In this fast-paced world of 40+ hours-per-work week, ongoing family responsibilities and a myriad of other commitments, the need for therapeutic massage and other spa treatments are higher in demand than ever before. Because of this, it’s not rare for new trends to emerge in order to offer supply for the demand to de-stress.
What started as a traditional massage has since grown into herbal body wraps, acupuncture and now BodyWalking. With so many choices, getting a spa treatment can be a daunting process — especially for those who are new to the relaxation and rejuvenation game.
However, below is a guide to the latest trends in spa treatments – all of which are available at The Hermosa Inn’s Blue Door Spa:
Reflexology
Originally introduced in the U.S. in 1913, but a practice originally used by the Egyptians in 2450 B.C., reflexology provides a true systemic relaxation for the entire body via the feet alone. A session begins with an herbal foot bath, as the therapist manipulates pressure points in the feet that correspond to specific organs and other parts of the body. This treatment, complete with the application of a cooling foot balm, has grown in popularity in recent years and continues to be one of the most popular treatments at the Blue Door Spa.
BodyWalking
Part reflexology, part traditional massage, this groundbreaking massage is done barefoot by the massage therapist and combines a push-pull technique to create a pumping movement via natural gravity that can help create a structural change in the soft tissue. Exclusively offered at the Blue Door Spa, this advanced therapy begins with 45 minutes of site-specific compressions via the feet and finishes with a therapeutic hands-on massage.
As a form of auricular therapy (a needle-less stimulation of the external ear), this massage of the entire body system, from the ears and hands to the spine and feet, has also been known to help with a variety of issues, including addiction, grief and asthma.
Canine Therapy
Yes, you read that correctly. Pets have become a member of the family, and with that, the Blue Door Spa even offers a treatment for them. This 60-minute massage for both the owner and their pampered pooch, uses traditional Swedish-style movements customized to each of their specific needs.
For those who want to give their pet the royal treatment, The Hermosa Inn even offers a Pet Package, which includes a one-night stay, a welcome amenity for you and your canine companion, breakfast in bed for both the dog and dog owner, an in-room, 60-minute massage for the guest and a 60-minute Canine Therapy massage for your pet, and a “Doggie Tuck Me in at Night” — a dog walk and a movie (e.g. “Lassie” or “101 Dalmations”).
No matter the trend, there is truly a massage treatment for everyone. The benefits of which go beyond a relaxed back and can lead to easier breathing, lower blood pressure, the reduction of scar tissue development and anxiety, as well as the strengthening of the immune system and improvement of blood and lymph circulation.
In addition to the physical benefits to the body, the sound, color and light therapy a guest can receive from simply relaxing in a tranquil space such as Hermosa Inn, or having a massage poolside, can only lead to further tranquility and peace of mind.
For further information on The Hermosa Inn’s Blue Door Spa and the full list of services available, call (602) 955.8614 or visit HermosaInn.com, Facebook, Twitter or The Hermosa Inn blog.
Recently named one of the 2012 “Top 500 Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Reader’s Poll pick, The Hermosa Inn is a jewel of a hideaway in the heart of the Valley; minutes from Scottsdale, yet surrounded by an exclusive neighborhood in Paradise Valley. Originally hand-crafted in the 1930’s by cowboy artist Lon Megargee as his private residence, the Inn’s adobe architecture has kept its “old Arizona” character and charm. All 34 casitas are surrounded by spectacular landscaping and beautiful desert vistas. The $2 million remodel of the accommodations retains the legendary personality and intimate atmosphere of the original hacienda, while enhancing the accommodations with upgraded amenities for a more luxurious experience. The culinary centerpiece of the Inn is Lon’s at the Hermosa, the celebrated Four Diamond restaurant renowned for “artful American” cuisine, which is complemented by the Last Drop Bar, aptly named after one of the many paintings by Megargee that can be seen throughout the historic inn. For more information, visit HermosaInn.com or call (602) 955-8614.
