By Shannon Hall

A spa experience on Galveston Island is a great way to indulge yourself in complete relaxation and pampering providing a great escape from life’s hectic demands. The Spa at the Hotel Galvez and the Spa San Luis at the San Luis Resort are just two places on Galveston Island that offer a wide variety of services to take time to relax and rejuvenate.

The Spa at the Hotel Galvez offers a Four Hands massage that is out of this world. Therapists Angela and Donna formulated this unique massage experience that lasts 50 minutes. Together their use of hands and arms produce a massage experience that will release your mind from stress and worry.

The massage table is warm and you just have to let go and allow these two to give you a massage that is like two going on at the same time. It is amazing how together they use the same pressure. It’s as if they are one. One at your head the other at your feet. As one arm is being worked, one leg is also having the same experience from top to tip.

Just when you feel like they are finished, it is time to flip and the rest of the experience continues.

Also unique to The Spa at the Hotel Galvez is the ultrasonic microderm abrasion machine, which left my skin feeling and looking younger immediately after the 50 minute facial I received from facialist Brittney. During every step of the treatment she explained what she was about to do and what products she was using.

The spa uses Phytomer, which are marine based skincare products. I especially enjoyed the warm purified water spray and the cooling masque during my treatment.

Brittney recommended that I should get a facial as often as I would cut my hair, about every 6 to 8 weeks. Brittney was especially helpful in discussing the importance of skin care with each aspect of the facial.

Before the massage and facial began I enjoyed some time in the relaxation room with a glass of lemon water and a warm scented pillow around my neck in a large comfy lounge chair. The room was dim, comfortable with soft music and a collection of books and magazines to relax my mind before my treatments.

Spa San Luis at the San Luis Resort is another great destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. I enjoyed the Spa Sampler package during my recent visit. First I enjoyed a half hour body massage and scrub. Guest can choose which scent of scrub will be used during this treatment, I opted for the Coco Mango.

Following I enjoyed time in the hydrotherapy bath. The room is dim and filled with rose petals and candles. When I finished my skin was glowing.

The express facial was amazing. I was treated with a clarifying cleanser, equalizing toner, serum 20, eye balm and eye gel, followed by moisturizer and daily sun defense with SPF 20. The Spa uses SkinCueticals products, which are quality products backed by science.

Completely relaxed, my package ended with a traditional manicure and pedicure. In between treatments guests can rest in the Spa’s meditation room, which has a soothing water fountain and plenty of magazines to peruse. The staff is always around to provide you with a beverage while you wait.

The Salon director even sent me off with a bottle of their Coco Mango body lotion. What a treat!

Be sure to arrive about 30 minutes before your appointment to allow time to fill out the health questionnaire and to put on a luxurious robe that will be provided as well as a pair of spa shoes. Both facilities offer full service locker rooms, which is your first stop once you arrive.

Both full service spas provide a wide variety of treatments, meditation rooms and fitness centers.

If you can spend a few hours at a time during a day, I recommend taking some time to relax and rejuvenate yourself in one of these first class spas. If not, make an appointment for one treatment here and there. It is well worth the expense and the end result.

The Spa at the Hotel Galvez is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Spa San Luis’s hours of operation are daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

For a complete listing of each of the services available visit www.thespaatthehotelgalvez.com and www.sanluisresort.com.

For more information on The Spa at the Hotel Galvez call 409-515-2100 and Spa San Luis call 409-744-1500.