Spa Treatments by the Florida Sea

Northeast Florida Spas Reflect Local Character in their Treatments

Jan 23, 2009

With so many spa options travelers look for a spa that provides treatments that reflect the destination. In Florida, two spas excel at crafting locally inspired services

Relax at the Ritz with a Hammock Massage

The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island is the grand dame of luxury hotels on Amelia Island. In 2006 the spa remodeled to grow to 27,000 square-feet and 27 treatment rooms. To go with the new facility, Stacy Myers, the massage treatment supervisor was tasked with creating a signature treatment that would reflect Amelia Island in the service. Myers thought about it and came up with the unique idea of a hammock massage. She wanted to take the idyllic picture of a hammock on the beach and incorporate it into a therapeutic spa treatment. Through research she learned that Mayan Hammocks were actually used to relieve back pain and found a supplier who actually cured his own pain from a broken back by sleeping in a hammock.

Through trial and error the treatment evolved into the immensely relaxing service offered today. Many people who’ve experienced the hammock massage, which is only available at the Ritz on Amelia Island, liken it to a Watsu massage. By lying perpendicular in the hammock, the woven material envelops the body providing a perfect cocoon. Music of rolling waves plays and special goggles designed to promote REM sleep are worn throughout the treatment. The fully-clothed participant simply lies in the hammock while the therapist maneuvers around and below stretching achy joints and performing massage with hands, knees, elbows and feet. The gentle sway of the hammock promotes an even deeper sensation of relaxation. Time seems to speed by during the massage.

Sea Shell Massage at Jacksonville Beach

The newly opened One Ocean Resort is one of just a handful of luxury hotels in Northeast Florida. The property feels like a W hotel on the beach with its modern décor and stylish design. The Spa at One Ocean takes full advantage of its location in both design and treatment options. The relaxation room looks out onto the ocean, and the spa is done in muted blue, green and neutral tones.

For a locally inspired treatment opt for the seashell massage. Similar to a hot stone massage this service uses warm, smooth, oiled seashells to glide over and soothe tight muscles. While the therapist works the upper body, the feet are wrapped in warm towels. Light and deep strokes are used in the treatment and the therapist will use his hands as well as the shells to invoke a state of deep relaxation. Unlike a hot stone massage, the shells are not placed underneath the spine during the massage.

The copyright of the article Spa Treatments by the Florida Sea in Florida Travel is owned by Dena Braun. Permission to republish Spa Treatments by the Florida Sea in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.