My typical Thursday night does not usually involve valet parking, caviar, and massages. But last week it did.
I visited the JW Marriott at Bonnet Creek’s spa for their Sip, Shop and Spa event, to celebrate the facility receiving four stars in the Forbes Travel Guide. My tranquil evening was filled with lush treatments, bubbly spritzes, and the opportunity to connect with my inner self.
Upon arriving, I was greeted by vendors from TARA Aroma Wellness, Doctor Babor, and Pure Fiji. As a novice to most anything self-care or beauty-related, they expanded my knowledge on chakras, skincare, and lymphatic drainage practices while connecting with these sellers.
At the event, I tried express versions of spa treatments offered daily. As my spa days typically occur once in a blue moon, I was excited for my relaxing evening of wellness. Here are the treatments I opted to try:
15-minute Mini Neck and Shoulder Massage
Stepping into the dimly lit massage room, hearing tranquil beats of music and smelling the aromas of organic oils, I had left the hustle and bustle of Central Florida and welcomed in calmness.
I laid on JW Marriott’s heated massage bed as the aching knots in my neck and shoulders disappeared with each minute going by. My masseuse used the Pure Fiji coconut oil to get into my back tissue, which felt so painfully good.
The treatment ended with a warm towel soaking up the oils used, and I woke up from my what little sleep I fell into.
CRYO Refresher Facial, Presented by Doctor Babor
Next up, I decided to have my first-ever facial.
When meeting with vendors from Doctor Babor, they demonstrated how to use their cryo-sculpt gua sha, which is a face roller with cooling properties, aiding in sculpting and lymphatic drainage. As someone whose face can get a bit puffy, I was looking forward to having this device included in my refreshing facial.
The treatment included oils, brightening lotions, and the use of the cryo-sculpt gua sha. Before using the face roller on me, my aesthetician warned me of the cool temperature and continued to use it on my cheeks, forehead and neck.
Upon leaving my facial, I received many compliments from staff at the spa and fellow guests, saying my skin was “glowing.”
Hair
The last treatment I went for was to get my hair done. While I have gotten my hair done before for big events like weddings or formals, I figured it would be a nice treat to myself because who doesn’t love the feeling of someone playing with their hair?
Within 15 minutes, my tangled hair was combed through, and I had luscious curls, which made me wish I had plans to go out after to show off my new look.
While I enjoyed all of the treatments I received, one of my favorite parts of the night was a wellness ritual I took part in. There was rice paper out for guests to write affirmations on. Then we would drop the paper into positively charged water, allowing our intentions to make their way into the universe, one of the staff members told me.
Practices like that reinforce what spa days should consist of: aligning with your inner self. The JW Marriott at Bonnet Creek brought me a much-needed retreat from monotonous life for a night of luxury and self-reflection.
I hope more Thursdays are filled with the finer things in life.