Prior to going to the falls, many people, Juan included, advised us that 3 days was too long to spend at a national park. After all, what else is there to do in such a small town besides see the waterfall? With a spa in site however, Christy and I knew exactly how to use every moment of that second day. Around 10am we headed to the falls and paid 120 pesos to get to the Sheraton hotel. This was outrageously expensive, but we would make up for it later!
Our pamper day began at the pool of the Sheraton hotel, with the shirtless Habana boy scrubbing the pool tiles with a toothbrush, and the world’s most spectacular waterfall served as a backdrop in the distance. We lounged in the plush pillow top chairs with toxic fruit concoctions in hand, soaking up some much needed rays en ‘piel pálida.’ We were then summoned to begin our self study on the seven pillars of beauty. The first pillar – H2O!
Unlike the usual Christy/Carly spa days, this one began with a circuit of water treatments. [Side note: This was also the portion of the trip when the submarine adventure began. Many thanks to our lovely spa hostess.] Succumbing to the power of whirlpool air jets and high pressure waterfalls, we rotated around the pool to loosen things up. Then the true relaxation began!
For the third time in the history of our friendship, Carly and Christy were able to enjoy a lovely couple’s massage, with side-by-side tables. :) We began with a full body 60 minute Swedish massage, followed by a fruity facial “a la natural”. We then received a reflexology treatment, which was a much needed indulgence for our swollen and tired feet. Luckily the sunburn from laying out the past two days didn’t set in until later that evening!
Our spa day continued with hot tea, wet and dry saunas (asthma attack), and journaling in the zen garden. We then finished off the day with a private water aerobics lesson (coincidentally with the same Habana boy from the morning!). He complimented our athleticism and stamina, probably because we were 30 years younger than his typical clientele. Mom, you would have been so proud!
We took relaxing showers in the locker room and in an effort to overstay our welcome at this hotel where we were not actually staying, we dined in the restaurant upstairs, chowing down on fresh salmon and filet minion (thanks Pop Pop!)
As we left one hotel for the other, the receptionist, having become so fond of us, slipped us a room key for free park entrance the next day. Haha park ranger – take that! Off to our second full night’s sleep with fresh sheets, a clean shower, and proper ventilation!
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