Photographs by James Borchuck
RELAX AND UNWIND Spa treatments and bath rituals have been around for thousands of years. History tells us that Egyptians were the first to discover the uses of water and oils for therapeutic purposes. Olive and sesame oils were used first; as time went on, practitioners introduced herbs, teas and other oils. According to the Spa Traveller (thespatraveller.com), Egyptians began to produce unguents (healing ointments for the skin) in the form of a pleasant-smelling oily substance made up of myrrh, frankincense, cinnamon and cassia. The Greeks and Romans soon emulated the Egyptians, and used spa treatments to keep people clean and beautiful. Various regimens were used for healing purposes and even to ward off evil spirits. Today, as well as in 3,000 B.C., water is a key ingredient. Pure or from the sea, it is vital in healing and cleansing, whether in steam baths, water therapy, hydro and mineral pools, facials and massages. — Suzette Moyer
The living wall at the EVANGELINE spa at the Epicurean Hotel is literally just that — a structure with cilantro, mint and other herbs growing from within. There’s a freshness to the new 2,800square-foot spa, which includes products from FarmHouse Fresh (based in Texas) and Caudalie (from vineyards in Bordeaux, France). Many treatments use warm spring water, soothing for both body and mind. Mix it with healthy herbs, citrus grass sea salt, alfalfa root and rice bran oil for the Bask in the Garden Beauty treatment. Or enjoy the Dulce Delight, with a caramel-coffee salt scrub of caffeine and Arabica bean extract. Top off any treatment with a signature dessert from Chocolate Pi, now open at the hotel. Indulge. Evangeline 1203 S Howard Ave., Tampa (813) 999-8742
APRIL 2014
bay
65