SCOTLAND
The Gleneagles Hotel has opened a $16 million, 20,500-square-foot spa with 20 treatment rooms, many with private baths--this is the first ESPA branded spa in the UK. An environment of secluded elegance is accomplished with dark, soothing colors, flickering fireplaces, contemporary art and furnishings. Reclining chaises in the relaxation room have reading lamps and individual music channels, while the nearly-black vitality pool is lit by fibre optics to stunning effect. Hard day on the PGA Centenary Course? The Complete Stressbuster relieves tension with a stimulating massage of the back, neck and shoulders and a soothing foot and calf and hand and arm massage followed by relaxation of the pressure points around the eyes and a therapeutic scalp massage to completely soothe and release headaches--aaahh. The Golfer's Tonic begins with a soothing foot soak, scrub and specific massage with hot stones, a warming wax mask for feet and legs and a back massage with hot stones. The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA is part of an £18 million preparation of the Ryder Cup, which the resort will host in 2014.
 ARIZONA
The perfect face of Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones represents the impeccable pedigree of the Elizabeth Arden cosmetic giant, which owns Red Door spas around the world. Primarily stand-alone day spas, Red Doors are also found in six select hotels and resorts in the U.S. Seeking the year-round sunshine of Arizona, golfers retreat to the Red Door at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, and the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, located about 25 minutes from downtown Phoenix. A brand new facility at Wigwam, Red Door soothes golfers' states of mind and body with the Signature Stress Melter Ritual, comprising an olive oil exfoliation, an aroma wrap, calming scalp massage and a balancing body massage--that should erase the memory of any four putts.
 HAWAII
At 45,000 square feet, the second largest spa in Hawaii, the newly opened Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa offers group rates for customized Executive Group Fitness classes--such as kickboxing, abs and buns firming and water aerobics--led by the CEO (Chief Exercise Officer), and oceanside tai chi and yoga on Shipwreck Beach. 45,000 square feet of tropical splendor make this the second largest spa in Hawaii, a complex of indoor/outdoor venues from thatched roof hales (bungalows), lava rock showers and steam grottos to open-air workout venues overlooking Keoneloa Bay. Golf is glorious on the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course; watch out for 86 white-sand bunkers and water on 11 holes.
top of page
 NEWPORT BEACH
While breathlessly awaiting the opening of the new Resort at Pelican Hill, due to open later in 2008, golfers at Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach stay at 5-diamond Island Hotel in nearby Fashion Island.
New signature therapies in The Spa at Island Hotel are designed just for golfers. The Pre-Game Golf Massage combines sports and Thai-style stretching with Shiatsu pressure, warming and elongating muscles--you can leave your golf clothes on for this. The 19th Hole Golf Massage is similar, with a 1-hour deep tissue/sports oil massage added. A soother for Southern California sun-bronzed skin, the Summer Chamomile and Milk Scrub and Massage gently exfoliates with oatmeal and calms with chamomile, while powdered milk containing beta hydroxyl leaves skin soft and silky; the half-hour scrub is followed with a 60-minute blue chamomile essential oil massage. The Gentleman's Face Therapy eliminates impurities and calms skin irritation from the effects of shaving and free radicals, restoring hydration and relaxing facial muscles.
top of page
 KIAWAH ISLAND
The Spa at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort has received one of only three 5-star ratings awarded to spas in the North America. Golfers love the five world-famous championship courses on the barrier island of Kiawah--The Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point, Cougar Point, designed by Pete Dye, Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Player and Clyde Johnston.
Resembling a grand Southern seaside mansion, the spa is an oasis of Low Country elegance and personal service, within sound of the surf. Ironing out the kinks from a day on the fairways, the Post Round Massage uses rhythmic strokes to stimulate muscles, aid in flexibility and flush metabolic waste from the tissues; while the Gentlemen's Rescue Plus involves the application of self-heating mud to the back and special attention to the scalp, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Immersion in the 65-foot-long indoor pool, steam and sauna complete the après-golf ritual. Travel + Leisure magazine has ranked The Spa at The Sanctuary as one of the Best Hotel Spas in the U.S.
top of page
 CALIFORNIA
30 minutes south of the Silicon Valley in an idyllic wine-growing region, CordeValle is a secluded country retreat of sumptuous villas and bungalows with a 7,169-yard Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course.
Golf Digest called it the #2 Golf Resort in California, while Golfweek says it's one of America's Best Resort Golf Courses. The spa offers the unique "Rules of Golf" menu that includes the "Nearest Point of Relief Massage" that alleviates tension and tightness; a "Starting Time" back and spine massage with hot towel pack; the "Preferred Lie Facial" for men, and more therapies designed specifically for golfers. Do save several hours after your round to settle in at the spa for the Turkish steam room and Vichy shower, Jacuzzis, in-spa dining and the Cybex-equipped fitness venue. After all that, the "Limited Edition" tour and tasting at the adjacent Clos La Chance winery and vineyard is the perfect complement to a Wine Country weekend. Lodging is in 45 sleek, contemporary-country style bungalows, fairway homes or villa suites, complete with luxurious amenities from Frette linens to fireplaces, whirlpool baths, leather armchairs, original art works, and lots of privacy.
top of page
 CALIFORNIA
The owners of the posh Cal-a-Vie Spa in San Diego County (Oprah and Julia Roberts are fans) have recently purchased the adjacent Vista Valley Country Club, making this the only destination spa in the country with its own 18-hole golf course. Having purchased the spa several years ago and upgraded it to the tune of $10 million, the owners are updating the Ted Robinson-designed course and the clubhouse. A new fitness club is planned, a water-themed play center and a Cal-a-Vie day spa. The spa-golf course site comprises over 400 acres of rolling hills and valleys threaded with streams and studded with Valley oaks, olive and lemon trees. The boutique spa property has 2 dozen private cottages. Guests on 3, 4 and 7 night stays engage in vigorous workouts from dance to kickboxing, cardio to walks and aqua-aerobics; and in yoga and Tai Chi, sports conditioning, tennis and golf, just to name a few of the activities. Peace and quiet reign in the Bath House, where guests sink into the jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna, and massage and body therapies.
top of page
|
