Four Seasons Vail Resort Spa
By Eileen Ogintz
VAIL, CO (Day 3) — The kids are otherwise occupied (or in my case, they’ve left for home).
Mom time! I head straight for the spa.
Lucky for me, I’m at the Four Seasons Resort in Vail with one of the best spas in the Vail Valley. The idea, of course, is not only to relax but to restore your energy and your body, assuming you have been hiking as I have, mountain biking in summer, chasing kids, or enjoying winter sports. “We’re busy both seasons,” the massage therapist who is working on her doctorate tells me.
I love that there are separate men’s and women’s facilities (bathing suites optional) so I indulge in the long, hot soaking pool, eucalyptus steam and sauna before a massage. I’m not only asked what scent I prefer (citrus!) but what kind of music (soothing jazz!)
There are treatments like Mountain Zentsability—head-to-toe hydrotherapy with a wrap, hot oil scalp treatment and massage. How about a Vitamin C Souffle Wrap—an anti-aging exfoliation followed by a Vitamin C mask and body butter? For guys, there is the Bourbon Cowboy—a hot milk bath while sipping locally distilled bourbon followed by a bourbon scrub and hot steamed towels applied to sore muscles.
There are all varieties of facials, hair, make up and fitness classes as well as treatments for those who are pregnant. One add-on treatment is “cupping,” for overly tight muscles.
Kids starting at age 12 can have a treatment (with signed permission from parents). I’m always amazed how many families spend resort prices ($175 for a 50 minute massage) for tweens and teens. Lucky kids!
I sit in the relaxation area sipping infused water (blueberry and strawberry) finally relaxing after a busy week working and seeing family. Just outside there is another relaxation area with a fireplace where I noticed some spa guests snoozing.
Vacation—especially in the mountains, especially at high altitude, especially involving high energy activities—can be exhausting.
When I leave, I feel like a new person, ready to boogie.
“Room service?” my tired husband says.