For fans of Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling book, Eat, Pray, Love, the movie premiere on August 13 has been a long time coming. The novel and soon-to-be released film staring Julia Roberts chronicles a woman’s spiritual journey through three exotic locations: Italy, India and Indonesia. And while not many of us have the time or means for a cultural immersion, we can still get a taste of her experience through exotic spa rituals that embrace the counties in her travels. After all, the spa is all about closing your eyes and giving in to your own personal journey, right?
Celebrate the spirit of Eat, Pray, Love with these spa rituals and home spa treatments.
Italy: “Tales About the Pursuit of Pleasure”
At the Spa
Tuscan Journey Facial: A delectable, 60-minute skincare treatment that celebrates the tastes and aromas of the Mediterranean. The facial includes a thorough cleansing, gentle exfoliation and a healing Garlic and Tomato Masque or purifying Tomato Lycopene Masque depending on skin type. The facial culminates with an application of Herbal Eye Contour Cream and either protective Tomato Sun Cream SPF 16 or Tomato Oil-Free Control Gel. Specially priced through August 31 at $65. Get it at Mozaik Skin & Body Studio, Scottsdale, (480) 315-8088.
At Home
Light a candle and wrap yourself in the aromatic pleasure of Pacifica’s Tuscan Blood Orange line. Start with the Body Wash ($16), then layer on the Body Butter ($18) and a dash of Spray Perfume ($22). Available at Sephora.
India: “Tales About the Pursuit of Devotion”
At the Spa
Aromasoul Indian Massage Ritual: Prepare for a brisk, energetic 60-minute massage that calls on the ancient principles of Ayurveda to invigorate your body and spirit. Designed with the body’s daily internal clock in mind, this midday ritual incorporates strong and vigorous strokes that create heat to encourage a profound sense of energy and balance. The therapist uses a blend of Indian essential oils laced with black pepper, cardamom, cedarwood and patchouli to stimulate and uplift the senses. An ideal relief of jet-lag, stress, exhaustion, indigestion, and overall waking up of the body’s energy, $165. Get it at Spa Avania, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch, 480.483.5558.
Home Spa
Devote time to your skin with DDF’s new Advanced Firming Cream ($130) and Advanced Moisture Defense UV Cream SPF 15 ($105), both with turmeric. Known for centuries as a healing spice in India, turmeric is a powerful antioxidant. Get it at Sephora.
Indonesia: “Tales About the Pursuit of Balance”
At the Spa
Luk Pra Kope: Taking inspiration from Balinese and Thai traditions, this 2-hour journey means “to massage with medicinal herbs,” and starts with a foot soak in fresh lime and essential oils. Feet are exfoliated with fine, white Thai clay and fresh lime. The therapist then uses a blend of steamy, organically grown herbs to massage tight muscles, problem areas and energy pathways. Along with Thai massage, the heated compress soothes sore and aching muscles, enhances circulation, reduces joint stiffness and refreshes the skin, $260. Get it at Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, 480.948.2100.
Home Spa
Find beauty and balance with The Body Shop’s Spa Wisdom line. Try the Kaffir Lime & Coconut Shower Gel, Monoi Miracle Oil and Lotus & Frangipani and Monoi Body Balm for a home spa treatment. $18 to $24 at The Body Shop.
Photo courtesy Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.
