MY GAIA FACIAL VACATION
By Bonnie Munroe

It was at the end of a stressful week that I found my way to Gaia Day Spa, a jewel of a day spa, tucked above the ocean, about a block from beautiful La Jolla Cove, the ultimate vacation stop. I was booked for a GAIA Organic Facial, one of Gaia' signature treatments, and I was ready for some tender loving care.

Immediately upon entering the spa my healing began. The opulence of Gaia wrapped me in a cocoon of soft luxury. Every corner of the spa was filled with beautiful overblown blossoms whose scent filled the air. As I took my first breath, I was already unwinding. Looking around, my eyes were dazzled by the exquisite pieces of art, and the wonderful one-of-a-kind pieces that were displayed in the spa's boutique.

Gaia's design is based on the principles of the Eastern practice of feng shui, where all elements of a design contribute to the overall harmony of the design. And I have to say that Gaia's design does more than harmonize the client's senses, it elevates and uplifts their spirit.

The steady gentle rhythm of water flowing from fountains washed over me and slowed the rhythm of my heart. As I sat sipping my glass of fresh cool cucumber water, wings of diaphanous silken panels surrounded me in my plush chair. I had the feeling that by the time my Gaia's visit was over, I might very well emerge a beautiful butterfly.

My facialist was a dream. She tenderly directed me to my treatment room, and there, again, everything was selected and arranged to create a perfectly relaxing spa experience. She asked me some easy questions about my skin type and began the wonderful facial.

I am woman with good clear normal skin, concerned with sun damage and fine lines. My facialist used all organic products which she combined to design my treatment. The facial included a delightful lavender steam pore-opening treatment, deep cleaning, exfoliation, and several hydrating masques. A few of the many ingredients included in my treatment were: lemon, rosehip, maize, stonecrop, St. John's wort, pear, poppy, paprika, peach, parsley, cucumber, oxygen, honey, and many other organic, herbal and healing ingredients. It was a fabulous experience, with a dazzling array of luscious and soothing ingredients utilized perfectly to give me a much greater result than I had imagined possible. My skin looked brand new.

Emerging from my treatment room, there was one final surprise offered; my facial included a free mini makeup session, using Jane Iredale all natural, all organic "skin care makeup." Simply, the best of the best.

Gazing in the mirror at my image, I saw the butterfly had emerged. My GAIA Organic Facial, was not just a facial, it was an experience.