With their 'be' philosophy, you can experience
a more enlightened you.
You will have to search hard
to find any spa as good as Belladonna!
Belladonna is the
creation of Kim Dudek, a New York born and bred
individual who found her way to New Orleans. Kim
was formerly
trained
as a rehabilitation counselor specializing in patients
with
severe head trauma. Her first taste of
New Orleans
was acquired while
she attended Tulane University, in New Orleans. Kim
is well traveled and it shows, by what she has incorporated
into her day spa. She has pulled her life's experiences
into the treatment packages and has wrapped them in
a Zen style of experiences.
Getting to Belladonna
is a part of the journey to relaxation. They are located
in the Garden District
of New Orleans. We strolled along Magazine Street,
during our walk to the spa, taking time to look into
the antique shops and many other interesting curio
shops along the way.
Many of the treatments
are administered in an ethereal setting, with the
sights, sounds and
smells of Mother Earth surrounding you.
As you step
into your relaxed state, every treatment is carefully
composed and crafted to make your experience one,
that will last for some time to come and keep you
coming back.
From the friendly reception you receive at the entry,
to the warm welcome by the spa director -you feel
an effect of a nurturing and healing.
Our two day
experience with
Belladonna started with a a "be
together"
spa package. The perfect way for a loving couple to renew
romance in a romantic city.
Their web site describes each experience in detail,
but we
can tell you that "be
together" package is one which is meant
to be shared. It starts off with some time in the sauna,
where you coat each other with a wonderful product made
of honey and sea salts. You can start in the whirlpool
or sauna, whichever you prefer.
After you feel yourselves
slipping away into a relaxed state you shower and are
directed to their new spa patio massage rooms where
you receive aromatherapy and a massage for two.
Here is an important note:
I opted
for a deep tissue massage and my wife choose a
relaxing massage. (You discuss with your therapist
what you would like before they begin) Much to
my surprise, after returning home from our trip
to
Belladonna
I received a call from my therapist to see how
I was doing. The therapist take their work seriously
and you feel that caring during and after your
trip there.
Pure Relaxation!
You could just feel the feel the stress
of the week slowly slipping away and the added joy
of sharing it with a loved one makes it all the better
an experience. My wife and I
will long remember out trip to Belladonna. After your
massage, their hand and foot care specialists treat
your fingers
and
toes with the ultimate of care, afterwards you are
whisked away to a lunch which is served
in the
tea
garden
(pictured above). Your lunch includes a split of
champagne, encouraging
you
to
relax.
Your gift to take home is a jar of the best chocolate
body
paint with a paintbrush. You are encouraged to "be
naughty".
Our many thanks to Ruth Marie and Phillip
Young for great massage work. Thi Pham and Reyna
Tabora we
thank you for out wonderful "be refreshed" and "be
tough" manicures. What a difference
you all make in the quality of life. Excellent job
by all!
When you visit Belladonna's
be sure to browse the front store. It has loads of great
spa products as well as great home nurturing gifts and
gift ideas. There is also a section of gift items for
those who have pets. From candles to dishes and plenty
more. There is also a special section of Belladonna
spa
products. That's right, they have their own line
of products. We were sent home with samples of many,
which we treasure and use everyday. Everything from
makeup items to massage oils. We loved their tea
selections
and
purchased
many
to
bring
home with us.
We loved the manicure
stations with lots of tropical fish tanks to enjoy
-as you are polished and refined,
you relax and enjoy iced mango tea.
Very refreshing in- deed!
They have a herbs
and tea section, which is absolutely wonderful.
From the sauna
to the lunch, what an incredible four hours of relaxation
and nurturing.
This was only day one and we could hardly wait to
experience what
they had in store for us on day two. What an incredible
day spa! The staff are very well trained and your stay
is so relaxing you never want to leave.
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