Now that we’re well into autumn, that means it’s time for crisp nights, vivid red and gold leaves, and cozying up by the hearth. But cooler weather also exacts a toll on our bodies, with chapped lips and dry skin. A visit to the spa is just the thing to get everything rejuvenated, smoothed and ready for the winter holiday season. Prep yourself with these five autumn spa treatments.
Diamond Brilliant Facial at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco
Imagine having the delicate skin on your face shine bright like a diamond — that’s the promise of this new treatment from Spain’s exclusive Natura Bissé line. Slip into the urbane spa with a chic Asian aesthetic starting Nov. 18 for this service designed to detoxify and gently purify the skin, smoothing any lines and leaving your face even and moist.
Spiced Journey at The Spa at Bernardus Lodge
It’s that time of year when pumpkins and spices are everywhere — from spiced lattes to mouth-watering pumpkin pies — and this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa is hopping on the bandwagon. You’ll start with the Pumpkin Deluge, during which you’ll be treated to a refreshing exfoliation before finishing with a nice coat of Arcona’s pumpkin lotion. Once your skin glows, get primed for the Gingerman-i and pedi, as you sip warm cider. Your hands and feet will be exfoliated with a mandarin brown sugar scrub and moisturized with the ginger spice whipped butter cream.
Winter Wonder at The Dorchester Spa
Both the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Mayfair hotel and its country cousin —Coworth Park in Ascot — offer a spa experience designed to get you in top form for the upcoming holiday season. From Nov. 23 through Dec. 24, pop in for a 60-minute Aromatherapy Associates facial, which begins with soothing chamomile oil, followed by a cleansing mud mask that’s topped off by another mask to restore radiance. A neck-and-shoulder massage and an Essie manicure with vitamins A, B and C will have you ready for any festive occasion.
Sacred Nature Ritual at Ancient Cedars Spa
Just about everything at this rustic and secluded Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa is informed by the culture and healing rituals of the local indigenous tribes and the Pacific Ocean. The West Coast Sacred Sea treatment leaves skin soft as can be, thanks to the combined action of seaweed and hydrotherapy. But since the Sacred Nature Ritual is only offered until Dec. 31, we suggest experiencing this luxurious face and body exfoliation done with organic Sacred Nature products.
Hot Herbal Poultice Massage at The Spa at Old Edwards
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa specializes in healing treatments based on herbs. Warming edibles such as ginger, turmeric, lemongrass and tamarind are applied with muslin poultices and then worked into the skin for an invigorating massage that will get your blood flowing.
Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
