Spa Bliss At Sea

L et's face it, life is           de-stress.                         stressful, and sometimes                                           all a body wants is to be       Take Lotus Spas, for example.      kneaded, stretched, buffed,           These tranquil, Asian-themed       bronzed and beautified. That's        spas, which are found on board     all possible on today's cruise        Princess Cruises' ships, offer     ships as cruise lines have set        treatments based on Far Eastern    aside thousands of square feet to     therapies and rituals. Offerings   create state-of-the-art health,       include a wide array of choices    fitness and spa facilities. The       for facials and body treatments,   spas are often run in conjunction     including the Exotic Lime and      with some of the most famous spa      Ginger Salt Glow. Massage          operators in the world, including     treatments also run the gamut and  Steiner Leisure and Canyon Ranch,     include hot stones, Swedish        and the fitness centers offer         massage, Shiatsu, and Reiki. In    everything from cycling to yoga.      some cases, guests can even opt    Now that long-awaited cruise can      to have a massage in their         be a revitalizing, healthy,           staterooms, on deck or in a        full-body experience.                 beachside bungalow.                                                                                         Wrap session                          Lotus Spa therapists have vast                                           skincare and treatment knowledge   Besides solicitous staffs and         and use only the best products     calming surroundings, cruise ship     with the finest ingredients. In    spas offer many therapies             keeping with the traditions of     designed to provide unique            the Javanese royal houses, Lotus   experiences by drawing on a wide      Spas offer treatment ingredients   range of healing, soothing and        from the fruits of the earth such  relaxation practices to help men,     as papaya and ginger (used in      women and even teens relax and        wraps and scrubs) and ylang-ylang  and jasmine (used for massage         to offer customized exercise       oils); similarly, the spas use        programs as well as a series of    algae and minerals from the           health and nutrition seminars for  bottom of the sea for                 an additional fee.                 hydrotherapy and Ionithermie.                                            Other unique onboard spa              Most cruise lines also offer       offerings include dry floatation      fitness classes that energize and  message beds, chakra balancing        burn calories while focusing on    capsules, tooth whitening, and        balance, concentration and inner   acupuncture. In addition to the       strength. Cruise lines ensure      spa treatments, hair stylists and     that there are active options for  manicurists are available to give     guests at all fitness levels;      guests a swift up-do, cut or          typical activities include         color and to polish fingers and       Spinning classes, Pilates, tai     toes.                                 chi, yoga and step aerobics. And                                         for guests who want to feel good   Fit club                              both inside and out, most ships                                          offer delicious and healthy spa    Besides pampering treatments,         cuisine, which is available in     onboard health and fitness            shipboard dining rooms or in       facilities offer guests a full        special spa cafes. Clearly,        complement of resistance              travelers who choose to cruise     machines, free weights, and           needn't leave their workout and    cardiovascular equipment; most        dietary regimens at home.          also feature outdoor jogging                                             tracks and several swimming           Return revitalized                 pools. Shipboard health club                                             staff offer complimentary tips on     There's no better place to relax   the proper use of equipment, and      and unwind than in the tranquil    personal trainers are available       oasis of a cruise ship spa. It's   the ultimate haven for mind,          health-food bar, and you'll        body, and soul. Add a couple of       return to dry land rested,         trips to the gym and the              refreshed, and revitalized.        About the Author Anita Dunham-Potter is a Pittsburgh-based travel journalist specializing in cruise travel. Anita is a weekly travel columnist for http://MSNBC.com and Tripso, and she is a contributor to Fodor's "Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises 2007". Published At: www.Isnare.com