While we were staying in Hot Springs, AR, I
found a brochure for one of the health spas in town. The spa package offered was
around $50. I suggested to Bob that it would be a lovely birthday present for my
upcoming birthday (May 8). He agreed but stipulated that I would have to write
about my experience for our website. That sounded like a good deal to me. So we
went in to the spa and I signed up at the desk. They offered a lock box for any
valuables but I gave mine to Bob who agreed to wait for me on the front porch.
From the desk I was directed to the elevator. (Women got their treatments on the
second floor, while men were on the first). A young lady greeted me at the
elevator and took me to the second floor. I was shown to a cubicle that included
a locker with a key. I was instructed to remove my clothing and place them in
the locker. I was to put the key (on an elastic band) on my wrist. My personal
attendant, Brandi, came in and wrapped me in a large linen sheet. For anyone who
feels uncomfortable being nude in front of others they are
allowed to wear a bathing suit. I felt no such need since everyone there were
females so I proceeded to the next room with my attendant. I was then instructed
to climb into a large tub filled with the mineral waters that was cooled to a
temperature of 100 degrees F. The water actually comes out of the springs at 143
degrees F. After I climbed into the tub she started the Jacuzzi and left me to
luxuriate for 15-20 minutes. She left and came back with a couple of cups of the
mineral water for me to consume. It was hot and had no distinctive taste. The
mineral water
in
Hot Springs, AR, is unique because it has none of the heavy sulfur taste/smell
that you might find in some hot springs. After my time was up Brandi came
back in and again wrapped me in my linen sheet to go to the next treatment. The
next step was the sitz bath. This one you get to sit in for 10 mins. By this
time I was so relaxed I figured I would either fall asleep or just melt. Brandi
came back and we proceeded to the steam box. It was the kind that you sit in and
there is a top on it that fits around your neck. This one only lasted for 2-3
mins but the steam vapor felt great. They said something about opening up all
your pores and getting rid of the impurities.
Next it was on to the hot pad tables. I laid down on a table and Brandi put hot
towels (4) wherever I wanted them placed. I had one put behind my neck and on my
shoulders, 1 on each knee, and one behind my back. Hmmmm, relaxation
extraordinaire. I lay there for the
required time, almost asleep, and then Brandi came back, again wrapped me in
linen and whisked me off to the masseuse. I waited for a few minutes until Karen
(the masseuse) came in to take me to the massage table. She did an excellent job
and we chatted while she gave me my massage. She
was
a delightful lady who did a great job. All in all my treatment took a little
over 1 ½ hours. Considering the way I felt when I left I was certainly happy
with my birthday present. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who comes
to Hot Springs. (I don't want you gentlemen to feel left out so I got Bob to
take a picture of the waiting area for you. Hmm seems the gentlemen got
beautiful statues to look at while they were awaiting their treatment.) In some
of the spas, at one time, you could rent a room for the day, in which you would
be able to change your clothes and/or have your maid or secretary await you
while you had your treatments. In the basement of the Spa they
featured a historic display explaining all about the history of the town and
spas. Although I was thoroughly relaxed I was also energized to see the rest of
this lovely historic town along with the National Park overlook that has a
gorgeous view of the town. As we walked around town it was easy to imagine
yourself in the era of the late 1800's to early 1900's. This was a time when the
rich and famous were seeking their pleasure where they could find it. The
buildings were ornate in only the way the buildings from that era were. Lots of
fancy scroll work and inlaid tiles in and on everything. In addition to all the
lovely old buildings there are a couple of museums in town. We had decided to
stay at a campground outside of town, and it was the end of a perfect day after
having a great meal at a German restaurant in town called The Bohemia we slowly
wended our way back to our campground and watched the sun go down over the
lovely Arkansas landscape.
Laura