my hair and scalp. Put my hair up in a bun, and sink into the nice warm tub. After a few minutes of soaking and relaxing, I put my head into the water and release the product into the water. The same botanicals that are so good for the hair are also excellent for the skin, so it gives a double treatment by having it in the bath water as well. I then shampoo, rinse, add conditioner, and finish by rinsing in the shower. It makes for a very nice spa treatment and... very soft, silky hair. I hope that you enjoy this product as much as I have."

HairAmbrosia is made from Althea officinalis (Marshmallow root)- Symphytum officinale (Comfrey root) - Equisetum arvense (Horsetail leaves) - Arnica montana (Arnica flowers)- Lavandula officinalis (Lavender flowers) - Santalum album (Sandalwood flowers) - Jasminum odoratissimum (Jasmine flowers).

SharAmbrosia was formed by Sharon Houghton, a licensed aesthetician. After many years of giving professional facials and body treatments, she realized that she could utilize what she's learned to help relax, heal and beautify even more people on the Internet. She operates AllNaturalHealth.us, AllNaturalBeauty.us and other websites devoted to relaxation and wellness. Sharon donated this month's Spa at Home Treatment Recipes, and the photographs, as well. Thank you, Sharon!

Paisley, plush or dot fabric. 44 x 18" From $56, through select retailers linked on Sonoma Lavender's website, Greenfeet.com, and, at the Sonoma Lavender Festival in June.

Our winners will be receiving a confirming email from us, so watch your mailbox and be certain to have newsletter@spaindex.com added to your "white list" or address book so that we are not spam- filtered.

Quadonna Duncan, Wilmington, Delaware
Tammy, Wattsburg, Pennsylvania
Krista, Ballston Lake, New York
Lauren, Mount Dora, Florida
Deb Royle, Fayetteville, New York
Lucy Remitz, Larkspur, California
Laurie Landry, Gaffney, South Carolina
Elaine Hardman, Cedar Hill, Texas
Guy Béranger, Marseille, France
Terry Herman, Westmont, Illinois
Cynthia Flesher, Turlock, California
Karen, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Shontelle, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jane's Beauty World, Perth, Australia
Kathy Ninaka, Scarborough, Ontario
Neena Taylor, Houston, Texas
Julie Merrick (no city specified)
Sheila Walker, Dearborn Heights, MI
Laura, Lombard, Illinois
Mona, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Myers, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Jan, Bethesda, Maryland
Christina, Mary Esther, Florida
Heather, Detroit, Michigan
Erin, Manhattan, Kansas
 

In addition, five (5) newsletter subscribers have won "Fresh and Clean Scented Foot Bath Salts", from Spa Index. Those winners are:

Nikki Danner, Mesa, Arizona
Iva, Fairdale, Kentucky
Tara, Valencia, California
Ros, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Carrie, Westmont, Illinois
 

The recipe of the month at Green Mountain at Fox Run in Vermont, USA is delicious homemade, and healthy, pizza. Everyone loves pizza, and there are as many kinds as the imagination can conjure up. Green Mountain offers recipes for two versions: An Italian classic Tomato, Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza, and a favorite from the Recipes for Living cookbook, Grilled Pear, Onion and Goat Cheese. Get the Recipes!

One of our favorite newsletters is from Hart and Hind Fitness Ranch, in Texas. Always entertaining and always accompanied by Cowgirl Chef Paula Disbrowe's recipes for delicious cuisine, it's a must-read for us. Chef Disbrowe offers a healthy recipe for Peter Rabbit Garden Soup. Get the Recipe!