By Serena GelbPhilippine Daily InquirerLast updated 18:32:00 01/29/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Whenever I get stressed or overworked, I turn to massage. Massage is not only relaxing, it is beneficial to the health as well.
A massage increases blood flow through your body, improving circulation. That means it circulates fresh oxygen to your organs, including the brain!
It also improves muscle and skintone, and digestion. Therapeutic massage has been known to even improve self-esteem. You feel so good after a massage that you feel you can do anything.
But most people are concerned about the cost of a massage. In a luxury spa or a hotel, a massage costs P2,000 upward.
But my family has discovered a way to enjoy the relaxing benefits of massage without the prohibitive price. There are now several home-service massage outfits that send their staff directly to your home and pick them up later. They are literally just a phone call away. No need to fight traffic to go to your favorite spa.
The service is quite budget-friendly. At P250 per hour, the service may be offered to the whole family.
The massage outfits are on my speed dial, and whenever I have a tough day at school, I just dial their number and here they come!
I have found the staff to be very friendly, clean and cooperative. They work according to the client’s individual needs. For instance, when my feet are sore from running up and down the stairs in Phys Ed, I ask them for pure reflexology. When I need a rest, I lie on my stomach for a deep, relaxing back massage.
Equipment
When “ordering” a massage at home, all you need is a chair to recline in or a bed.
In spas, however, they often have massage tables or chairs. Chair massages are more common in public spots, airports and malls.
They are convenient if you don’t have much time to spare, and the masseuse can concentrate on particular areas in the neck, shoulder and upper body regions where most people store their tension.
Massage tables are bulkier and heavier, with more spare parts such as the head rest, but they allow the “patient” to lie completely flat for an all-around massage experience.
At home, massage junkies that we are, we keep to portable massage tables folded in our closet ready to use any time.
The massage is now everywhere. I have come across airports around the world offering massage services to tired travelers.
At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, chair massages are available; in Bali and Hong Kong, they offer foot reflexology.
The most curious massage offering at an airport I have come across with is the “water massage” machine at the San Francisco Airport.
Out of curiosity, I tried it. It was the strangest massage experience of my life. I lay inside a high-tech capsule, fully clothed and water-shielded by a plastic sac beat on my back. I could hear the roar of the surging water around me. I felt like a pair of jeans inside a washing machine.
Oils
A word about massage oils. Most therapists use oil to massage. I allow only natural oils that come from plants to touch my skin.
Why? The skin is the largest organ of the human body. I want my skin to absorb nourishing vitamins and minerals.
I always read the label of the oils I purchase to make sure they don’t have artificial scents, preservatives or colors. These ingredients may make the oil in the bottle prettier, more marketable and have a longer shelf life; but they are not healthful. They may cause allergic reactions.
There are many vegetable oils to choose from: almond oil, peanut oil, sesame seed oil, even the olive or corn oil in your kitchen.
My favorite oil is local coconut oil, which is affordable, nourishing and has no strong scent. I always choose cold-pressed oil—it is extracted using no heat to damage its natural nutrients.
It is also the most absorbable since heating makes oil thicker and more sticky. I never use mineral oil because it is a petroleum-derivative. Petrol is more suited to car engines.
How nice that the health benefits of massage in the safety and comfort of our own home is simply a phone call away!
Call Massage at Home at 7421829 and 843 7686; Dial A Massage at 7237157.
