A two day de-stressing treatment

Relaxation these days means only a cool drink on the patio

A Saturday morning sleep-in does the trick as well, but then I go out into the traffic or I can’t find the TV remote and I’m back in Tensionville. I am so busy rushing around trying to get things done that I seldom find time to relax. I decided I need a spa treatment.

I needed a loan

I sat down in front of the computer and took a serious Online Cash Advance and booked myself into the Spa. At the same time I added a few of the extras such as massages, unlimited breaths of country air and early-morning horse rides in the dewy grass.

Check-in

I parked my car and patted it on the rear as I walked away. ‘See you in a couple of days.’ I was ushered off to a locker room where I could store my bag, clothes and stress into a locker and begin the process of relaxing. Then I got the nice big robe and soft slippers and began shuffling around feeling all cozy. This is a Spa and not a Sanatorium, I reminded myself.

Day 1

I woke up, canceled the early morning horse ride, had a very light breakfast and went to the massage room. I had chosen the Aromes du Vin - the spa’s signature treatment - a full body scrub, massage and lunch at one of the restaurants. The scrub is a mixture of the oil of your choice, sugar, dried fruits, peppercorns and nuts that left my skin feeling fresh and tingly – and that was just the scrub, I still had an hour-long massage to look forward to. Then I took the shower under one of those huge shower heads and the sound of birdsong. As I enjoyed the steaming hot water I tried to devise a plan to convince the staff to let me live there. The massage? I lay there and enjoyed feeling the stress being squeezed from my muscles.

The lunch

I decided on the risotto ai funghi with pancetta and porcini mushrooms wrapped in parma ham, followed by ravioli with ricotta cheese, mushrooms and truffles in pasta parcels with a creamy mushroom and truffle oil sauce. A touch of decadence never hurt anyone. The banana sticky toffee pudding was great as well, although I only managed half of it.

Day 2

I went for a repeat performance of Day 1 and now being in a relaxed state, enjoyed it even more. This time I started with the horse ride which was a slow walk through the grass. I went through the massage again, letting my body relax completely. I managed to achieve that feeling of total relaxation when the body feels as though it’s about to fall through the bed. Lunch started with fresh pear and brie wrapped in prosciutto, followed by salmon poached in white wine with Hollandaise sauce and finished with signature dark chocolate fondue with fresh fruit. I felt great.

It’s over

Refreshed and happy I took one last wistful look out over the valley and headed back to civilization and daily madness. Sometimes we just need a day or two where it’s all about de-stressing and letting our senses run riot. If only we could do it more often.