Spa’lidays
Escape to a spa that’ll take you away from it all—and Orlando.
Here are four spa trips that range from 30 minutes to a few hours on the road to rejuvenation.
Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach
If you want to take the meaning of a “spa day” literally, head west two hours to Sandpearl Resort (sandpearl.com), a luxury hotel on Clearwater Beach. Its Sandpearl Spa houses plush relaxation rooms (left), a co-ed therapeutic whirlpool and offers more than 50 ocean-inspired treatments, including a six-hour journey into overindulgence. The Essence of Sandpearl Ritual Spa package includes the 80-minute Pearl Iridescence facial, a medley of scrubs and massages, plus a mani-pedi. OK, so it costs $615, but you’ll come out feeling—and looking—like a million bucks.
The Spa At Riverview,
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It takes just an hour to drive to the Spa at Riverview (spaatriverview.com), but this New Smyrna Beach treasure has a knack for making people feel like they’re in a different world. Part of the Victorian-style Riverview Hotel, the spa’s interior features a handful of treatment rooms and a small relaxation area. Outside, a 102-degree whirlpool and 96-degree mineral pool (below) invite guests to immerse themselves in therapeutic waters. For a truly amazing aquatic experience, go with the Sea Scape treatment ($175). It includes the “Coastal Body Retreat,” a full body exfoliation with sea salts and shea butter, followed by a massage, and a manicure and pedicure. |
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Warm Mineral Springs,
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For a natural spa experience, soak in Warm Mineral Springs’ (warmmineralsprings.com) mineral-rich, 87-degree water. You’ll emerge from the springs with smoother skin and feeling de-stressed. Folks with arthritis and fibromyalgia claim considerable health benefits from the springs’ 51 minerals, including magnesium and potassium. A day pass costs $20. While you’re there, get a mineral-infused massage at onsite Spa Donya. Located south of Sarasota, North Port is a three-hour drive from Orlando, so plan on an overnight stay at nearby Inn at the Beach (innatthebeach.com). |
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Bella Collina, Montverde |
You can get the kinks worked out in your back and shoulders and hit the links at this private golf club only 40 minutes from downtown Orlando. Set in a Tuscany-like “village” of stone and brick, Bella Collina Spa & Salon (bellacollina.com) is accessible to non-club members. A 60-minute Swedish ($90) or deep-tissue ($100) massage will loosen you up for a round on Bella’s rolling golf course, which you can “preview” as a non-member. Call the pro shop at 407-469-4961. |
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