By Stephanie Mason

I’ve been looking forward to this particular part of the trip…. Why you ask? Well I’ve never stayed in a cabin before so this is a new experience for me and I have been impatiently waiting for the glacial rain hydrotherapy and massage that I am about to receive tomorrow at The Glacial Waters Spa at the Grand View Lodge.

After being checked in very efficiently, I found my cabin for the evening and I was astonished. It was beautiful and rustic right on the lake with some very beautiful views over the lake. After the obligatory look round, checking all the bathroom etc. me and my travelling companion decided to get something to eat and where better to dine then the lodges very own pub called Northwoods.

It’s been over a year since I have seen the sun in England let alone one with some heat, so we head for the tables outside so we can top up on our vitamin D, enjoy the scenic view at the same time as enjoying a nice chilled glass of wine or three – multitasking at its best!

I wake up bright and early and before I hit the shower I just sit and watch the sun shiver over the lake, it’s so peaceful I could sit here for hours, but I have spa treatment and I make my way to the Glacial Waters Spa sitting amongst the pine tree with a clear blue lake leading the way. I was a bit early for my appointment so I got to relax in the waiting area in front of the cosy wood fire.

They have a range of beverages from hot drinks to cucumber water and light snacks as well, after filling out a short questionnaire I was ready for my treatment. Before starting my masseuse asked me to select 3 essential oils by picking 3 different cards with different signs/meanings written on them, these were linked to the benefits the oils offered.

The first part of my treatment began with a sea salt exfoliation of my whole body, which I was definitely in need of, then the bit I’ve been looking forward to the most, maybe it’s because I am a Pisces but I love anything to do with water. First the masseuse started with a full body hydrotherapy massage with a pressurized Scots hose, which was the ultimate exfoliation for my skin, it was like being under water – whilst still being able to breathe of course. All the tension in my body literally washed away with the water.

Next was the seven-headed Vichy shower, its purpose is to open up the Chakra energy centres and improve circulation and oh my it did that and more, imagine laying underneath a rain storm cascading over your whole body it was incredible.

After drying myself off I received a Shirodhara treatment whilst having my scalp massaged – it is a mixture of plant-based oils flowing continuously onto my third eye, the scents and smells from the different oils are amazing playing havoc with my senses, I’ve never felt so relaxed before.

As if I haven’t been spoilt enough my masseuse finished off the treatment by washing my hair, which I was very grateful for, I am feeling far too relaxed and pampered and I feel like I just want to while away the rest of the day feeling like a new me. As soon as the treatments were finished I wanted to start all over again, it was magnificent and I highly recommend you try this at least once in your life. As soon as I get back home to London I am going to track down a spa that provides this treatment.

The hotel has numerous activities from golf, hiking, horseback riding, jet skiing and of course ice skating and skiing in the winter, so no member of your family or partner will be left bored while you are getting a well-deserved day of pampering at the spa.

23521 Nokomis Ave
Nisswa
Minnesota
MN 56468
USA

T: +1 866-801-2951
W:.grandviewlodge.com