Today, I’d like to give a special thanks to the folks at the Relache Spa at the Gaylord Palms Resort.  It’s there, a few weeks ago, where I actually sat down, relaxed and let someone else be in charge for a few hours. I left feeling refreshed and ready to start new.

This spa was the nicest one I’ve ever experienced… by a landslide.  The Forbes Travel Guide rated it four stars and it’s well deserved.  From the personable staff, the luxurious surroundings and those comfy, plush robes – I felt like a princess.

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have the Everglades Hot Stone Massage – it just sounds so Florida-y and as I found out later, it is also their most popular massage at the spa.  This 80-minute service includes a full-body message that relaxes each part of the body in a calm, peaceful setting with hot (but not too hot) stones – a perfect combination.

image courtesy of Gaylord Palms Resort

After my massage, I was taken to the tea room with lounge chairs, soft music and an assortment of beverages and tons of magazines.  What I was surprised to learn is that patrons have use of the spa’s amenities for the entire day no matter the time of your appointment.   I could have stayed in that room all day, it was a perfect setting.

image courtesy of Gaylord Palms Resort

I was so comfortable in the tea room, that I almost fell asleep so I made my way back to my locker and checked my phone. I had a text message from a friend telling me that I “had” to take a shower while I was at the spa.  I wondered what was so cool about a shower, but I made my way there.  I soon realized what she meant… this wasn’t just a shower, it was an experience in itself complete with mood lighting, four water spouts and even music.  I used the settings to sound like a nighttime thunderstorm outside – so cool.

Before I knew it, it was time for me to start getting ready for dinner (more on that another day!), so I sadly got myself ready to go.  As I was leaving, I promised myself that I would pamper myself more often and that spa days shouldn’t be a once a year thing for me.  There’s nothing like taking a day off and letting the outside world slip away for a few hours.

Visit www.GaylordPalms.com and be sure to follow along on Facebook and on Twitter at @GaylordPalms.

What’s your favorite thing about a Spa Day?

** My husband and I stayed at the resort, courtesy of the Gaylord Palms.  Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own. **