Relaxation

About a month ago for work, Pedro had to check out a spa near La Molina. Before leaving he asked them if he could have a free couple´s spa day, and they said yes. Today we finally were able to go.

The spa is called Satori Spa and Salon and is Japanese themed (www.satori-spasalon.com -- watch the "experience" video for the best pictures). When we arrived there, they took us into the changing room, gave us terrycloth robes (which it was way too hot for) and plastic flip flops. Pedro´s were about 3 sizes too big for him! Then we went out into the main spa area where there was a juice bar, a stream, and several lounge chairs. A woman finally came out and lead us to the saunas.

First we went into "la sauna seco", the dry sauna--I thought I was going to die! I hate saunas and this one seemed very hot. We stayed there for 10 minutes, then went outside (ahhhhhhhhh) and into what they call "una ducha Española", or a Spanish shower. It was basically one of those huge showerheads where the water falls straight down. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! It was quite chilly, but refreshing! Then 10 more minutes in the next sauna, "la sauna vapor", or the vapor sauna which was filled with eucalyptus plants. It was still quite hot, but I layed down on the bench closest to the ground and the air was a bit cooler there. I did like the fragrance in that one. Finally, another Spanish shower. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

After the sauna circuit, we laid on the lounge chairs while they prepared for our massages. We drank some bottled water and then when they were ready, moved to two massage tables behind a curtain. I can´t speak for Pedro, but my massage was fantastic! It lasted an hour. There were a couple times when I had to bite the table to keep from laughing--my back and neck are a little ticklish--but overall, I loved it. There were also only two times during the massage where I wanted to scream--when she was pinching my back with her nails, and when she was pulling on my hair while giving me a scalp massage.

After the massage ended, we returned to the lounge chairs for a fruit salad and fresh strawberry juice. After that, jacuzzi time! It had bubbles, rose petals, and candles! Very romantic and very relaxing--until I almost set my hair on fire! I was leaning back against the side of the tub, when both Pedro and I suddenly smelled something burning. I sat up and realized there was a candle right behind me. I must have gotten a little too close with my hair! I´m fine. If there had been an emergency, thank goodness I was surrounded by water!

Only after what seemed like maybe 20 minutes in the jacuzzi (not enough time), they took us back over to the massage tables and rubbed rose-scented lotion all over our bodies. Sadly, that was the end to our wonderful, relaxing morning at the spa. We were there a total of 3 hours. It usually costs S./300 for this treatment, but thanks to Pedro, it only cost us a tip for the women who tended to us. I told Pedro that he needs to go do a story on another spa next week! ;)