Yes! I finally have a travel experience I can share with Green Postcards readers. I spent this past weekend exploring New Mexico with two of my good college friends, Dori and Natalie. It was our last day together, and we were tired from hiking and eating large amounts of green chile. After a short web search and a few phone calls, we were on our way to Betty's Bath and Day Spa, a laid-back establishment tucked into a residential street a short drive from Albuquerque's tourist center, Old Town. The red-painted spa has a full menu of treatments, most of which are complemented by organic and biodynamic Jurlique products.
After changing into our sandals and robes, embroidered with the spa's whimsical mermaid logo, Dori and I were whisked off for facials. Natalie chose a massage. The facial was an hour long, and it was fabulous. Svetlana was my aesthetician, and she gently treated my skin with multiple courses of cleansers, toners, hot towels, and masques. Facial, arm, shoulder, neck, and scalp massages were interspersed with the skin treatments, turning a normal facial into a completely relaxing experience. During the facial, I didn't know the products came from Jurlique (Svetlana simply told me they were organic and plant-based). I did notice their scents -- light and real. No chemical edge. No over-whelming smells. It was good for my nose, and good for my skin as well. Past facials I've had left me with skin slick with products and redness or minor-breakouts the next day. This time, Svetlana dusted me with a little bit of finishing powder, and I loved the way my skin looked so much that I went without make-up for the rest of the day. In public. That sadly almost never happens. I drifted back to the changing room to find Dori and Natalie in similar states of bliss.
We finished out the morning soaking in the women's tub, under the spring New Mexico sun. The jacuzzi is in an adobe courtyard and is paired with a sauna and a cold-water outdoor shower. Use of the tubs (there is also a coed bath -- swimsuits required) is free with purchase of a treatment. You can buy unlimited communal soaking time for $11 per person. Sitting under the blooming trellis with the blue, blue, blue New Mexico sky above, you'll want to stay all day. We would have, but planes and more green chile called. Reserve your own organic treatment online or by calling 505-341-3456.
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Thanks, Tracy! I want to do more US travel reporting, too. I'm planning some more southwest region trips. Stay tuned. (PS - as a vegan body products maker, what's your take on Jurlique?)
Posted by: Sarah | April 16, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Sounds fabulous! I'd love to hear more about your travels to eco-friendly places within the states to save on travel costs (both financial and on the environment). Keep up the good work! :c)
Posted by: Tracy | April 16, 2008 at 01:28 PM