Announcing our Dream Spa Makeover Winner
In the January/February 2010 issue, we announced our first ever Dream Spa Makeover contest. The goal in offering the contest is to provide a reader with a free spa experience she or he would never forget—one that would be truly transformational.
The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid seven-day retreat at Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment in Sedona, Arizona, a spa known not only for its phenomenal setting (a photo of the spa is above) and spa cuisine but also its amazing therapies and therapists. (I can attest to this firsthand.) Included is airfare, accommodations in a Spa Casita, 14 spa treatments (yes, you’ve read that correctly: 14!), meals, and all destination spa activities and amenities.
Entrants were asked to choose between four Journeys Mii amo offfers its guests: Healthy Body in Balance; De-Stress Mind, Body, and Spirit; Spiritual Exploration; and Rites of Passage.
To choose a winner, the Spa staff reviewed all 1398 entries (coming from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Canada, and Puerto Rico) and independently voted on our top 10. From there, the entry with the most votes won. Narrowing it down to only 10 was difficult for all of us, because as we read through everyone’s entries it became clear that everyone who entered deserved to win.
Fortunately for us one entry, however, did get the most votes. And the winner is…. Veronica Lynch of North Carolina, who chose the Rites of Passage Journey. Her entry, that so moved us all, is below.
“I picked the Rites of Passage Journey because I am embarking on a new stage in my life. In the last year, I have finally finished breast cancer treatments including breast reconstruction. I was diagnosed in late 2006 at the age of 33.
I have been on a roller coaster, but I’m finally ready to embark on a place where I can transform from patient to healthy, vibrant, thriving survior. I’m trying to do that, but I think the Rites of Passage experience would give me the tools to help me through this transition.
I have also separated from my husband in the last year, too. I have spent so much time trying to cope with that transition as well. I’m trying to bring myself to a point where I’m ready to transition into thinking about myself as beautiful and open for love, but my cancer diagnosis and scars are holding me back.
I’m looking for tools that will help me get to a positive place that will allow me to be open for love in my life. I’m simply ready to learn better communication so I can have the relationships I deserve in my life.”
We’ll be featuring Veronica’s trip in our July/August 2010 issue and also at Spamagazine.com—so stay tuned!
—Julie Sinclair, editor-in-chief
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Post-Spa Slushy Recipe
Whenever I travel to Asia (which is often since my parents live there), I have two main goals: to sample as many affordable spas as possible and to beat the equatorial heat with lots of chilled fruity beverages.
During a recent trip to Phnom Penh, a friend turned me on to Bliss spa (no affiliation with the U.S.-based Bliss) along the hip Street 240, which has been dubbed ex-pat row due to the mostly American and European residents who have opened cafés, wine bars, and boutiques there. It was after a 20-dollar, 60-minute massage at Bliss that I craved a post-spa slushy and discovered the lychee mint slush at The Shop, just a few doors down.
Hydrating after a massage helps the body flush out toxins released during a treatment, and this slushy really hits the spot. The drink is easy to replicate, so I thought I’d share my version:
1/2 can of lychees* (set aside syrup to sweeten)
A handful of fresh mint leaves
Ice
Mix all the ingredients in a blender. Gradually add water if you don’t want your slushy too thick. Mix in enough syrup to suit your sweet tooth. Makes about two 8 oz. glasses.
* I buy my canned lychees at Whole Foods Market, but you can find it in most grocery stores. Just check the label to make sure the lychees aren’t drowning in preservatives. You can also use fresh lychees, but the drink won’t be as sweet.
Photo: Matthew Wakem
—Maria Wakem, senior editor