Posted by : Massage Therapy Adelaide - http://knead.net.au
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Health & Home: Benefits of a good massage
Trapped in Portland for a few days earlier in the week due to dangerous driving conditions in the Columbia River Gorge, our family took advantage of many of the city's amenities. We ate at every child-friendly restaurant we could find (we love McMenamin's restaurants), visited the zoo, went to story time at the library in our old neighborhood and played at our favorite indoor park in the basement of a church in northeast Portland. The kids were pretty happy, but my neck, back and shoulders were not. Lifting and carrying around a 25-pounder and a 33-pounder - especially getting them in and out of car seats - was wreaking havoc on my upper body. Then I remembered a spa in southeast Portland that has on-site child care so mothers can get a massage or other spa treatments while their children play. My son and daughter were delighted at the sight of new toys, books and puzzles. I was delighted they didn't even seem to mind my departure after I told them I'd be in the room right next door.Ah, the comfortable massage table with soft, warm blankets; the soft lighting reflecting off the beautiful yellow-orange walls; the soothing scents of massage lotions and the calming sound of waves breaking on the shore (well, that was probably a CD, but it sounded real). It was a relaxing extravaganza for the senses and the massage hadn't even begun.Massages are a wonderful thing. The older I get, the more they seem necessary for health and relaxation, and the less they seem a luxury.In my case, the massage loosened up the tight muscles in my neck and upper back. The massage therapist found a lot of tender knots and worked out the kinks, leaving me with better posture and much less tension in my shoulder area than before. Plus, I was left with a sense of relaxation and well-being which lasted for days.Massage has been around for thousands of years and there are dozens of different massage techniques:n Swedish massage is the most common type in which the therapist strokes, rubs, kneads and stretches the muscles, usually using a lotion or oil to reduce friction on the skin. If you've never had a massage before, this is a good basic type to try.n Deep tissue massage uses concentrated pressure on certain muscles and connective tissue to break down tissue that is painful and restricting movement. It may not be as relaxing as Swedish massage, but can improve flexibility and relieve pain for people with chronic pain such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia.n Sports massage is often based on Swedish or deep tissue massage techniques and helps athletes recover from injuries faster, decrease muscle soreness after a workout and increase flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons.n Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage which uses finger or hand pressure in the same areas an acupuncturist would place needles. The idea is to open up the natural flow of energy throughout the body. Usually, you remain clothed during a shiatsu massage.n Hot stone massage is a recent invention and is becoming popular. Hot, flat, smooth river rocks are placed on different points or are moved over the skin. The heat helps relax muscles and improve circulation.If you are uncomfortable about taking off your clothes for a massage, you could try a chair massage, where you stay clothed and lean forward in a special massage chair that supports the front of your body, allowing the massage therapist to focus on your back, neck and shoulders.Anyone with chronic muscle or joint pain probably will benefit from a massage, at least temporarily. It may not be a cure, but a knowledgeable massage therapist can help tight muscles relax and improve the range of motion and flexibility. Also, everyone can enjoy the psychological benefits of an hour of total relaxation during a massage.-----Kathryn B. Brown worked as a registered nurse and a family nurse practitioner before coming to work for the East Oregonian. Her column appears here every other week. She can be reached at kbbrown@eastoregonian.com.
Posted by: Massage Adelaide - knead Me - http://www.knead.net.au
Posted by: Massage Adelaide - knead Me - http://www.knead.net.au
Massage Techniques – Health Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage
Dr. John Anne
February 09, 2008
Ayurvedic massage techniques provide respite, circulation and elimination of toxins. If implemented as a daily practice, Ayurvedic massage techniques can even help to revitalize the body. In ancient times, Ayurvedic clinics did not frequently offer massage, as everybody gave and received it. Only when patients needed a particular treatment, they were referred to massage specialists that used the suitable Ayurvedic massage techniques.Today in India, massagers roam the public places in great number and give head and body a go for a few chunks of rupees. Although they often have little knowledge of Ayurveda but they do know how to work with muscles, joints and bones. Many have received training based on the massage developed by wrestlers and body builders.Ayurvedic doctors who were also wrestlers developed a special system of their own that contained the knowledge of the Ayurvedic as well as Unani (Greek) systems of medicine. These conventional Indian massage techniques are based on the Ayurvedic humors (vata, pitta and kapha) and marmas (pressure points like in reflexology). They also comprise Muslim massage techniques with pressure points called Muqame Makhsoos. Specific Ayurvedic massage techniques have also been developed for massage therapy, used in certain therapeutic treatments like in panchakarma (means five techniques). These massage techniques should only be practiced in a particular diseased condition under supervision of a well qualified Ayurvedic doctor or vaidya.
In rural areas, weekly massage is still a family scene. People in India love it - they know that like a best friend it brings joy and relaxation to the body. The popular image of Lord Vishnu reclining on a serpent (Sesh-naag) and receiving foot massage from his consort Goddess Lakshmi shows it as a preferred pastime even of the gods.Massage techniques can also help to uphold a loving relationship between husband and wife. After this kind of calming relaxation, it is easier to share and give love. Before marriage it is one of the few ceremonial massages in the Hindu ritual that is compulsory even today. Urban Beauty Massage is also very popular.It is also often used to help the aged and special techniques have been developed for young and nursing mothers as well as babies. Babies are usually massaged with a small dough ball dipped in vegetable oil. For more helpful information read about Home Remedies at Herbal Remedies website. Also read about Breast Enlargement Products.
Posted by: Remedial Massage Adelaide - Knead.net.au
February 09, 2008
Ayurvedic massage techniques provide respite, circulation and elimination of toxins. If implemented as a daily practice, Ayurvedic massage techniques can even help to revitalize the body. In ancient times, Ayurvedic clinics did not frequently offer massage, as everybody gave and received it. Only when patients needed a particular treatment, they were referred to massage specialists that used the suitable Ayurvedic massage techniques.Today in India, massagers roam the public places in great number and give head and body a go for a few chunks of rupees. Although they often have little knowledge of Ayurveda but they do know how to work with muscles, joints and bones. Many have received training based on the massage developed by wrestlers and body builders.Ayurvedic doctors who were also wrestlers developed a special system of their own that contained the knowledge of the Ayurvedic as well as Unani (Greek) systems of medicine. These conventional Indian massage techniques are based on the Ayurvedic humors (vata, pitta and kapha) and marmas (pressure points like in reflexology). They also comprise Muslim massage techniques with pressure points called Muqame Makhsoos. Specific Ayurvedic massage techniques have also been developed for massage therapy, used in certain therapeutic treatments like in panchakarma (means five techniques). These massage techniques should only be practiced in a particular diseased condition under supervision of a well qualified Ayurvedic doctor or vaidya.
In rural areas, weekly massage is still a family scene. People in India love it - they know that like a best friend it brings joy and relaxation to the body. The popular image of Lord Vishnu reclining on a serpent (Sesh-naag) and receiving foot massage from his consort Goddess Lakshmi shows it as a preferred pastime even of the gods.Massage techniques can also help to uphold a loving relationship between husband and wife. After this kind of calming relaxation, it is easier to share and give love. Before marriage it is one of the few ceremonial massages in the Hindu ritual that is compulsory even today. Urban Beauty Massage is also very popular.It is also often used to help the aged and special techniques have been developed for young and nursing mothers as well as babies. Babies are usually massaged with a small dough ball dipped in vegetable oil. For more helpful information read about Home Remedies at Herbal Remedies website. Also read about Breast Enlargement Products.
Posted by: Remedial Massage Adelaide - Knead.net.au
Massage therapy more than pampering
Licensed massage therapists are highly educated and know what is needed and what is not, said Matthew Smith, licensed massage therapist and owner of Bodylogic in Vienna. “Massage is good for everyone, but there are times when people have to be careful. We are highly educated to help someone through that or refer them to a doctor when needed. The whole point of Bodylogic is for massage therapy to be taken seriously as health care, not just pampering. We’re trying to be the middle ground between ‘it feels good’ and ‘it’s good for me,’” Smith said. Smith said massage therapy has numerous benefits and can work in conjunction with more traditional health-care treatments. “It’s good for you. It increases blood flow, it’s good for the heart and good for the entire body. It reduces stress and stress complicates every disease factor in the body. It benefits every organ system – brain, lungs, kidneys, heart – with a low incidence of side effects. It has almost no side effects and helps people sleep better. It works very well with chiropractic and very well with physical therapy. It helps speed repair of muscles and helps to decrease scarring from sprains and strains and relieving the muscles helps the spine stay aligned longer,” Smith said. Types of massage therapy include: Deep tissue: Massage that treats deeply into muscle tissue. Helps decrease pain, stiffness