Paradise in Paradise: A Review of The Ikal Spa at InterContinental's Cancun Hotel

The best spas really are like paradise. You're whisked away somewhere fabulous, invited to stay just a few hours before it's back to the daily grind. But what's a hotel to do when it's smack dab of the middle of a stunning stretch of Cancun beach and all the guests are constantly surrounded by paradise? That's what the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort has attempted to answer with its brand new Ikal spa--the first on property. 

Isn't that just gorgeous?

After you've slid open a glass door, get ready to be surrounded by a soothing gray and off-white environment. Hibiscus flowers are floating in standing water. After you're greeted at the front desk, you'll get to relax on some comfy lounge chairs. Nosh on fresh fruit or tasty oatmeal cookies (I may have had three or four) while you wait for your treatment. 

                                       You'll love this table full of treats. Tip: Try the cookies first.

                                              The doorway to spa heaven.

Treatment rooms all have Mayan names. The rooms are standard spa rooms. There's a massage table, a counter with a sink and a heater for towels. There's a couples massage room too if you'd like to receive a treatment at the same time as your lover or friend. 

The treatment menu features massages, aromatherapy and reflexology. The menu also incorporates Mayan techniques into the mix with offerings like the Aroma Mayan Experience--a massage that uses scents like lavender, bergamot and chamomile to help you and your muscles really unwind. My 80-minute signature massage helped me relax and worked out some of the tight spots in my muscles. I carried that feeling with me throughout my day. 

The centerpiece of the spa is this gorgeous pool. Yes, I had a great time relaxing in here.

The centerpiece of the spa is a pool modeled after a cenote--a natural pit that fills with groud water. The pool in the center--turn on the jets to soothe your muscles or leave them off to relax in the still water. The white loungers surrounding the pool are exactly where you'll want to lay back and read or rest. I had my trusty September issue of Glamour with me the whole time.

You'll love lounging on these chic white loungers when you're not taking dip.

I found it very soothing to relax in the water and then lounge by the pool. My only complaint was the door faced the hallway where the staff was wandering around, which meant the noise from the hall spilled over into the lounge area. It's a small space, so I understand that there's not much that can be done about that though. 

Additional amenities include a salon and a locker room that comes complete with showers and a steam room too. I personally loved the ultra-modern rainwater showerheads. 

                                                    The spa's locker room. 

                                                       I loved this shower. 

Overall, I can say that the spa is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a treatment if you're in Cancun. And after you're done, you can lay on the beach that's just a few steps away to sink deeper into a state of tranquility. After all, you're in paradise wherever you are at this hotel.

Get in Touch with Nature and Wine at the Spa at The Allison

The best spas are havens of relaxation. As soon as you step inside, you'll feel your worries melt away as you prepare to be pampered. And The Allison Inn & Spa is no exception to that rule. This Oregon property just outside of Portland is home to a spa that helps bring the outdoors in. From the pool with stunning outside views and the stream flowing underneath the walkway leading to the spa or the lounges complete with doors that let the light in, the entire space is designed to help you connect with nature.

 

The dreamy pool. 

I think earth tones can be a bit drab, but the beige tones throughout this spa proved to be soothing. And like most, I can always appreciate a comfy lounge chair that you literally sink into.

The spa menu features body treatments, facials, massages and even some salon services too. Seeing as The Allison is in the heart of Oregon's wine-producing Willamette Valley --known for its tasty Pinot Noir--many treatments incorporate wine into the mix. The signature Divine Wine facials includes a honey and wine masque, antioxidant serum and finishes off with a grapeseed moisturizer. Sounds nourishing, huh?

The treatment rooms are designed to remind guests of their beautiful surroundings too. I enjoyed my tension-melting massage as the light streamed in through the windows. Afterwards, I basked in the sun on a lounge chair with two other women on my press trip as I enjoyed salmon (a must-try in the Pacific Northwest) and some green juice. I could have easily spent all afternoon unwinding here. 

When you check out at the front desk, expect a tiny truffle to conclude your visit. The sweet surprise provided the perfect ending to a soothing and nature-filled spa retreat.

Miraval: A Desert Oasis in Tucson

Miraval is a stunning, soothing getaway nestled in Arizona's Catalina Mountains. After just a few days, the calming spirit of the place will wash over you. You'll fall in love with the pink sunsets, green juice served at almost every meal and the stunning views you'll get when you're taking one of the spot's many exercises classes. And the spa here is not to be missed. Not only does it just smell great (like all spas do), but the entire place just exudes calm. From the sound of trickling water at the front desk to the soft lighting--just walking into the space will lower your heart rate. Lounge outside by the pool or enjoy absolute silence and gorgeous mountain views in the spot's quiet room while you wait for a treatment. 

The spa's entry.

It was raining when I visited Miraval just last week, but the outdoor beauty was not lost on me. My treatment room--where I received a fantastic, worked-out-all-the-kinks and left me feeling refreshed 100-minute full-body massage--even had a sliding glass door. That might not sound like much, but I absolutely loved hearing the rain fall during my massage. It brought me closer to the natural beauty of the spa, and I didn't even have to get up from the table. Details like that make all the difference, and I'm sure I'll be thinking of my massage for years to come.

Outdoor lounge. Can't you just imagine resting out here?

The Salamander Resort & Spa: Get in Touch with Virginia's Wine Country

The Salamander Resort & Spa is a luxurious property in Middleburg, Virginia, that's designed to capture the true spirit of the state's wine and horse country. The resort is beautiful, and the crown jewel of the entire spot is its spa. Even if you'd prefer not to stay overnight, the spa is a must-visit if it's in your budget. After walking down an illuminated hallway that's flanked by a small fountain, you'll be whisked away to the magical world that is the Salamander's spa. Highlights include gorgeous, cream-colored lounges--perfect for resting on pre- or post-treatment and an infinity pool showcasing the stunning scenery of the area.

The spa's dedication to nature is also evident in the treatments. The essential oils here are created out of herbs from the hotel's garden. Some rooms even have sliding glass doors that open to the outside world. Little touches like that go a long way. And I always love hearing rain fall or birds chirping as I relax on a table. Don't you?

Read my feature story on the Salamander's commitment to wellness over at The Daily Meal.