Spa Vows – Laurel House

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Whether it be a destination wedding or a small-key affair, many couples are choosing to have their weddings and wedding-related activities at the spa. Spa’s enable the couple and their guests and attendants to relax and be in the moment, without having to worry about the minute details that can become too distracting. With this in mind, we’ve put together the ultimate spa wedding planner – highlighting the pre-wedding festivities, ceremony, and of course the spa honeymoon!

Bachelorette Bliss

Before sauntering down the petal-strewn aisle to wedded bliss, it is tradition in our culture to have a pre-marital ladies-only soiree. This festive gathering is often embellished with a slew of scantily clad, gyrating male dancers and a few too many glasses of wine . . . followed by a nasty next-day hangover that, hopefully, forces us to forget much of the madness from the night before (save for the embarrassing photos that will surely be hidden in the back of your underwear drawer).

Instead of throwing your evening (and dollar bills) away on a night of unbridled revelry, how about really getting your money’s worth, truly bonding with your girls, and saving yourself from being riddled with guilt in the morning. We have come up with some truly fabulous and guilt-free bachelorette extravaganza ideas that even the biggest party girl would prefer.

Lush Spa

If a day at the spa is more your speed, don’t just select some ho-hum conveyor-belt massage factory. A large enough party can pretty much take over some smaller spas, giving you and your girls the run of the place. Lush Spa in Los Angeles is the quintessential day spa bachelorette spot. Located in a converted two-story house, Lush Spa boasts all the comforts of a wealthy girlfriend’s home. There is an upscale clothing boutique, relaxation room, garden, and of course treatment rooms where the pampering takes place. In addition to the requisite welcome glass of cucumber-infused water, guests are offered wine, coffee, or tea. Treatments, each named after your favorite cocktails. range from Merlot Massage (a traditional un-offensive massage) and the Alabama Slammer (a truly deep tissue massage) to the Club Soda (a pregnancy massage) and the Screwdriver (a Vitamin C facial). Each treatment is accompanied by whatever music you want – you can even bring your own cds (no more Muzak thank God!). After your facial rejuvenation or muscle-mending massage, amble downstairs to Lush’s backyard for a glass of wine or afternoon snack amongst the cheerful garden flowers (they can organize catering and the works!). Okay, could life get any better than this? Cheers! www.lushspa.com

At-Home Spa’ing

No one deserves to endure the embarrassment of being seen when donning post-massage-face – with the forehead holster’s imprint stubbornly stuck in your skin, mascara smeared down to your cheeks, and oil still oozing from your hair or post-facial-face with bright red extraction bumps bulging from your forehead and the blinding sheen of layered products still settling into your skin – especially a bride-to-be. While there are generally a few steps to take between the spa door and the safety of your car, those few seconds of unnecessary exposure could be seriously sabotaging were the wrong person to walk by – like say, your future mother-in-law or your man’s groomsmen. Instead of subjecting yourselves to such aforementioned unsightliness, take the spa experience home . . . or to a hotel room!

Tranquil Spa in Boston brings the spa atmosphere – the table, white linen sheets, scented candles, soothing music, cucumber water, and unbelievably skilled therapists – to you! The moment their crew enters your life, all pre-wedding jitters will be alleviated. And after everyone is rubbed down (with either an aromatherapy, hot stone, shiatsu, or deep tissue massage) and tightened up (thanks to pore cleansing and tightening facials), the party continues with a catered health-conscious lunch – no need to pack on the pounds when the aisle walk is days away! At the end of the in-house pamper party, guests get spectacular goodie bags, which include massage lotion (the same sumptuous stuff that was just slathered on your skin), cozy slippers, champagne, and chocolates! Be prepared to be seriously spoiled with Tranquil Spa’s full-service spa day. www.Tranquil-Spa.com

Spa On Location’s Bridal Bliss pre-wedding parties in Los Angeles create a customized oasis in the comfort of your desired location. Chair massages, manis/pedis, and brow shaping are accompanied by fresh organic fruit, cucumber water, candles, music, flowers, and chocolate-covered strawberries! If you really want to live it up, full catering and bartenders are available to help transition your spa day into a girl’s night in.

Who needs to go out when you can stay in! www.spaonlocation.com

Wanna Get Away?

The Four Seasons hotels are pros when it comes to serious girl time! At the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, treat you and your ladies to the “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” package and the concierge will plan every last sumptuous detail – from the shopping to the visit from the “martini man!” The fun begins from the moment you enter your room where movies, CD’s, and chocolate-covered strawberries await. Before hitting the town, complete makeovers, plus baskets of beautifying goodies, will be arranged for you at Neiman Marcus. Once made-up, your private fashion consultant will greet you and give you a few clothing tips. Feeling a little famished from all the excitement? Stop in for lunch at the Zodiac Room and revitalize with a complimentary mimosa. Once shopped out, retreat back to the Four Seasons for a complimentary dessert in the Seasons Lounge. Finally, schedule your visit from the “martini man” who will come to your guest room with his martini cart and treat you to a specialty drink. To reserve your getaway weekend with just the girls, call reservations at (312) 280-8400.

For those of you who choose uber-relaxation over anything else, Two Bunch Palms, near Palm Springs, California, will undoubtedly ease any pre-wedding panic. You and your ladies will lounge in a luxury suite with a fireplace and private balcony spa; stretch your minds and bodies in yoga, Pilates or Tai-Chi sessions; walk in meditation through the Labyrinth and Gardens; dine at the health-conscious (but seriously tasty) restaurant; and ultimately succumb to one-hour face or body treatments, followed by endless hours of soaking in the mineral spring waters that guests swear heal almost any ailment! www.twobunchpalms.com

– Laurel House

Healing Lifestyles & Spas Team

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