I have a confession. I don’t like spas. Or so I told myself. For this lady who loves personal space, the thought of undressing and donning a robe to have a stranger rub goop on my body was about as far from relaxing as I could imagine. And not an activity that I wanted to experience. Ever.
But then, I was invited to experience a treatment at the Spa Kalahari on a recent trip to the Shores & Islands area. I remembered all the conversations that I’d had with friends who live to go to the spa and thought maybe, just maybe I was missing out. So I decided to step out of my comfort zone and agreed to a facial because I wanted to avoid the whole robe thing. As a former cosmetology student, I should have remembered that’s not how a facial works since you massage the neck and upper shoulders.
So I donned a robe and the fancy rubber spa footwear and emerged from the locker room, more than a bit apprehensive. I wasn’t in the waiting room long before my beauty therapist, Jamie, arrived to whisk me down a long, dimly lit hallway to an awaiting room.
My apprehension magnified when I was asked to slip out of my robe and climb under the blanket on the waiting lounge/table as my technician briefly slipped from the room. My hesitation may seem a bit comedic to you, and I’ll be the first to admit that I have a few issues but for this gal, the struggle is real.
As I lie on the table, I came to a conclusion. Either I could mull over the awkwardness of my first real facial or I could bask in the glory of being pampered. And enjoy someone doing something for me. The latter was clearly a better choice. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and enjoyed my 25-minute Kalahari Express mini-facial.
I’d love to report that I cleared my head and relaxed, but that wouldn’t be entirely accurate. While I rested as the technician cleansed, exfoliated, massaged and moisturized my face and neck, my brain was flooded with all the blog posts that I wanted to write from my weekend of exploration. I may have also considered how fun it would be to return with my daughter for a spa date.
What to Know about the Spa Kalahari
The Spa Kalahari, located at the site of America’s largest indoor waterpark and Ohio’s largest hotel, is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Spa services range from waxing, to pedicures to body treatments and massage. Day Spa Packages are available for couples, men, mothers-to-be and bridal parties. The Spa Kalahari also offers Junior packages for your little ones age three and over.
Appointments should be scheduled prior to arrival. Prices do not reflect gratuities (which are at the discretion of the client).
If your skin is extremely sensitive, it is best to mention it to your technician prior to starting a service.
You can save money when you check out the monthly specials page before you book your appointment. And keep in mind, if you live near the Kalahari, Erie, Ottawa and Huron County residents receive 28% off spa treatments.
Would I go back to the Spa Kalahari?
Absolutely. I’m not comfortable enough for a Deep Tissue Massage yet, but I’d definitely welcome another facial. And a manicure. And if I was really brave, maybe I could be convinced to bare my feet for a pedicure. Yep. That’s me going all in.
Spa Kalahari
7000 Kalahari Drive Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Phone: 419-433-7900
Website: www.SpaKalahari.com
I visited the area and received my facial at the Spa Kalahari as part of a media tour of the Shores & Islands area. I was not asked to share a particular viewpoint. This story is all my own.
debra p
Sunday 1st of March 2015
That sounds just heavenly! And, any time you don't want your spa treatment, I'm happy to step in!