Earlier this week, I went to the spa for the first time with a gift certificate Thomas gave me last Christmas. I think he had planned for me to use it right before our wedding, but I really didn’t have a free half-day until this past week. It was my first time at the spa, and my first time for a facial and a silky hands and feet treatment. It was all very relaxing.

After checking in, they had me change into a robe and slippers. Before locking away my iPhone, I took a quick snapshot. The place was very peaceful with new age music and fountains everywhere, and beautifully decorated. I had a facial first and it was very refreshing. The girl analyzed my skin (clogged pores), discussed my skin care practices (soap in the shower), and gave me some recommendations (cleansing with real facial products, moisturizing, and sun block). My face was steam-cleaned and she picked at my pores. When she was done, I was led to a room with snacks to relax.

Next, I met with the massage therapist who gave me a back, neck, leg, arm, face, and head massage. It was a little more forceful than I’m used to, but it felt good. Afterwards, I went back to the room with snacks to wait. My last part was the silky hands and feet treatment where they dipped my hands and feet in parafin wax. Again, this was very relaxing, but I also enjoyed talking with the girl who did this part. She was the same age as me, but she had just moved to the US from Germany and Poland.

Overall, it was a great experience - I felt very pampered. Now I just need to get Thomas to schedule the rest of his Christmas gift certificate to hanggliding lessons.