Ritz-Carlton Weddings - July 2011 - (Page 28)

your dreams · beauty On the eve Of yOur wedding, a mentOring massage can set the prOper tOne fOr the years tO cOme Teaching Hands a massage can be many things: a spiritual awakening, a sensual experience, a respite from a particularly hard workout. But a form of communication? If it’s the Mentoring Massage for Two, a mainstay at the spa in The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, then the answer is a resounding “yes!” The massage, designed to help couples understand and explore the benefits of massaging each other, takes a hands-on (no pun intended) approach to education, with a massage therapist guiding the pair through various techniques. The therapist demonstrates on one person, then assists the other in executing the moves again. Then, partners switch positions so the massaged can become the massager. And all the while, the therapist coaxes the couple into talking to each other, exploring what’s working and building communication on an intimate level. So, the couple don’t just walk away with some techniques to re-create in the home, they share an experience. We trailed massage therapist Justin Bach as he took engaged couple Erin Rorbach and Patrick Feeney through the Mentoring Massage for Two. Here’s what everyone had to say: Justin: When I meet with couples for a mentoring session, we first talk about what they want to get out of it, as well as their expectation from their partner. That sets a good tone. Then, I often find myself talking to the male about massage, because men tend to put up a wall about it. So, I put it in terms men understand: that athletes get massages almost every day, that a massage can reveal areas that need further development and that a massage can help men recover from workouts quicker so they can get on to the next physical activity. Then, I outline the techniques of Swedish massage. It’s a good entry point into the world of massage and allows inexperienced couples to have success from the get-go. While I’m instructing, I also go over the notion of creating “couple’s time,” outlining a time and place in their home they can set up for regular sessions. I tend to focus on mood as well, showcasing how candles, scents and lighting can accentuate the overall experience. That way, the massage stimulates all the senses and brings the couple closer together. 28 w e d d i n g S b y t h e r i t z - c a r lt o n photograph by ZenShui/Frederic cirou

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ritz-Carlton Weddings - July 2011

Ritz-Carlton Weddings - July 2011
Contents
Inspiration
Jewelry
Beauty
On the runway
Going to a Garden Party
Color Magic
Sonoran Dreams
At the beach
The new buzz

Ritz-Carlton Weddings - July 2011