My friend Kitty Gibbs, a marketing manager for the Franciscan Health System, and myself, a General Contractor and Realtor, went in search of relaxation. Stress is such a powerful thing in everyon’s life! We were in much need of a healthy escape.
We set out Saturday afternoon and made it to the amazing Salish Lodge Resort and Spa. We were greeted at our car door by a courteous valet who directed us to the elevator that took us straight to the spa. A light wafting of eucalyptus met us as the elevator doors opened. The sounds of ethereal music and a mini waterfall were delightful to our ears. A bath attendant quietly led us back to the dressing rooms.

We donned bathing suits and complimentary Salish Lodge robes and were headed out to explore the spa area. The walkways were done in slate and the hallways and doors done in a beautiful cedar. Around the corner from the massage areas was a quiet room with comfy chairs and a crackling log fireplace. The bath attendant urged us to come in early to make use of the entire spa facility (at no extra charge). Our choice was the steam room first, then a brisk shower before dipping into the sunken pools, then to the sauna. Before next issue, my goal is to find out the proper order of those fine features to better our health.
The mini waterfall, the crackling fire and the comfy chairs were a peaceful place to await the masseur. Kitty went an hour earlier and she staggered past me in the quiet room on her way to the pool. Enter Aaron, who introduced himself as my massage therapist. He lead me back through the massage areas where all the other therapists were taking their lucky clients back to their perspective quiet rooms.

Aaron asked if there were any specific areas that needed more attention than others. I indicated that my neck and shoulders seem to take the brunt of my stress. I have to be honest – neither Kitty or I had high hopes for a 50-minute massage. However, it was absolutely marvelous. After focusing on my back, neck and shoulders, locating the spots in need of healing, he said that if the rocks were too hot to indicate so. I was thinking….rocks…what the heck? What an amazingly relaxing method of massage! Rolling, what felt like, totally round, smooth, heated rocks up and down the spine, around the shoulder blades and eventually with a separate set of heated rocks, up and down the bottoms of the feet.

What a wonderful energy. Just before the time was up, Aaron asked if I had ever seen a Tibetan Bowl before. He went on to explain he had studied in Tibet and had acquired this 200 year old bowl. Placing it approximately on the center of my stomach he said that he was going to tap it four times. Once for Mind, once for Spirit, once for Ying and once for Yang.

The first tap for Mind resonated through my entire body, just before it ended, then the second tap for Spirit, the third for Ying and the fourth for Yang, until the Tibetan Bowl was silent.

We finished our visit with a light meal in the dining area overlooking Snoqualmie Falls.

Two thumbs up if you will! We thought it was wonderful. To make your reservation call (800)826-6124. Until next time, we wish you health, happiness and relaxation! Next month Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort.