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Bali Spa
Holistic Skin Care in Portland
You've got to love a facial that starts with a foot massage. That's what I call full service. It's also exactly what I needed when I showed up at the cozy Bali Spa frazzled and apologetic for arriving almost half an hour late!
I blamed Google Maps, but it didn't matter. Once I was in spa owner Caroline Haelig's presence I started to relax because I knew I was in for a treat. Haelig is one of very few certified Dr. Hauschka estheticians in the Northwest, and Germany-based Dr. Hauschka makes some of my all-time favorite natural skin care products.
Start With The Feet
Within a few minutes of arriving, I was relaxing in my soft, oversized treatment robe and enjoying a Sage Bath foot soak. It was both soothing and invigorating, just what my tired feet needed after a long day of wandering around Portland. I love the smell of sage--it's pure and clean and reminds me of the summer camp in Colorado I attended as a teenager. My stress from the day started dissolving.
Since I didn't know any foot lovin's were included in my facial treatment, I was pretty happy when my foot soak was followed by a brief but effective foot and leg massage. Lymph stimulation is a key part of Dr. Hauschka treatments. The idea is that with gentle, rhythmic touch an esthetician can help stimulate circulation and lymph flow, both beneficial to skin health.
Quality Face Time
The next 90 minutes are kind of hazy because once I slid between the soft sheets on the treatment table, I turned off my brain and slipped into bliss cloud mode. But it went something like this...
First, Haelig soaked a soft compress in a basin of water containing Dr. Hauschka Lavender Bath and applied it to my face, neck, and décolleté. It's such a simple thing, but it felt amazing. And the lavender scent, which comes from pure essential oils rather than chemical fragrance, added a bonus aromatherapy benefit. Relaxation was complete.
Next, there was an herbal steam, which felt incredible. I often try to give myself steams at home and end up sweating into a bowl with a towel over my head. Here, with the fancy spa steam machine all I had to do was lie peacefully and savor the warm herbal mist bathing my face.
Once my skin was soft and moist, my pores were ready for some serious cleansing. It seemed like a variety of products were applied and wiped off, all with the most soothing touches. In between applications, there was more lymph stimulation--this time with large, fluffy makeup brushes. I felt like a queen!
My treatment ended with the application of a nourishing mask, as well as a décolleté and arm massage. Sweet. I felt more relaxed than I'd felt in months. I felt younger, lighter, prettier, and healthier. I felt downright serene (which is the opposite of my natural state!) All my worries were gone because I was a new woman who was about to re-enter my life and from that moment on, only do the right and healthy and friendly things in every situation. So, yes, I highly recommend a Dr. Hauschka facial for everyone!
The Dr. Is In
What I loved about this treatment, aside from the incredible Dr. Hauschka products, is that I felt like I was in good hands.
Sometimes when I've had spa treatments, it's taken me too long to relax because I've wated energy wondering how long the treatment would last or if the esthetician will live up to my expectations (I know, how uptight of me!). But at Bali Spa I let go completely.
Haelig is professional and efficient without being clinical; kind and informative but not hippy-trippy; and she obviously knows what she's doing and deeply believes in the Dr. Hauschka skin care protocols and products. They're the only products she uses at the Bali Spa.
I also really liked the small size of the spa. There's just a treatment room, a bathroom, and a waiting room. So it's very quiet, and because there's only room for one treatment at a time, all the attention was on me. Before I left, Haelig wrote out a facial care plan for me, including a checklist of the Dr. Hauschka products I'd need to use and instructions for use. Stellar.
About Dr. Hauschka: it's an incredible company with a background in herbal traditions and science. Their holistic skin care products are top quality, all natural, and are made from wild-harvestied, biodynamically grown, and organic plants. Dr. Hauschka's products are certified natural by the BDIH, an association of German manufacturers committed to producing natural products.
Details for Bali Spa: Open 8am-6pm, 7 days/week. Appointments only.
Bali Spa,1022 SE 37th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, Tel: 503-351-4831
The spa is located in Portland's Hawthorne neighborhood.
Services: Facials, scrubs. Balil Spa also offers waxing and acupuncture.
Bottom Line: I can't think of a more pleasant way to spend an afternoon. If you already use Dr. Hauschka products, you'll love the pampering. If you're new to Dr. Hauschka products, you'll love how refreshed and healthy your skin will feel after the treatment.--E.D. May 2010
***Writers! If you have a travel story and photos to share, please get in touch.
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