When it comes to family vacations, it can be tough to find a destination that meets the criteria of each member. Stocked with a newly minted 8,000-square-foot spa, miles of beach, and flanked by golf courses (there are 23 on the island), The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is fit for a well-rounded, kid- and parent-approved getaway.

The new Heavenly Spa by Westin is the first of its kind in the Continental U.S., a luxury that will soon be incorporated into several Westin Resorts worldwide. (It already exists at The Westin Maui, The Westin Fiji, and The Westin Langkawi in Malaysia.) This U.S. flagship spa defines a standard that will be consistent throughout all Heavenly Spas by Westin, creating an identity that Westin devotees can come to expect no matter where their travels take them.

Spa Director Amy Wilson-Moghina acknowledges that,”Guest expectation is so widely varied in the spa world. Half the battle is finding ways to determine the expectation and still deliver a personal and instinctive experience. Having consistent elements/treatments lets our Westin traveler know what to expect.”

Each Heavenly Spa will focus on the basic five senses, but then take it one step further – catering to the emotional needs of the client with the sweetgrass “burden basket” – a basket that holds stresses of the day outside the treatment room door, allowing guests to enjoy the experience without lingering distractions polluting their minds. All rooms are equipped with Heavenly massage beds, complimenting the popular Heavenly beds in the guest rooms.

While quality is consistently upheld, the little local details highlighting indigenous elements make each property unique. At the Heavenly Spa by Westin Hilton Head, guests can choose from an array of indigo treatments. Indigo, as a crop, has a long and significant history on Hilton Head, contributing to its economic well-being. The color is also potent, and energizes and cleanses the third eye chakra. Four indigo treatments have been specially created for Hilton Head including the Indigo Massage, Indigo Wrap, and two facials created by the skincare line Astara: Vibrant (to balance energy), and the Indigo Facial to deeply cleanse. Ultimately, the experience is heavenly, as one would expect at Westin. For more information call (843) 681-4000 or visit www.westin.com/hiltonhead

– Laurel House

September/October 2007

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