and soreness. Hot rock: The use of heated rocks, such as basalt rocks, to heat muscle tissue.Light touch: Massage with light pressure, focusing more on blood and lymphatic flow.Smith said each type of massage has its own applications. “We understand that deep tissue should never be painful, it can be uncomfortable, but this is because we’re getting deep into the muscles of the body. Light touch is for people who may not need deep tissue. It is really good for arthritis, headaches, sleeplessness and digestive problems. Because the lymphatic system does not have a pump, you have to do aerobic movement, like walking, running and jumping, to move the lymphatic fluid. Since people don’t do that much, this is a physical way to move that system along. It really improves your immune system,” Smith said. While many massage therapists work independently or with spas, many assist chiropractors, said Dr. Heather McCarter of McCarter Chiropractic Health Center. ’’They work hand-in-hand and separately. Massage focuses on working muscle adhesions, tension and trigger points that pull on the spine or joint. Therefore, the joint worked on and realigned will hold better,’’ she said. McCarter said muscle problems often cause misaligned joints. “We incorporate muscle imbalances in the way we eat, sleep, walk and overuse with certain jobs and you retrain the muscle to pull the body in a direction. If that muscle pull is greater than the joint, it will take the joint back out,’’ she said. Mandy Marlo Shepler, licensed massage therapist, said massage therapy can be especially beneficial for pregnant women. ‘‘Pregnancy massage is like a regular massage, but you’re working to ease the discomforts of pregnancy. There’s a lot of low back pain and swelling and people’s feet hurt tremendously when they are pregnant,’’ she said. Light massages can clear the lymphatic system of toxins, restore sore muscles to proper form and alignment and relieve stress, Shepler said. ‘‘It causes a very relaxing endorphine rush. It’s very relaxing and creates a general sense of well-being,’’ she said.
For more information, visit www.bodylogicclinic.com.
By: DAVE PAYNE Sr.
Posted by: Adelaide Massage Therapists - http://knead.net.au
For more information, visit www.bodylogicclinic.com.
By: DAVE PAYNE Sr.
Posted by: Adelaide Massage Therapists - http://knead.net.au
Body Massage – Know about the Massage Benefits
The art of body massage has come a long way since the time our parents or grand parents have known it to be. Today, the ambiance within the room where the body massages is done matters as much as the practice of body massages itself.Aromatherapy body massage is just one of the new techniques used in recent years and has become all the rage in all the corners of the world – from Asia to the Americas to Europe. This type of body massage makes use of essential oils extracted from all herbal and natural elements like fruits, flowers, leaves, seeds, or berries.The principles of deriving these oils and using them for therapy have been handed down from generation to generation and before this time were prehistoric secrets. Today, we have the benefit of feeling the benefits of these substances which, when combined with a body massage, can work marvel for our well-being.At the beginning of each body massage sitting, a therapist spends a few minutes to ask you questions about what you want to be done and perhaps even your state of mind. This is important because there are people who seek body massage for relaxation, and there are some who are very sluggish that they need body massage for rejuvenation.Thus, your therapist must know a few details so that he or she could work out a mixture of these aromatherapy oils to give you the desired effect. As you may know by now, each organic substance has sole properties and the use or application of each one gives a diverse effect on an individual's body.
The body massage therapist will also help you feel at ease during these twenty minutes or so, after which you are ask for to take your clothes off in private. A robe would be given to you and they always make sure that their clients are at ease prior to the start of body massage sessions.Besides from the mixture of oils that would be applied on your body during the massage, an variety of aromatherapy oils would also be used to fill the air inside the room to give you a totally rejuvenating experience. It has been proven technically that smells play a large part in the motivation of parts of our brain, and these activate could either help you relax or come alive from a renewed energy source.Aromatherapy body massage increases blood flow and as a result enhances oxygen flow, keeping your cells, tissues, and organs more healthy and rehabilitated. There's one thing you have to look out for, though – aromatherapy body massage can be very addictive.For more helpful information read about Home Remedies at Herbal Remedies website. Also read about Breast Enlargement Products.
