Star Treatment

Nature and Nurture

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Thanks to its proximity to Southern California shores, Aquaterra Spa allows clients to get closer to nature. Located at Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, California, guests hear the pounding of the nearby waves on the sand, take in earthy tones of the spa's décor, and enjoy services such as the Mediterranean Mud Body Wrap (50 min./$105).

This treatment utilizes a combination of French clay and crushed grapeseeds for a rubdown that's detoxifying and exfoliating. Yet, it's still gentle enough for sensitive skin.

The Protocol:

1. Prompt the client to lie face up on the table with a sheet, Mylar and plastic underneath her.
2. After draping, dry-brush the client using fast, circular strokes, beginning at the feet and moving toward her head. To reach the backs of her legs, ask her to bend her knees slightly. Then, have her hold the towel and sit up while you dry-brush her back.
3. With the client still sitting, apply the mud-grapeseed combination to her back with quick effleurage movements. Ask her to lie back down and continue applying the product to the front of her body, as well as the backs of her legs.
4. Wrap the client's body first with the plastic layer, then with the Mylar. Add a large towel to the layers to cover any areas that the Mylar misses. After checking to make sure the client is comfortable, place an eye pillow over her orbital area.
5. Perform a scalp massage on the client while the product works into her skin.
6. After 20 minutes, remove the eye pillow and unwrap the client. Prompt her once again to sit up while holding the draping towel. Remove the plastic and Mylar from underneath her.
7. Turn on the Vichy shower and test the temperature of the water on the client's feet. Once she's satisfied, move the Vichy over the table to rinse the mud. Use the handheld attachment if necessary.
8. When finished, swing the Vichy away. Redrape the client and have her turn onto her stomach. Repeat Step 7.
9. Once the client is completely rinsed, give her a towel and ask her to hop off the table to get dry. Prepare the table for lotion application.
10. Ask the client to climb back onto the table, and apply lotion using massaging motions.

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