SPA Treatment for People with Disabilities

[Guest guest]

SPA Treatment for People with Disabilities

by Naomi Serviss for WE Magazine, The lifestyle magazine for people

with disabilities, their families and friends

September-October 1999, reprinted with permission

http://spas.about.com/library/weekly/aa102100.htm

Take the plunge at South Carolina's ton Place, where the

charms of the Old South are part of the cure.

From mud wraps to lavender facials, the magic word is pamper

Why should only the royals and fabulously rich benefit from la-di-

dah spa vacations? We all deserve a little pampering in this age of

fin-de-siecle stress. Being spoiled healthy by apricot facial

scrubs, wrapped in detoxifying warm seaweed, massaged by a man-made

waterfall or gently lulled into Zen-like bliss by underwater massage

therapists elevates everyone to the status of the beautiful people.

Long a bastion of the fabulously wealthy and ridiculously

privileged, the spa experience has tricked down from old-world

aficionados to a far broader clientele who knowingly toss around

references to dermatological oxygenation, a deep-pore cleansing and

exfoliation technique, and balneotherapy, using water to restore and

revitalize circulation and reduce stress. From the mountains

(spectacular Snowbird Cliff) to the oceans white with foam (family-

oriented Disney World Cruises), with stops in between, there's a

getaway perfect for all.

Sure, many are expensive, but if you're a savvy shopper, there's an

affordable way to get your back rubbed without having your wallet

massaged. The physical benefits will do wonders for the psyche.

After all, there's no denying the mind-body connection. Even Oprah

says so, and who reads Descartes these days, anyway? To save you a

few rounds of research, WE magazine rounded up the top spas, both

domestic and for­eign, to get you on the path to wellness.

If you're a mountain lover, a good place to begin is the spectacular

Snowbird Cliff Spa in Utah, tucked into the Wasatch Mountains and

Wasatch-Cache National Forest, just 29 miles southeast from Salt

Lake City. According to spokesperson Kim , the facility is

completely accessible and environmentally friendly, to boot. " We're

very committed to preserving the integrity of the environment, and

making great use of natural products from the Great Lakes region, "

she explains. The resort, with 20 private treatment rooms, is a

favorite among skiers with disabilities, who arrive by the hundreds

including many children from area schools for orienteering and snow-

shoeing, including snowsleds for paraplegics, with a complete staff

of instructors. They are attracted by an annual NFL-sponsored event

to benefit the resort's adaptive program that also draws sports

celebrities and fans. " In the winter our slopes are filled with an

array of talented skiers of various abilities, " adds. Event

highlights include a ski race among NFL sports figures (including

Utah-native quarterback Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers) and

two auctions featuring NFL memorabilia and artwork. Snowbird is in

the process of a 7-year Master Development Plan that will include

improvements to serve those flocking to the 2002 Winter Olympics, as

well as the general public.

The Ojai Valley Inn, 73 miles northwest of Los Angeles, has made a

strong commitment to accessibility and offers adaptive equipment in

the massage area as well as an accessible VIP alcove in the hair

salon. Designed in the Andalusian Spanish architectural style, the

new 31,000-square-foot spa sports the genteel charms of a

Mediterranean villa. The impression is made by curving outdoor

staircases, trickling fountains, terraces and loggias, topped by a

50-foot bell tower over the Courtyard.

Topnotch Spa Resort in Stowe, Vermont, boasts gorgeous view of the

Green Mountains in addition to offering therapeutic waterfall

hyrodromassage among its chi-chi menu (with nearly 100 services).

Consistently listed by the " spanoscenti " among the world's top 10

resorts (including Conde Nast Traveler and the Mobil and AAA

guides), Topnotch provides eye-appealing cuisine whipped up by Chef

St. Onge that can be geared towards individual dietary

discretion. His specialties use fresh Vermont produce and

delicacies, including goat cheese and apples, to create

unforgettably delicious yet miraculously low-fat Classic American

entrees. (See Food for Thought for more on spa nutrition) . Another

favorite among mountain-lovers is the Peaks Resort and Spa in

Telluride, a National Historic Landmark in Colorado located in an

historic Rocky mountain town now known for its top-notch skiing. All

treatments are individually tailored by the massage therapist.

The Big Apple, naturally, has its share of top-of-the-line spas.

With a world-wide reputation for four-star service, and four-star

prices, it's not surprising that the Four Seasons Resort in

Manhattan serves a diverse population, accord­ing to Suk Mancinelli,

spa manager. " We can provide just about anything here for people

with disabilities and many of our guests are wheelchair users, " she

says. " Our staff is fully trained to accommodate individuals of

various abilities and we are extremely sensitive to all our clients "

she adds. Water treatments are popular here, geared toward

increasing blood flow. A popular treatment is the " Rub A Dub Dub New

York Scrub " which begins with a skin polish featuring an energizing

essential oil and a mango, tangerine and honey-butter salt mix.

Sounds good enough to eat--almost. Dead layers of skin are removed

and rinsed away with warm water, followed by a lathering up with a

PH neutral, soft cleansing soap massage followed by a gentle healing

and hydrating massage incorporating aloe and cucumber gel. Ah, that

feels good. Another favorite is the " Manhattan Splash, " a

combination treatment that includes Swedish massage with a brisk

shiatsu water massage. A steady stream of water is applied while the

therapist applies finger and foot pressure, following an ancient

Oriental technique to release tension and rebalance the entire body.

New York's Equinox Spa on the Upper East Side is wheelchair-

accessible and is connected to the Barbizon Hotel, whose lobby is

usually filled with a variety of Romance languages, since it is a

popular European destination. One of the first East coast spas to

offer Heated Stone Therapy, the Equinox is a welcome respite to

harried New Yorkers of all types.