Dr. John Anne
February 08, 2008
Posted by: http://kned.net.au - Corporate Massage Adelaide
The body massage therapist will also help you feel at ease during these twenty minutes or so, after which you are ask for to take your clothes off in private. A robe would be given to you and they always make sure that their clients are at ease prior to the start of body massage sessions.Besides from the mixture of oils that would be applied on your body during the massage, an variety of aromatherapy oils would also be used to fill the air inside the room to give you a totally rejuvenating experience. It has been proven technically that smells play a large part in the motivation of parts of our brain, and these activate could either help you relax or come alive from a renewed energy source.Aromatherapy body massage increases blood flow and as a result enhances oxygen flow, keeping your cells, tissues, and organs more healthy and rehabilitated. There's one thing you have to look out for, though – aromatherapy body massage can be very addictive.For more helpful information read about Home Remedies at Herbal Remedies website. Also read about Breast Enlargement Products.
Dr. John Anne
February 08, 2008
Posted by: http://kned.net.au - Corporate Massage Adelaide
Local experts explain benefits of massage
BOUNTIFUL — Getting rid of a pinched nerve, toxins in your body, headaches, and helping posture are just a handful of the benefits available through a good massage. When therapists go to school, they have to learn about the body in the same way a doctor does. They learn about and memorize all the bones, muscles and tendons throughout the body and even work with cadavers to make sure they know what they’re doing.“A massage therapist is the ideal expert on muscles in society,” said Montague. Massage therapy is the only treatment that can stretch individual muscle fibers. A therapist can work the back of your leg to get rid of a pinched nerve by stretching the individual fibers around the nerve. A therapist knows where each of those nerves is and how to work it.Through working those muscle fibers, therapists can also relieve pain from arthritis, scoliosis, and fatigue. It will also help keep the muscles in paralyzed limbs toned.It also flushes out toxins through pressure. “The bad part is that it causes other symptoms,” said a licensed massage therapist in Layton. When your body is getting rid of toxins, you can suffer from headaches, dizziness and an upset stomach. “But you feel so much better afterward,” she said.The best part about massage therapy for a lot of people is simply relieving stress and pressure. Therapists can relieve sinus pressure, migraines, physical and mental stress and sciatic pressure. All these can be geared toward what a client wants or needs done. “It also helps to increase circulation and prevents posture problems,” said Montague. By increasing circulation, it helps your body maintain healthy skin and prevent bed sores.Massage therapy is often used in the healing process for breaking up scar tissue and getting strength and circulation to injured muscles.The pressure from massage therapy helps blood and oxygen flow through the body and can make you feel relaxed or give you energy; whatever you would like the therapist to do.“Your body is a thing built under pressure,” said Montague. “The bones and muscles work together under pressure. And our focus is muscles.”
By: webcare solutions - http://knead.net.au
El Silencio Lodge: Relaxation for Body & Soul in Costa Rica
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting the tranquil and beautiful retreat, El Silencio Lodge & Spa, tucked between Poas Volcano and Juan Castro Blanco National Park just north of the charming town of Sarchi. It’s been ages since I had a weekend as relaxing and enjoyable as this one, and I will certainly be recommending this hotel to other travelers, or anyone living in San Jose looking for a quick getaway for the weekend.
The lodge is a new sister-property to the fabulous and luxurious Hotel Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula. In fact, combining El Silencio with Punta Islita would make for a perfect week-long combo trip for couples or families with older children that enjoy nature, desire luxury, and are seeking the more “untouched” locales of Costa Rica.
El Silencio is a short 1 hour and 15 minute drive from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (perhaps a bit longer if you wish to stop along the way in Grecia or Sarchi to investigate local artisan shops or enjoy some delicious “comida tipica” (local food)). It’s a bit tricky to manuever at night (as my husband and I discovered) so arrival is recommended before 6 PM… however I have to say that one advantage of arriving late was the spectacular view of the San Jose city lights from high above as we drove to the lodge.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the general manager and our “Eco-Concierge” who assisted us with our luggage, parked our car, and showed us to our private cabina via an electric golf cart (the themes of El Silencio, as well as Punta Islita, are environmental consciousness and giving back to the local community, and those values were clearly evident throughout our stay which made us feel even better about choosing this property!).
