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"When three older gentlemen came in for a facial, and knew exactly which products they wanted, the particular treatments, and weren't a bit embarrassed to ask for it, I knew that the idea had hit the mainstream," said Marie Moore, European skin treatment expert at The Horseshoe Bay Bayside Fitness Club and Spa in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

There's a trend toward overall wellness, alternative healing, and relaxation techniques that is gaining momentum in the Hill Country town of Horseshoe Bay. The resort is also recognized for its golf courses, scenic landscape, lakeside lodging, and various amenities offered to its members and their guests.

Among theses amenities includes the Bayside Exercise Pavilion, featuring certified professional trainers and the latest technology in exercise equipment. The spa department has a year-round staff of licensed professionals that offer various luxurious treatments, including facials, massage therapy, body wraps, waxing, pedicures and manicures, and several individualized packages.

Charlotte Dilworth, spa director, explained how the Pavilion has grown in the past few years. "We've really grown and expanded our services over the last five years," she said. "It's obvious that people are taking their health and overall wellness more seriously and it's reflected in our facility."

The pedicure and manicure lair is filled with the latest relaxation gadgets designed for the foot and hand. I received the royal treatment with first a soothing foot massage, followed by a dip in hot paraffin wax. Conversation floated from Vietnamese cuisine to the latest political scandals to fashion critiques for television characters. The nail technicians exuded professionalism and kept their clients at ease. When it was time to choose a a color for my toenails, I learned that the polish industry has really gotten imaginative with their names, including "I'm Not a Waitress Red," "You Cannoli Imagine," "My Aunt Drinks Chianti," and "Your Villa or Mine." After the relaxing experience, I received a pair of stylish Styrofoam thongs, to ensure the color wouldn't smear. It was the perfect fashion touch by these informed professionals.

Later, I enjoyed a traditional European facial in a comfortable setting. "There won't be a lot of chit-chat happening during this session," said the skin technician, Marie Moore. "This is a very important time for you to soothe your soul and let go of all of your stress." She explained the various procedures and her background. "I owned my own spa before working here, and have been in the business for the past 25 years. It's a really rewarding occupation, because I'm helping people re-group and they leave in a calmer state of mind."

Each step of the facial felt like a choreographed dance, with slow, relaxed breaths, soothing lotions, hot towels, and peaceful music. When the hour-long session was over, Moore talked more about her background as a paramedical technician. "I'm also a licensed cosmetic consultant," she said. "I heard about people who worked with burn victims and shared makeup secrets with them, allowing the people to be more socially accepted. I've now worked with many burn victims and made that important emotional connection with them. It's really more about them letting you touch them and bringing them back. I try to combine all of my experience to bring healing, rejuvenating techniques to my clients."

The Resort offers various other experiences to be enjoyed, including golf, tennis, waterfront activities (skiing, marina, jet skis, paddle boats on Lake LBJ), several eateries and lounges, a flamingo habitat, and rose gardens. There is also a private airport available for visitors traveling by aircraft.

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