Another newcomer to the New York stress busting scene is the ultra-

chic, " W " hotel offering therapeutic treatments, (special water

massages; aromatherapy, facials, the usual) beautifully appointed

decor by renowned designer Kockwell and heart-healthy cuisine

in the Heartbeat Restaurant (owned by Drew Neiporent of Nobu and

Tribeca Grille fame).

The internationally acclaimed Canyon Ranch resorts (located in

Tucson, Arizona and Lenox, Massachusetts) offer a full range of

therapeutic aquatic programs, notably Watsu, which combines elements

of Shiatsu, stretching, dance and yoga in 94-degree water. During

treatments, therapists cradle the body, moving and massaging to the

rhythm of gentle music. Movement therapy is another popular and safe

way to stretch and strengthen muscles while relearning movement

patterns, in 92 to 94-degree water. The therapies are de­signed for

those who want to work on balance and posture or whose movement is

limited by arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoroporosis, disk pain or

joint replacement. According to Carolyn Collman, aquatic therapist

and exercise physiologist, just about anyone can benefit from water

workouts. " For those with physical limitations, aquatic therapy can

be a Godsend. In the water, they can move and stretch again in ways

that are not possible on land--and they can gradually make the

transition to greater mobility " she notes. Life Enhancement Programs

in Tucson provide in-depth, week-long regimens for those interested

in focusing on significant lifestyle change or specific health

concerns. The group experiences take place in the Life Enhancement

Center, a luxurious facility created for group interaction. It

contains separate living rooms, a meeting area, gyms, dining

facilities, locker rooms and massage rooms. Specialty weeks are

scheduled throughout the year, for those with shared health

concerns, including arthritis, heart disease, life transitions,

aging or spirituality. The upcoming conference on Living with

Arthritis (October 3 through 10) will gather medical experts and

specialists from the nearby Arizona Arthritis Center for a week of

workshops, hands-on treatment, private consultation, relaxation and

exercise. This program is geared towards those with osteoarthritis,

rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus and

scleroderma.

If your ideal of a tranquil oasis drifts to southern charm and

hospitality, check out South Carolina's ton Place, now owned

by the upscale Orient-Express chain. Designed with people with

disabilities in mind, it features a state-of-the-art Universal

Design swimming pool with a horizon edge bordered by imported mosaic

tile and signature retractable glass roof, allowing sun and fresh

air year-round. For those with mobility limitations, the hotel has

cre­ated a chair to enable guests to enter and exit the pool with

ease. The Jacuzzi, located within the clock tower of the spa, also

sports a glass roof for stargazing and reflection. From aromatherapy

to the trendy' neuromuscular-cranial massage, treatments are varied

to dovetail to individual needs.

If an island oasis is more your style, Bermuda may suit you just

fine. From Ariel Sands' Nirvana Spa to Bersalon's Spa at Sonesta

Beach overlooking the coastlines, you can choose from a full range

of sybaritic services including skin care, massage and customized

spa packages. And FYI: this upper-crust resort is frequented often

by the island's famed Dill family, whose most famous member is actor

. A cottage colony owned by his mother's family on

Bermuda's Shouting Shore and a founding family of this British isle,

Nirvana aims to spoil you with its beachside massage, reflexology,

and aromatherapy.

Prefer the Pacific? You could do worse than to luxuriate at the

Grand Wailea Resort and Spa in Maui, Hawaii. With its " East meets

West, " philosophy, the spa blends traditional Hawaiian healing

techniques with European, Japanese and Indian spa treatments from

the intriguingly dubbed, " Deep Lomi-Lomi Wela Pokahu, " massage with

a pouch of heated lava pebbles, to the " Fango Facial, " during which

Italian mud is lathered on to create a deep-cleansing masque.

Exotique, n' est-ce pas?

The Claremont Resort and Spa, in Berkeley, California, overlooks the

spectacular San Francisco Bay and offers full-service treatments as

well as specialized programs individually tailored. From gentle Yoga-

based workouts to aromatherapy massage and facials, there's a

treatment for everyone, regardless of physical ability.

One of Florida's most exclusive properties, The Breakers in Palm

Beach, recently completed renovation, meeting all ADA requirements.

Its unique, tiled treatment rooms allow guests to remain in the same

locale for up to three separate treatments, including massage on a

hydraulic table, hydrotherapy tub and Swiss shower system.

The newly opened spa at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme,

Michigan, is wheel­chair friendly and features hand-held showers,

extra-wide doorways, halls and restroom areas. The spa's regular

clientele includes several wheel­chair users who re­ceive treatments

such as manicure, pedicure and hair designing services.

Spa La Quinta, located near Palm Springs includes three inhalation

rooms, a hydrotheraphy tub suite, private tubs and specialized body

treatments and facials. Popular ones include the Cahuilla Sage Wrap,

Grape Seed Crush Glow Exfoliation and PGA West Golf Massage, geared

toward the aching duffer.

Chateau Mont Tremblant, part of the elegant Canadian Pacific hotels,

is located abut an hour's drive from Montreal and well worth the

effort. From luxury treatments to massage packages, spa

professionals are experienced in raindrop, Swedish, California and

therapeutic treatments. And considering the Canadian dollar's worth,

a well-planned respite can save you a bundle.

Last but not least, for those young-at-heart with a penchant for all

things Disney, consider a cruise on the newly launched Disney Magic

or Disney Wonder, both equipped with state-of-the-art spa

facilities. From Tropical Rain Showers, recreating the warmth of

nature with the heady aroma of passion fruit and peppermint, to

underwater massage for aching muscles, your wish is Mickey's

command.

And never feel guilty about pampering your­self. After all, if you

don't, who will?