The cabinas are SO comfy and cozy that you will not want to leave and explore the rest of the 200 hectare property! You will find a king-size bed, excellent linens, gas fireplace, large sitting area for enjoying a good book, large bathrooms, private outdoor jacuzzi, and a sizeable porch with rocking chairs for enjoying the majestic view of the mountains… all decorated with a mountain theme using natural wood and earth-tones.
The fireplace and private jacuzzi were my personal favorite touches. You’ll need the fire as the mornings and evenings are quite cool, and the jacuzzi was perfect after our morning hike to see three amazing waterfalls that certainly rival the falls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens (for those that are familiar with that location). In fact, I found the hike at El Silencio to be more enjoyable than the hike at La Paz, and it’s easy enough that those of any age can manuever the well-built trails without a problem. Accompanying us on our hike was our Eco-Concierge, who was a wealth of knowledge on plants, animals, birds, and insects, as well as the hotel’s future projects and the nearby community of Bajos del Toro. A hike is included as part of your room rate, so be sure to take advantage of this wonderful amenity.
We also made sure to visit the excellent spa at El Silencio. The spa is built slightly away from the cabinas to allow more privacy, and is so peaceful and quiet that I felt I should whisper for fear of disturbing it all. Our experience with the spa was very professional, and I found the prices to be extremely reasonable for the quality of service provided. I was lucky enough to be there at the same time they were offering a special for an exfoliation and aromatherapy massage package for only $100 for an hour and a half treatment. It was truly the best spa experience I have had in Costa Rica because of the staff, quality of treatment, and the atmosphere.
Finally, I have saved the best for last… the food. El Silencio’s per person rates include three meals per day (alcoholic beverages are separate) and, let me tell you, the food is the best quality I have had in Costa Rica to date. Chef Marco uses only the freshest ingredients, many of which come from their organic garden located on property. You can actually TASTE the freshness of the food…it’s like nothing I had ever experienced. The colors of the food are so bright and beautiful that it emphasizes the freshness even more.
With each meal, you have choice of an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, complimented with tea, coffee, or an array of natural fruit drinks. Of course, alcoholic beverages or the perfect glass of wine are available to complement your meal. The “stand out” favorites in my mind were a delicious Pejibaye Ceviche on the first night, and the best Chicken Parmigiana I have ever tasted with pesto sauce and homemade pasta. The breakfasts are also very unique…they have a hint of the “typical” Costa Rican favorites of gallo pinto, eggs, and fresh fruit, but in creative ways and with creative flavors, plus some surprises like multi-grain pancakes with homemade berry compote. My husband would tell you that his favorite part of all three meals was the out-of-this-world homemade berry jam that accompanied every breakfast. He couldn’t get enough of it…
The staff at El Silencio is extremely personable, kind, and helpful. You can sense the sincerity in their work, and their belief in the hotel’s themes of environmental consciousness and contribution to the local community. It was nice to see the same staff each day as it made the property feel more “home-y” and relaxed, almost like you were visiting friends or family.
Overall, my experience at El Silencio ranks as one of my top hotel stays in Costa Rica. I have stayed at many excellent hotels here through my work, but very few have successfully combined service, atmosphere, luxury, and beauty, AND have a mindful eye on doing right by the environment and the Costa Rican people. Felicidades to El Silencio and Grupo Islita for establishing such a fabulous hotel! If you are reading this article, please be sure to visit El Silencio (and Punta Islita for that matter!) on your next trip to Costa Rica or your next weekend getaway from San Jose. You won’t be disappointed!
Written by katiehigh
Resource: http://www.costaricapages.com/blog/hotel-reviews/el-silencio-lodge/628
Posted by: massage adelaide - http://knead.net.au/
The lodge is a new sister-property to the fabulous and luxurious Hotel Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula. In fact, combining El Silencio with Punta Islita would make for a perfect week-long combo trip for couples or families with older children that enjoy nature, desire luxury, and are seeking the more “untouched” locales of Costa Rica.
