Photos by Garrick Ramirez
With its quiet hilltop setting, scenic nature trails, and relaxing day spa, Chaminade Resort & Spa is where we head to chill on the hill. Now, the modern, mission-style resort is taking wellness to the next level with a pair of Himalayan salt saunas. Turns out, that bottle of pink salt at your gourmet grocer does more than spice up your supper. The mineral-rich salt has alleged health benefits including calming and detoxifying effects. Eastern Europeans have sought solace in natural salt caves for generations. Now, you can enjoy the same immersive experience at Chaminade-home to the only salt-therapy saunas in Santa Cruz County-as well as other spa offerings that are more than worth their salt.
WHAT IS HALOTHERAPY?
Despite the angelic name-which derives from the Greek word for “salt”-Halotherapy is a new spa trend that seeks to recreate the atmosphere and wellness benefits of a natural salt cave. At Chaminade, the two saunas-one in the women’s lounge, the other in the men’s-feature glowing backlit blocks of Himalayan salt which both soothe and mesmerize. Like a reinvigorating day at the ocean’s shore, the salt-infused room is credited with calming stress, opening up breathing, and imparting a general sense of well-being.
BEYOND THE SALT
The new salt saunas are just one aspect of the wellness experience at Chaminade. A 1,700-foot day spa includes an airy, full-size gym outfitted with spiffy exercise machines and free weights. Outside, a landscaped patio garden features a bubbling whirlpool, peaceful koi pond, and lounge seating overlooking inspiring hilltop views. The spa offers a number of relaxing and revitalizing services including skin care, massage, and body treatments. Plus, spa guests are welcome to take a dip in the sparkling, outdoor heated pool, swing a racket on the tennis courts, or get lost on the nature trails that wind through the property’s 300-acre, oak and redwood-filled grounds.
After a full spa and wellness day, you’ll likely be too blissed out to brave city streets. Instead, book a room and meander back to your plush bed, fresh-air balcony among the eucalyptus trees, and the dedicated meditation corner in your room. Stay Saturday night, and you’ll wake to a sunny outdoor brunch buffet with wholesome fruits, grains, and proteins. Oh yeah, there’s also a chocolate fondue fountain just in case you’re not done treating yourself.
EXPERIENCE THE SAUNAS
All hotel guests have access to the salt saunas, fitness center, and day spa amenities. Day spa guests who book a treatment 45 minutes or longer receive access to all spa and resort amenities. Check the Chaminade site for a list of their overnight packages here.