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Escape from LA to a Desert/Beach Oasis
Looking out my window, in the distance see the silhouette of rocky mountains and tall Palm Trees. It is 7:30 am and I have been serenaded by the sounds of chirping birds and a gushing waterfall. In a dream state, I thought I was in Costa Rica, amidst a tropical rainforest. When I gained consciousness, I realized I was in the Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel, in Indian Wells, near Palm Springs. It is only a 2 1/2 hr drive from Los Angeles. No airplanes, no airports, no hassles.
In the foreground is a huge swimming pool with a "beach" at one end. The pool is created to have a shallow end, like the edge of the ocean. There is a 10-foot free-falling wall of water at one end and the profuse sounds of reverberating water are lush and intense.
My room is posh, with newly remodeled furnishings of simple neo-classic décor. A mix of dark and medium wood tones in contrast to desert hues. The profuse sounds of lush water beckon me to get up and out of bed. I am off to explore the new spa, "an Oasis of Tranquility".
The new Spa Esmeralda is exquisite. The dramatic entry is right out of Architectural Digest. It has an exotic Asian décor with a long, serenely lit passage flanked with two channels of glistening, black smooth stones that resemble a dry riverbed. There is a tri-monolithic fountain in the center of a circular black marble base and the sound of water reverberating. The floor tiles glisten as if paved with gold. You are led to an "oasis of tranquility" to a lush spa garden with coed pools and water fountains pouring hot streams over your head. The piece de la resistance is the outdoor treatment cabanas, securely nestled behind greenery and some have their own private Jacuzzi tubs.
Botanical Bliss was the signature 90-minute treatment that promised to pamper my body with tender loving care. First was the bath with salts from the Dead Sea, a butter scrub of shea, mango, kukui and cocoa, and an aromatic massage with a choice of scented oils. From desert Rose, Scent of Sage, Mystic Mandarin or a Seasonal fragrance like Energizing mint for summer or Apple Spice for the holidays. I always prefer the outdoors for treatments but it was a bit windy, even though there was shelter, and so we had to move indoors. My masseuse was extremely attentive. She warned me that it was too windy to be outdoors, but I insisted, since it was such a treat. However, the indoor treatment room was exquisite, with a private bath and shower to rinse off the scrub before the massage. I had a layer of self-tanning cream which made my skin toasty brown, but after the treatment I was back to my natural paleness with all the dead skin washed away. I was smooth and hydrated and had an aromatic scent that carried me through the evening.
This is definitely one of the most polished and peaceful atmospheres I have experienced. It is very tranquil and there are no cell phones allowed. Everyone is extremely pampering and helpful. As far as the atmosphere is concerned this is truly an oasis of tranquility. In contrast with the grandness of this hotel, this spa really feels like an escape.
For further info call 760.836.1265
or visit www.SpaEsmeralda.com.
"Oasis of Tranquility".
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