El Silencio is a short 1 hour and 15 minute drive from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (perhaps a bit longer if you wish to stop along the way in Grecia or Sarchi to investigate local artisan shops or enjoy some delicious “comida tipica” (local food)). It’s a bit tricky to manuever at night (as my husband and I discovered) so arrival is recommended before 6 PM… however I have to say that one advantage of arriving late was the spectacular view of the San Jose city lights from high above as we drove to the lodge.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the general manager and our “Eco-Concierge” who assisted us with our luggage, parked our car, and showed us to our private cabina via an electric golf cart (the themes of El Silencio, as well as Punta Islita, are environmental consciousness and giving back to the local community, and those values were clearly evident throughout our stay which made us feel even better about choosing this property!).
The cabinas are SO comfy and cozy that you will not want to leave and explore the rest of the 200 hectare property! You will find a king-size bed, excellent linens, gas fireplace, large sitting area for enjoying a good book, large bathrooms, private outdoor jacuzzi, and a sizeable porch with rocking chairs for enjoying the majestic view of the mountains… all decorated with a mountain theme using natural wood and earth-tones.
The fireplace and private jacuzzi were my personal favorite touches. You’ll need the fire as the mornings and evenings are quite cool, and the jacuzzi was perfect after our morning hike to see three amazing waterfalls that certainly rival the falls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens (for those that are familiar with that location). In fact, I found the hike at El Silencio to be more enjoyable than the hike at La Paz, and it’s easy enough that those of any age can manuever the well-built trails without a problem. Accompanying us on our hike was our Eco-Concierge, who was a wealth of knowledge on plants, animals, birds, and insects, as well as the hotel’s future projects and the nearby community of Bajos del Toro. A hike is included as part of your room rate, so be sure to take advantage of this wonderful amenity.
We also made sure to visit the excellent spa at El Silencio. The spa is built slightly away from the cabinas to allow more privacy, and is so peaceful and quiet that I felt I should whisper for fear of disturbing it all. Our experience with the spa was very professional, and I found the prices to be extremely reasonable for the quality of service provided. I was lucky enough to be there at the same time they were offering a special for an exfoliation and aromatherapy massage package for only $100 for an hour and a half treatment. It was truly the best spa experience I have had in Costa Rica because of the staff, quality of treatment, and the atmosphere.
Finally, I have saved the best for last… the food. El Silencio’s per person rates include three meals per day (alcoholic beverages are separate) and, let me tell you, the food is the best quality I have had in Costa Rica to date. Chef Marco uses only the freshest ingredients, many of which come from their organic garden located on property. You can actually TASTE the freshness of the food…it’s like nothing I had ever experienced. The colors of the food are so bright and beautiful that it emphasizes the freshness even more.
With each meal, you have choice of an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, complimented with tea, coffee, or an array of natural fruit drinks. Of course, alcoholic beverages or the perfect glass of wine are available to complement your meal. The “stand out” favorites in my mind were a delicious Pejibaye Ceviche on the first night, and the best Chicken Parmigiana I have ever tasted with pesto sauce and homemade pasta. The breakfasts are also very unique…they have a hint of the “typical” Costa Rican favorites of gallo pinto, eggs, and fresh fruit, but in creative ways and with creative flavors, plus some surprises like multi-grain pancakes with homemade berry compote. My husband would tell you that his favorite part of all three meals was the out-of-this-world homemade berry jam that accompanied every breakfast. He couldn’t get enough of it…
The staff at El Silencio is extremely personable, kind, and helpful. You can sense the sincerity in their work, and their belief in the hotel’s themes of environmental consciousness and contribution to the local community. It was nice to see the same staff each day as it made the property feel more “home-y” and relaxed, almost like you were visiting friends or family.
Overall, my experience at El Silencio ranks as one of my top hotel stays in Costa Rica. I have stayed at many excellent hotels here through my work, but very few have successfully combined service, atmosphere, luxury, and beauty, AND have a mindful eye on doing right by the environment and the Costa Rican people. Felicidades to El Silencio and Grupo Islita for establishing such a fabulous hotel! If you are reading this article, please be sure to visit El Silencio (and Punta Islita for that matter!) on your next trip to Costa Rica or your next weekend getaway from San Jose. You won’t be disappointed!
Written by katiehigh
Resource: http://www.costaricapages.com/blog/hotel-reviews/el-silencio-lodge/628
Posted by: massage adelaide - http://knead.net.au/
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