The Tranquil Traveler

At the Oasis Back in 2006, the Jalousie Plantation in Soufriere , was a resort slowly beginning to decay in the shadows of St. Lucia’s magnificent twin volcanic mountains known as the Pitons. Jalousie had been undergoing extensive renovations, including plans to expand its spa. While reporting on this expansion, I visited the Rainforest Oasis located high above the valley and was coaxed into experiencing a new treatment exclusive to the resort called Hot Rock Energy Balancing Treatment. The treatment was so new in fact that it was not yet listed on the menu and had only been tested on a few individuals. "You’re our first journalist," said Katie Alexander, Oasis’ former manager. The Hot Rock Energy Balancing Treatment was originally designed by Alexander "to awaken all the senses of the body, mind and soul." The treatment utilizes rocks collected by the dive team, found in "secret areas" of the ocean and are infused with minerals from sea algae and su

One thought that comes to mind as I walk across a quaint wooden bridge leading to Turtle Cove , is that this is the perfect place for a spa. Located at the Mountain Harbor Resort in Mount Ida, Arkansas , in a quiet cove, nature has provided all the right backdrops–the beauty of Lake Ouachita and the soothing sounds of the harbor, the lush green trees and brush of Ouachita National Forest and the soothing soundtrack of nature. Inside the spa are sights and sounds that instantly calm you: the tinkling of water from a stone fountain, wind chimes and the scent of "Turtle Tranquility," the spa's signature fragrance. Once checked in, I am offered Turtle Tea, a blend of fresh ginger, tea and fruit juices. Turtle Cove Spa offers a nice sampling of holistic therapies and I am signed up for a signature treatment "experience" called Crystal Energy Balance Therapy . The treatment utilizes locally mined Arkansas quartz crystals. During this treatment you lie u

The Heavenly B...zzzzzzzzzz It takes me a half hour–maybe more–to get to sleep at night. I punch the pillow, squish the pillow, place it here, place it there, take it off, put it back. Pull the covers on. Toss the covers off. It’s a nightmare trying to get to sleep. I don’t suffer from insomnia. My mind just never sleeps. I mean, shut up already! I’m tired. So if my head hits the pillow and I’m out, it means either I’m dead tired or I’m on a really good bed. When I stayed at the Westin National Harbor recently (see Summers Retreat ), I had my first experience with the hotel chain’s signature 10-layer Heavenly Bed . The Heavenly Bed was introduced in 1999, but I don’t remember ever being in one. I’ve been in variations of the bed at other hotels and resorts, but this was the first time I stayed at a Westin and boy, was it hard getting up in the morning! The Heavenly Bed has triple-sheeted bedding, topped with a down blanket and duvet-enclosed comforter, a cushion mattress and king-size