Synonymous with Victoria House’s renowned reputation and accolades for excellence, it is no surprise that La Luna Spa has perfected massage magic.
We all have guilty pleasures when we indulge in something that brings us joy and happiness that might not be all that good or healthy for us or even our wallet. We treat ourselves to these personal gifts in moderation, making the “you deserve this” justification even more delicious. I used to think that spoiling myself with a massage was one of these things until I realized that the benefits, physically and mentally, are not a guilty pleasure but part of taking good care of my health.
What are the health benefits of massage therapy?
Ahhhh, you’re in a shadowy, quiet space surrounded by tranquil music, candlelight, and soothing scents. The cool sheets feel silky on your bare skin. Once your massage starts, all that tension and stress evaporate through the power of touch.
Once relaxed on the massage table, you can focus on the rhythm of your breath, quieting your mind and letting your thoughts wander. As you immerse yourself in the moment, a sense of mindfulness surrounds you. Your emotions become less active, causing you to become less reactive, allowing you to engage in the current experience.
The touch of your therapist causes an immediate reaction in your brain. When your skin’s nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which boost your mood and give you a natural high. As a result, the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline decrease, and the overall effect is euphoria and bliss.
If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins will help diminish them by blocking pain signals from the brain. And if your muscles are sore, a good rubdown will help them heal faster. Researchers found that massage decreases the inflammation caused by exercise and increases the occurrence of cell repair.
Many massage professionals use aromatherapy during their treatments by applying fragrant essential oils to your bare skin or waving the scent below your nose. These oils complement the therapist’s soothing touch. Not only do they smell good, but they also stimulate specific brain activity. Lavender is one of the most familiar oils that promote relaxation and sleepiness.
During the massage, you can feel the tension leaving your muscles. The pressure from the therapist’s hand movements improves your circulation by moving blood more efficiently and releasing cell waste faster than your body does naturally. Your mind gets benefits as well. Researchers have found that a 15-minute rubdown can help you think more clearly and improve your alertness. Imagine what an hour or more would do?! La Luna Spa at Victoria House Resort on Ambergris Caye ticks all the above and more!
La Luna Spa at Victoria House Resort ~ Signature Treatment
1:45 hours of luxurious rejuvenation
You know you’re somewhere special the moment you enter the gorgeous property at Victoria House Resort. The manicured landscape unfolds with a lush green lawn canopied with vibrant Royal Poinciana trees and dotted with majestic palm trees adorned with blooming orchids. Flowering bougainvillea decorate the garden, hibiscus and ixora hedges accent the pathways, and tropical birds warm your welcome.
The sense of serenity elevates within the embrace of La Luna Spa, where my glowing therapist, Ms. Alma, welcomes me with a warm smile at the inviting reception area. I’m invited to the changing room, where fresh flowers accent the pleasant ambiance. Lockers for your personal items are available, and a soft robe awaits. Already feeling like a queen wrapped in my satiny wrap, Alama takes me to the massage room, where the subtle lighting and dreamy music laced with classical guitar set the stage.
My treatment begins with a granulated sugar and coconut oil body scrub. Alama works the exfoliating texture over my tired skin, bringing back tingly life and radiance. I breathe in the faint aroma of sweet coconut and slowly sink into the well of relaxation. Half an hour later, wrapped in a towel, Alma escorts through French doors to the outdoor shower directly off the room. The fenced, private area hosts a handful of showers, each with a wraparound privacy curtain. Bathing amenities, including shampoo, conditioner, custom-made oatmeal soap, a fluffy towel, and my robe, are thoughtfully placed at my ready.
Under the soothing stream of the rain shower, my view above sparkles with glowing flamboyant trees, popping with radiant flame-colored flowers within feathered boughs of verdant green. The sky, almost as blue as the Caribbean Sea, is graced with Magnificent Frigatebirds soaring thermals, and I can hear the Great Kiskadee bird owning its name, vocalizing a loud, slow “kiss-ka-dee!” What’s not to love about an outdoor shower?
After rinsing away the sugar scrub, my skin flutters with renewed energy and anticipation; there’s more to come! Once I towel dry and get back into my creamy robe, Alma returns me to the therapy room for a massage. Smooth, hot rocks radiating heat glide on velvety massage cream as Alma skillfully works her magic. From your little toe to the top of your ears, face, and scalp, just the right amount of pressure gently persuades your resistant muscles into blissful surrender. Occasionally, waves of herbal aromas float below my nose, fusing my senses into the full-body experience. Time seems suspended during this melding of the body and soul; no matter how satiated I am, I always want more of this heaven on Earth! At the end of my treatment, I feel like I’m floating on air and ever so grateful to Ms. Alma for her magical touch.
If you want the ultimate tropical experience, you can also enjoy your massage on their picture-perfect beach, where the open air, Caribbean breeze, and swaying palms accentuate the moment. Have a different venue in mind? They also provide outcall spa services to your Victoria House guestroom, home, office, or special location on the island.
La Luna Spa offers more than 36 treatments, ranging from various therapeutic massages, facials, body treatments, wraps, grooming, facials, waxing, and more. They even offer treatments for youngsters or romantic couples pampering. Are you celebrating a special occasion? Bride, bridal parties, and even expectant mothers get the royal touch, providing packages designed to suit your specific needs. For a complete menu of treatments offered, please visit https://www.victoria-house.com/la-luna-spa-belize/spa-menu/
Photos courtesy of Victoria House
