Virtuoso Insights - February/March 2009 - (Page 45) Clockwise from far left: flying high at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya; the Sandia Mountains sweep across the land of enchantment; sacred space: a pueblo-style treatment room at the Tamaya Mist Spa; and the hotel’s high-desert oasis. Martinez, the spa’s stunning and statuesque director, I embark on the Kashe K’atreti Journey, which begins with a native herbal wrap, followed by “ancient drumming.” Herbal wraps I’ve had before. But ancient drumming? Larry, my Zen-like practitioner, promises me that I will love it. After I’ve “detoxified” in hot, herb-steeped linens for 30 minutes, Larry paints me with a mask of Jemez Mountain mud infused with tingly New Mexico red chile, then with percussion-like rhythm, gently slaps my body with flaxseed-filled muslin bags dipped in piñon-scented oil. This, he says, will drum away my stress. “Stress? What stress?” I mumble as I drift off to dreamland. I could stay in this stupor forever, but Larry has other plans for me. He sends me off to the shower to rinse, then escorts me back to the treatment room where he pours warm oil over my entire body and exfoliates my skin with a piñon resin scrub. After two hours with my new best friend, it’s hard to say goodbye. But Sara is waiting to give me a Four Paths Facial, and Michelle, a paraffin pedicure. I stagger back to my room, grateful that it’s within bathrobedistance of the spa, and glance over at the television. I could turn on the news. Or, if I hurry, I can catch “Stories and S’mores under the Stars.” I opt for the latter . . . for two reasons: I love s’mores, and I’ve heard rave reviews about the Tamaya’s . . . taking in the surrounding cottonwoods and sage, i read over the itinerary that the resort has created just for me. it includes the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and lavish (as in five spa treatments) pampering. More Southwestern Sanctuaries on page 46 P Virtuoso insights 45
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