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My Fantasy Birthday CelebrationBy Madelyn Miller
My birthday was truly a fantasy celebration this year, thanks to my friend John. He arranged a blissful day at the The Spa at The Crescent at Hotel Crescent Court in Dallas. Did it meet all my criteria for an unforgettable birthday? Actually it surpassed them. Now Dallas may not seem like an exotic location to some. And since I call it home, you would not expect me to get all excited about it. But since I travel so much, Dallas is my home base, my place I come back, where I rewind and recharge. And since I am here so little, it could almost be categorized as exotic for me. I had just come off a month of travel and bills were piling up at home, my tires needed to be rotated, my teeth needed to be drilled, my clothes needed to be washed, my suitcases needed to be unpacked, and other mundane tasks were awaiting. Instead, I "escaped" for a day of pampering and pleasure. And although this body has been rubbed, and massaged and indulged all over the world, it was truly one of the most wonderful birthdays of my life. I started out with a Thai Massage given by a man who had just returned from studying in Thailand. A few years ago, I spent several months in Thailand. This is the first real "Thai massage" I have had outside of Thailand. The elements of slow gentle rocking movements, mindfulness, deep stretching and rhythmic compressions with thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet create a healing experience. This "yoga Massage" as some people call it, leaves you relaxed but energized and more flexible, creating wholeness of mind, body and spirit. Loose clothing may be worn for this treatment which is done on a floor mat. It is almost like having someone exercise your body for you with massage fingers. Even as I write this, I am taking deeper breaths, as my body recalls the state of pure relaxation. (50 minutes $95, 80 minutes $130) Then the moment I was finished, the therapist brought in a wonderful fruit smoothie. Next it was on to an Epicurean Facial. Knowing my interest in food, I am not surprised that my friend chose this for me. But the experience was even more delicious than I would have anticipated, and the effect was noticeable by friends I saw later that night and seemed to last. (50 minutes $115, 80 minutes $135) And then I had a wonderfully healthy and delicious lunch in The Juice Bar.(Open Monday to Friday 6am-7pm, Saturday 8am-4pm and Sunday 9am-4pm) I noticed it was not only spa goers who were enjoying light, healthy lunches here. Several executive looking men were dining on lunches that would make their cardiologists proud. There’s a healthy variety of delicious items, all listed with the fat and calorie count to help you stay on track.
Another bonus bennie is that each entrée (which are listed as "experiences") is preceded by their tasty chicken consume with ginger which aids in digestion, plus a hint of cayenne to increase blood circulation. I chose Grilled Swordfish over Japanese soba noodles with watercress and oven roasted shitake mushrooms in warm lemongrass broth ($11) 341 calories and 6 fat grams. If you are in a hurry, the offer a wide selection of power, energy, fitness bars and drinks. I was tempted by IsoPure Zero Carbohydrate Creamy Vanilla Whey Protein at $2 a scoop. But the Tower of Power, a chocolate syrup, peanut butter, banana, skim milk, and frozen yogurt, concoction won out.($5) If you are really, really rushed, you can pick up spa-to-go soups and spa-to-go salads. But promise yourself to come back and spend more time and bliss out. SPECIAL PACKAGES
Although I have no plans to get married, I would love to try the seasonal Vinotherapy Package ($250) A truly unique sounding experience, creating the feeling of being in a French vineyard on a warm summer day. Give skin and body this treat and begin to understand the paradox of how the French eat rich foods, drink plenty of wine and still look great and enjoy long lives. It includes Texas-Crushed Cabaernet Scrub, Anti-Cellulite Red Wine Bath, Wine and Honey Wrap, Sauvignon Massage and lunch. The Spa’s the Life Package ($525) is perfect for the person who wants it all but only has one day. This treatment is a true playground for the senses. It makes you think how fun it is to just enjoy life and try new things. It includes a chamomile scrub, aromatherapy, a mineral bath, an essential oil wrap, Cowboy Boogie, Hotter ‘n Texas Summer Rock Massage, manicure, ECHO2 Oxygen Therapy Treatment and lunch. It was a blissfully happy birthday. And where do I hope to be next year on March 4? On a massage table at the The Spa at The Crescent at Hotel Crescent Court. And I wish you a Happy Birthday, too. THE SPA AT THE CRESCENT GREAT SPA BOOKFODOR’S HEALTHY ESCAPES |
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Many people dream of a birthday celebration in an exotic location, doing
something they love. They visit a place they rarely get to and indulge.
And to complement each meal, you are offered a complimentary, relaxing
cup of green tea that will help you put the mind at ease and promote overall
health and well-being.
There are all kinds of interesting packages, some especially designed for
pre-wedding bliss for the bride and her bridal party. 