Red Door - No More!
by Cathy Whitcomb-McDiarmid, Tofino
Can you remember the days when the place for women to pamper themselves was Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Salon? (ok, so I'm showing my age). I can't remember the name of the department store it was affiliated with but there was one in every major city. And now that I think about it maybe it's a us thing. Nevertheless, my point is this. Facials, I am here to tell you have a come a long way from the days of being a treat for the "blue rinsed privileged".I was the recipient of a gift certificate during the holidays that had me scheduled for 1 1/2 hours of bliss. As I was lying in the "spa den" of the Sacred Stone Wellness Studio, receiving what, in my book, went far beyond the facials I have known, many thoughts passed through my relaxed head. One was how many friends I would give this to as a gift in the future and another was that I don't think I know any men who have ever had a facial. Based on what I am feeling at this moment, I can only imagine what a treat it could be.
' I don't think I know any men who have ever had a facial.'
So I decided to test it out on a friend who was visiting over New Years. He is a frequent world traveler and a big fan of massage to relax, alleviate jet lag and such. He had never had a facial and actually looked at me rather funny when I suggested it. He was pleasantly surprised with the experience and had a few things to say.
" Before my journey began we discussed diet and exercise to determine the best oils and lotions that would enhance what turned out the be the best massage therapy session I have ever had. After working every inch of my face and head, down to the tips of my hair she worked on relieving the tension in my neck, shoulders and arms with strong but sensitive hands. She displayed a control over her breathing which I found enhanced the whole experience as she tried to become invisible to the surroundings allowing me to fully enjoy the soft lighting, soothing music and fragrant smells.
" The smells were amazing, as they were the scents that I picked out with my eyes closed, out of several choices placed in front of my nose. It makes the overall experience so personal. When she was finished, I was allowed to take my time getting up to re-enter the real world. I will be back for more on my next visit to the "end of the road".
We have entered an age where we all need to take time for our health and well being more so than ever. Even in our little world in Tofino our pace is so fast and we all work so hard that we are lucky to have many fine massage therapists, spa facilities, and wellness professionals. There is something for everyone.
In this New Year, take time out for yourself!
Cheers!
Cathy Whitcomb-McDiarmid is a project manager with 'Serves You Right', a Tofino event planning firm.
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