Come on the Go!

Just got back from the Scottsdale Westin, where I spent an entire day hanging out at the Agave Spa. I'm still running around and trying to unpack, but I'll dish all about it soon. As a preview: Pretty nice, could be better - but damn, it was well needed.

While I was at my conference, I was amazed by the amount of women who told me that they've never been to a spa. Maybe they've gotten a massage or two. But going to a spa for an entire day seemed so....decadent!

Ladies - decadent is where it's at! Even the worst spa day is better than one without a spa. Where else can you be rubbed, pampered and coddled WITHOUT having to rub, pamper or coddle back?

I love destination spas (like Sedona's Miiamo) where I can stay on-stie and immerse in the spa experience. Beauty day spas (like the ones they have in top hotels) are pretty cool, too. But if you're new to spas, it *would* be a freaky weird experience. Sometimes you can walk around totally nude (like the Olympus Spa in Lynnwood). Sometimes, you're expected to be a tad more demure. Either way, it's awesome.

If you're new to spas, Spa Finder, Inc
has a great "Spa 101" section. They explain everything from the types of spas to spa ettiquette to the different types of spas. Check it out!

I just got home from the women-only Olympus day spa in Lynnwood, WA. And damn, am I relaxed!

I've traveled a lot of places. And I've hit a lot of spas. I totally dig Olympus Spa for so many reasons. The funny thing is, I would have never, ever walked in there without some heavy recommendations.

To illustrate: The place is next to a non-defunct Long's Drugs, the Lynnwood Convention Center and a freakin' Chuck E Cheese's. It's strip mall o' rama there, baby - so you don't exactly expect high brow. But friends of mine swore by this place, making the drive all the way to the Tacoma location. So, when I heard that they opened in Lynnwood, I figured it was worth the drive. Even if it is near a Chuck E. Cheese's (OK, I have problems getting beyond that.)

You pay when you walk in, which is much different than what I'm used to. On one hand, it's really nice...there's no irritating services upsell when I'm feeling all relaxed and blissed out ("Would you like a special scent for just $15 extra?" Blech). On the other thing - make sure that you bring cash so you can tip your provider. You can get cash from the spa to tip - but they charge a fairly hefty ATM fee.

Once you pay, you leave your shoes in your designated "slot," change from street clothes into a robe, put on a oh-so-sexy hairnet, and hit the spa. For being in a strip mall, the interior is beautiful. A waterfall cascades into one hot tub (there are 4 total) and the saunas each have their own theme (like the cedar cabin-style log room, and the jade and mud room). Women walk around nude in the hot tub area, which is totally empowering. It's great to see women of all shapes and sizes feeling comfortable walking around naked. I haven't experienced that anywhere else before (for instance, Eden Hill Spa in Nottinghamshire made us wear bathing suits).

You can get in for $30 and stay all day (what a deal!). If you want extra (and what spa chick doesn't want extra,) you can purchase services, too. I love the #2 package, with the Korean Body Scub and Moisturizer. Those women scrub you everwhere (yes, everwhere!), and you come out feeling baby-soft and very relaxed.

Important note to the body-shy: Yes, they do touch your boobs (boobs need exfoliation too!). No, it's not weird or sexual or freaky. You will be way less draped and way more in the open than most places. But it's OK here - again, not weird. If you're looking for the happy ending, you won't find it here!

I don't have any complaints about this place, other than it would be nice if they had something more comfy than the floor to sit on in the special sauna treatment rooms. I guess I could also complain about their massages being only 50 minutes - I kinda feel cheated when I don't get a full hour. But that's it.

I take a day off midweek when I can when it's less crowded and make the trek. For $135 (before tip,) I come feeling incredibly relaxed - and I look like a new woman. If you live near Lynnwood, WA what are you waiting for? Go now! Really, it's way worth it. And since they're open until 10 on weeknights, and midnight on Friday and Saturday, it'ssimple to fit into a road heroine's schedule!

I've talked to many men who have gotten the "happy ending handjob" on the road. I ask you - where are these places for women? OK, granted, it would have to be the right situation in the right place with the right person - but, why not give us the option?

I once read an article (I think it was in Cosmo) about how women were getting more happy endings - and liking it! The in-room hotel massage that goes a little further. The beauty day spa deep tissue that goes a little...deeper. Just like with guys, the stories mostly involve handjobs. I could do that. Going further would be too weird.

And yeah, I know that there are places that specialize in erotic massage. But it would seem so less skanky if it just happened. Or, more accurately, if I pay for it, it shows intent. If it just happens to me, I can kick back and enjoy the fantasy.

I almost had it happen once at a Hilton (a Hilton of all places!). Then the cute, 20-something guy told me that he just got in trouble for it with his boss, and he couldn't do that anyore. Dammit! Then why did you have to tell me? I could have really, really used it back then, too. And I tip really well.

Any female road warriors out there getting the happy ending? Was it good for you - or way too strange?