Loading ...Robert Haynes-Peterson
There are times I wake up feeling if my skin is oozing wine, or whichever spirit I inhaled at the previous night’s soiree. Now luxe spas in vine regions around the world are actually offering wine and vine-based treatments, providing a healthier definition of “booze soaked.” As more and more destinations-from Walla Walla, Washington to Stellenbosch, South Africa-begin offering organized tours and upscale accommodations, it only makes sense that the local flora should be celebrated as therapeutic. Below are a few options around the globe where you can refresh and renew:
Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina
This two-year old lodge, surrounded by the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, at the base of the Andes, is
already garnering significant attention among celebrities and destination wedding planners. When I visited last fall, a certain high-profile Hollywood couple was denied a stay due to the lodge’s “no kids under 12″ policy. Yet it’s relaxed, unassuming and, with Argentina’s weak Peso, one of the few bargains Americans will find these days traveling abroad.
The small spa is clean and peaceful, and boasts a pleasant, highly-trained staff. In addition to standard spa treatments, Cavas employs their own Malbec grape seed in body scrubs and Bonardo wine (one of the iconic grapes in Argentina, along with the Malbec) in soaks.
Slip into a warm tub containing a bit of Bonardo and you’ll initially feel like you’re part of a mulling recipe. The olfactory blast of hot wine quickly gives way to total relaxation. A second bath in each room means it’s perfect for couples’ treatments.
A complete Wine Therapy treatment, with crushed Malbec scrub, Bonardo wine bath, Torrontes Wine Wrap and grapeseed oil Therapeutic Massage costs AR$450 (about US $150). The lodge’s 14 cabins each feature fireplaces, rooftop seating, plunge pools and outdoor showers. Rooms range from US$275 to $500 depending on the season. Or stay in nearby Mendoza and arrange to visit the spa and restaurant.
Caudalie Spa, Bordeaux, France
Every oenophile must make a pilgrimage at least once to this soul of winemaking: Hill after hill of vineyards, sleepy communities and, of course, tourist hoards spilling everywhere like a badly poured Syrah. Escape the paradox of pastoral insanity at the well-heeled Caudalie Spa. Amidst the mature vines of Chateau Smith Haute Lafitte, the retreat recently started offering both its trademark Vinotherapie treatments and a 100% Grape Ritual.
The Grape Ritual allows you to “benefit from all the properties of the grape,” according to Caudalie. The fresh fruit is reputed to clear complexion and help reduce visibility of age spots. Choose from a menu of treatments including the Red Vine Bath, Honey and Wine Wrap, and a Crushed Cabernet scrub.
Vinotherapie, an all-day treatment introduced at the Bordeaux spa but soon available at Caudalie locations around the world, specializes in incorporating the vine flower into treatments (a big deal since vine flowers only last a week or so and each blossom removed means fewer wine-producing grapes down the road). In addition to energizing massages, facials and showers, choose from treatments like the Grape Marc Bath, Merlot Wrap, and Red Vine Bath.
Caudalie offers all-day packages, like a traditional European medi-spa. The Vinotherapie Relaxation Cure includes four Vinotherapie treatments each day, and runs Euro 325 ($500) for two soothing days. The Grape Ritual is similarly priced.
Areus Inn, Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla is quickly becoming the new go-to wine destination in the U.S., with cult-status labels like
Loenetti and L’ecole sharing acreage with celebu-brands like Pursued by Bear, actor Kyle MacLachlan’s new collaboration with the highly respected Dunham Cellars. While the sleepy college-slash-farm town has several great lodging choices, with trendy wine bars and tasting rooms dotting Main Street (yes, it’s really Main Street), Areus is the only option offering spa treatments (and Power yoga!).
The renovated ranch-style house is tucked in among rolling winter wheat fields and three acres of Cabernet grape vines (you can only drink their wine if you visit the lodge or pal around with the owners), offering seven airy Schraegerish-appointed rooms, where you’ll find chocolates, fresh flowers and handmade Japanese soaps waiting for you each day. Spa treatments include therapeutic massages, traditional Japanese Ofuro baths and a cedar dry sauna. One of the baths features a wine base, using local grapes, to nourish the skin and aid in relaxation. Take in the view of the low but dramatic Blue Mountains from the Inn’s swimming pool.
Your host, Giancarlo Solimano, can direct you to several vintners in the area, recommend a surprising variety of dining options, or help set you up with cultural events taking place on the nearby Whitman College Campus. The private suite, located apart from the other rooms, goes for about $250 per night, and includes a second room with bed and private Jacuzzi. A one-hour massage, Ofuro wine bath and detox tea run about $110.
Finally, if you find yourself traipsing around south or east Asia where there are a shortage of vines, but no shortage of wine lovers, you’re in luck: Wine spa treatments are appearing everywhere from Dehli to Bangkok to Tokyo. At the Grand Hyatt Hotel’s Club Oasis in Mumbai (Bombay), India, a head-to-toe Wine Spa Therapy treatment begins with a five-minute foot massage, followed by an exfoliation treatment using a grape, wine and rice blend. A one-hour aromatic massage also features wine-infused oils, topped off with a relaxing traditional Indian scalp massage. Relax afterwords with a glass of wine (mai oui!)-you’ll quickly leave behind the urban hustle and bustle raging just outside.
Top image courtesy of Robert Haynes-Peterson
Middle image courtesy of Cavas Wine Lodge
Bottom image courtesy of Areus Inn and Spa
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