Andrea Downer, Gleaner Writer

THE TYPICAL dream vacation involves sun, sea, sand and a resort spa that will remove the kinks and relax even the most stressed muscles. However, those luxuries are no longer confined to hotels in resort areas. Spas are now a common feature in hotels in the Corporate Area, which cater to business people. Now busy executives don't have to schedule a weekend off to drive out of town in order to be pampered; a spa or beauty treatment can be factored into busy work days and can be even be scheduled during an extended lunch break.

The Strawberry Hill Hotel, located about 30 minutes from Kingston in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, offers a wide range of spa services at the Aveda Spa, on the property.

Strawberry Hill's lush tropical gardens and winding trails provide the optimum environment for a sense of well-being. Strawberry Hill Spa therapists utilise the client's personal aroma to develop a customised treatment, which help the body to recovery from the harmful effects of stress.

AVEDA SPA

The Aveda Spa offers three different types of massages; the Elemental Nature Massage, which utilises a variety of massage techniques including Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage and pressure point therapy; the Aveda Hydrotherm Massage, which is especially recommended for expectant mothers. Warm, water-filled cushions cradle the client, as the therapist reaches deeply stressed areas. During the Fusion Stone Massage, Aveda Pure Flower and Plant Essences are fused with the sensation of a smooth stone massage.

The spa also offers a detoxifying Therapy Body Treatment as well as Body Elixir Treatment, which washes tension from the body with a treatment combining exfoliation, massage, and hydrotherapy. Clients can also opt for a Himalayan Rejuvenation Treatment, which is a purifying and nurturing treatment, based in the science of Ayurveda, the ancient healing art of India. The spa's menu also includes facials and hair, scalp and nail treatments for damaged hair and helps with scalp renewal. Manicures and pedicures complete the package.

STRAWBERRY HILL HOTEL

WINSTON SILL/ FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER - A client being pampered at Strawberry Hill Hotel and Aveda Concept Spa.

Strawberry Hill Hotel can provide transportation at a cost to and from the spa upon request. The spa treatments range from US$45.00 to US$170 and any treatment that costs US$200.00 or more will include lunch at no additional cost.

The hotels closer to the city also have the well-being of their guests at heart. The Pegasus Hotel boasts that it is easy for its guests to relax as the hotel has a large, inviting Olympic-sized swimming pool, two flood-lit tennis courts, a fitness centre as well as a private jogging trail in the hotel's garden. The Nirvana Day Spa is located in the lower lobby area of the hotel, and a spokesperson for the hotel said the spa is a calming aromatic heaven where the guests can escape to relax for a few hours or a full day.

The spa's services include massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, eyebrows and bikini waxes, body polishes and body mud wraps. Prices range from $400.00 to $5,500.00

HILTON HOTEL

The Hilton Hotel, which is next door to The Pegasus Hotel, has an in-house therapist who offers a variety of massages, body scrubs, aroma and hydrotherapy and facials to guests. The Hilton also has a jacuzzi which is close to the existing pool. The jacuzzi seats six persons.

The hotel also has a gym for health-conscious guests. The management of the Hilton
Hotel feels that recreation plays a vital role in relaxation and the hotel's newly-renovated gaming lounge, Villagio, offers a variety of gaming options. The games include roulette, dollar machines and the Royal Ascot. The Hilton also has a mini-spa, Suddenly Slender, which offers mineral, wraps said to rid the body of harmful toxins.

So the next time the pressure of work gets too much and you need to unwind, head to one of the hotels in the Corporate Area and pamper yourself.