Deliverance: A Spa Palmera Experience

Deliverance

The ritual bath experience at Spa Palmera washes away everyday pressures with the magic of ancient traditions.

By Nila Do Simon

It was hot, I was late, and we both needed self-care. So began my day at Spa Palmera with one of my dearest friends, Cristina. An escape from the grind had been beckoning both Cristina and me for some time. And I couldn’t think of a better environment than Spa Palmera, a 50,000-square-foot ode to the majestic halls of the ancient Moorish residence of Alhambra Palace. A girls’ spa day is what we both decided we needed, and a girls’ spa day is what Spa Palmera delivered.

There’s no better setting for a self-care recharge with friends than a day at Spa Palmera. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a slew of other reasons (I blame it on adulting), my friend Cristina and I hadn’t seen each other in nearly four years. Video calls and phone conversations, while extremely helpful, could only placate us for so long. When we finally met within the spa’s expansive lounge, it was as if no time had passed at all. My, how I had missed her. We then carried our conversation on to our treatments: ritual baths for the both of us before enjoying a Royal Coconut Milk and Honey Ritual.

Elements of Alhambra are found throughout the footprint of Spa Palmera, from the introductory welcome drink of sparkling-infused rose water to the ornate ritual baths where guests are treated like royalty. Spa-goers will be transported to another era as they enter the second-floor Whispering Gallery, a nod to the eponymously named section of the Alhambra where courtesans lowered their voices to whisper secrets on their way to treatment rooms. Spa Palmera has embraced and modernized the ancient concept of ritual baths. Known as a way to cleanse one’s aura and heal the heart, ritual baths can be taken with a spiritual, intentional purpose. Water also acts as a conduit for the spirit and can enhance connections to the universe.

The spa continues to draw on the inspirational influences of Alhambra to present three ritual bath choices, all within a serene indoor bath area resplendent with showers, and soaking, deluge and hot tubs. It’s recommended to prepare for any bath ritual with 10 minutes in one of the therapy rooms—the halotherapy salt room with pink Himalayan salt, the eucalyptusfilled sauna, or toxin-eliminating steam room—to fully prepare the body and mind to accept and take advantage of the ritual. Actually, this preparation seems like just the right prelude for just about any Spa Palmera service, including the signature treatments of the Diamond Facial by Natura Bissé (which begins with an oh-so-soothing custom exfoliation) and the Deep Tissue Massage, a favorite among athletes and those with an active lifestyle.

Cristina and I opted for the signature Royal Ritual bath. After our attendant gently guided us to our respective soaking tubs, we relaxed in warm water enhanced with pink Himalayan salt and hydrating milk bath powder. We were each given a tray filled with a chamomile face mask, hibiscus tea, passion fruit sorbet and lavender salt scrub with a loofah. After soaking for 20 minutes, the ritual continued with a five-minute Swiss shower, a stimulating shower with 50 jets that serve to invigorate and increase blood circulation. It was then followed by a 10-minute deluge, or a warm water massage that loosens muscles and stimulates the body into releasing natural stress-reducing endorphins. We finished our ritual bath in the large hot tub, where we were given cold washcloths, glasses of water and fresh fruit to enjoy while in the tub.

Then, after passing by the Whispering Gallery, I entered a treatment room for my 90-minute Royal Coconut Milk and Honey Ritual. I learned that milk and honey baths are symbolic beauty rituals from past eras that have been reinvented with enhanced technology. The treatment was performed in an Aemotio Vichy shower by Lemi, a futuristic looking heated water mattress with an attached shower head that incorporates chromotherapy and steaming. Organic cane sugar, honey, coconut milk and exotic nut oils are combined to exfoliate, hydrate and renew.

Known for its floral and medicinal gardens, the Alhambra Palace is considered in the same majestic realm as the Seven Wonders of the World. Spa Palmera recreates the beauty of the palace gardens with distinguishing aromas reminiscent of those found at the ancient palace, and curates treatments to the guest’s preference. A year in the making, the blends include: Elevation (a citrus aroma) with invigorating lemongrass and Yuzu; Love (or damask rose) to instill harmony and love; and Grounding (an amber and pine blend) that calms and connects the mind and body.

After our treatments were completed, we lounged by the two-story fireplace in the Great Hall, and explored the Mediterranean-inspired gardens, where a poolside ambassador provided flavored waters, ice-cold grapes, refreshing citrus splash, sunscreen and cooling aloe. We also made our selections from the spa poolside cafe, which includes a menu of light Spanish-themed cuisine.

As they say, all good things must come to an end. Sadly, our girls’ spa day did, but not without a parting gift—the selected aromatic scent used in our treatments in a facial mist. It served as a reminder that no matter how soul-crushing the daily grind becomes, a check in at Spa Palmera can help right the course. And it’s even better if you bring a friend.

For Spa Palmera inquiries and services, call (561) 347- 4772 or at spareservations@thebocaraton.com.