When my two girlfriends and I spent an October weekend in Keystone, Colorado, thanks to new friends at SummitCove vacation rentals, we knew an integral part of our girls’ getaway would be a spa day (or at least a half day) at the Keystone Lodge & Spa.
- Spa relaxation lounge.
This AAA four-diamond property totally renovated its spa in 2007 to expand the facilities and make it more environmentally friendly. In fact, the spa now features 100 percent wind power, organic products, indigenous ingredients, tons of natural light. Recycled building products were integrated into the expansion, including flooring made from recycled tires in the revamped fitness center. Staff uniforms are made of hemp, and cups, trash bags and cleaning products are compost eco-friendly.
Along those lines, the Keystone spa offers body treatments that integrate the centuries-old rituals of Australian Aboriginals. My 100-minute Mala Mayi Mud Wrap treatment incorporated products from the Li’Tya brand, which include botanicals that are native to Australia and have been used by natives for more than 40,000 years. All of the products from Li’Tya (which means “of the earth”) are free from synthetic filler, artificial fragrance, petro-chemicals, alcohol and paraben. None have been tested on animals.
But its eco-friendly bent is only one cool thing about the luxuriously decadent Mala Mayi body treatment: along the way, my skin was infused with nutrients, my body was detoxified, and harmony was restored to my spirit. Here’s how:
First, my therapist Susan took me on “Wulima Yulu,” the “Journey of Aroma.” With my eyes closed and by scent only, I picked out my salt scrub, mud and massage oil. Each product had different healing properties — one salt was more “energizing” than the other or one mud was better for balance… I needed to trust that my nose would select the products that were exactly what my body needed at that time.
- Couples treatment room.
Good thing I didn’t see the freaky red color of one of the muds — it was deep red with a proper name of “Blood Mud,” but included elements like mint, grapeseed oil and blue cypress, all designed to draw out impurities, tighten pores, and rebalance my energy.
After I selected my products, Susan cleared away negative energy by lighting a sage smudge stick and waving it around me and around the room. This, she explained, would help create a sacred place for my treatment. She encouraged me to focus on the now, not think about what had happened earlier that day, week or month. I was asked to try not to worry about anything in the future either.
The Rosela & Desert Salt scrub I chose was rubbed all over my body for exfoliation (remember never to shave your legs just before a body scrub), and then silky warm Blood Mud covered me before I was wrapped cocoon-like in blankets on the table (not for the extremely claustrophobic). Meanwhile, Susan gave me a delightful scalp massage, introducing conditioning oil into my hair.
Then my therapist left the room so I could hop into an adjacent shower — it took a while to gently rub off all of the mud. Susan came in while I was showering to remove the messy sheets and blankets, and replace them with clean sheets for my 50-minute full-body “Marta Kodo,” or “Big Melody” massage. This is a choreographed massage that incorporates spiraling movements to help balance and re-align energy flow, and enhance mind and body wellness. She used the “Reharmonize Oil,” I’d selected, which has a base of sweet almond and macadamia nut oil — sounds good enough to eat!
Honestly, I don’t remember too much of the massage because I was totally in the zone, in the now. So much so I dozed off! I do recall the pressure was perfect — not to wimpy and soft, but not to firm either. A deep-tissue massage would not have complemented the already soothing treatments I’d received.
Overall, I’d highly recommend the Mala Mayi Mud Wrap treatment at the Keystone Lodge & Spa. Granted, it’s not cheap at $185, but if you’re in the vicinity or staying at the property, and really, really want to treat yourself, the loving, gentle treatment is worth it.
