Situated along the banks of the Hudson River on 70 picturesque acres of verdant, rolling lawn and winding streams, the sustainable architecture of Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa smartly uses solar and geothermal energy to heat its sauna, steam room, and super-inviting mineral pool, and it only has six treatment rooms, making it cozy and comfortable.
The Inn’s own honey is used in one of the facials here, and the spa uses two organic skin care lines, the new Baborganics and the classic Jurlique. Try the Heavenly Body treatment (70 minutes; $155), an exfoliating service that includes an utterly relaxing warm oil scalp massage with steamed aromatic towels. Be sure not to miss breakfast here that includes noteworthy locally made jams from Prospect Hill Orchards.
Amidst the frenzy of downtown Boston’s financial district is Chuan Body + Soul, an oasis of calm at The Langham, Boston. Step into this intimate hotel spa, and you’re immersed in a sensual experience that’s rooted in Chinese medicine.
“Chuan means flowing water in Chinese, and water is the foundation of life,” says spa director Maria Shea. At Chuan, achieving harmony of body and soul is elemental. Treatments are based on the five Chinese elements — water, fire, wood, metal, and earth—and designed to balance, restore energy flow, and honor yin and yang. The senses are engaged through the use of aromatherapy candles and essential oils, specially formulated teas, earth-toned decor, gentle music, and, of course, touch. “We treat from the inside out,” Shea says. “We don’t often think about taking care of our soul, but the harmony of body and soul is integral to keeping balance.”
In Chinese medicine one treats the soul to open blockages that prevent spirits from breaking free. Shea explains that doing so allows the spirits of anger and resentment out and those of peace and harmony in. Chuan’s Harmony massage does just that. It uses traditional Chinese massage techniques to stimulate meridian harmony and restore the balance of mind, body, and soul.
As with every Chuan treatment, you begin with an element assessment questionnaire to determine which elements are out of balance. The oils used and the scents sprayed and burned complement the treatment to address the imbalance. The treatment opens with a guided breathing ritual. For this, you place your right hand on an organ deemed out of balance, open the left hand to accept positive energy, and take three deep breaths, exhaling with a specific element-related sound and visualizing an element-related color. During the massage, the therapist uses specially blended elemental oils and a combination of acupressure and relaxation techniques.
In Chinese medicine one treats the soul to open blockages that prevent spirits from breaking free. Shea explains that doing so allows the spirits of anger and resentment out and those of peace and harmony in. Chuan’s Harmony massage does just that. It uses traditional Chinese massage techniques to stimulate meridian harmony and restore the balance of mind, body, and soul.
—If you would like to visit this spa you can find them at www.buttermilinnandspa.com or call them at 1-877-763-9876.