“Confessions of a Spa Bunny” – How it All Began

“My name is India K. Robinson…and I’m a Spa Bunny… These are my confessions.” 

How It All Began

I remember my first ever spa visit.  It was a small on-site spa at the Doubletree hotel in Pittsburgh, PA.  There was nothing luxurious about it, and I didn’t quite know  what to expect, but afterwards I remember feeling extremely relaxed, as if my body was floating on a cloud. A sense of natural euphoria, better than any drug induced state.   Who knew a basic Swedish massage would send me on a path of spa-listic health and wellness, to which there was no return.

That was almost 10 years ago, and since then I’ve hopped my way around the country, spa to spa, always in search of the most luxurious and unique spa experiences.  My guilty pleasures spa addiction has allowed me to see some of the top spas both in my local area, as well as during my travels.   You see, I set a challenge for myself. The goal:  Each time I visited a new state, country, island, etc.,  I would also find one of the best spas in that locale to add to my itinerary.   As such, I’ve seen and indulged in the good,  the bad, the elaborate, and the boutique; from massages, body treatments, facials, holistic therapies, energy work, nail services, etc., I must say this challenge has been most rewarding.   I just can’t get enough.. I LOVE the Spa!

 I Got Spa, Do You?

What qualifies me as a spa guru you may ask?  My journeys to over 30+ different spas around the United States, Mexico, and Caribbean have made me the “spa bunny” I am today.  I don’t just visit the spa, I become one with spa!  Taking in every element from ambiance, customer service and engagement, facility layout, service offerings, etc., I relish in how the experience activates your senses and soothes your soul from the moment you walk through the door, to the time you exit, and the after-effects beyond.  From my journeys,  I’ve perfected my spa analyses and discerning preferences to know what it takes to have a Grade A+ spa experience.

The right spa can provide a complete mind, body, soul experience, and leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and ready to face the world! My spa visits have opened my eyes to so many holistic health treatments, alternative therapies, and just overall mindfulness of my mind-body-soul connection.  I hope to share my spa experiences with you, and the knowledge I’ve gained over the last 10 years.  I want the world to know that spas are not biased to a particular lifestyle, gender, or class.   The spa life is not reserved for the rich and famous, nor is it a selfish or frivolous activity to partake in.  You too can become a spa bunny (or hare…for my fellas) in your own right, and within your own means, while improving your overall health and wellness in the process.

Curious?…..Want to learn more?  Be sure to subscribe to (and share) this blog and stay tuned for insights, videos, and “real talk” on spa etiquette, benefits, reviews, treatments, amenities, products, aromatherapy, retreats, personal experiences,  in-home spas, and much more!

My Spa Travels

I’ve kept a journal of all the spa locations I’ve visited over the years, which for the first time ever, I’m sharing that list with you below.  Many of those  on the list made the grade, but several did not.    There are so many spa around the world that remain virgin to my eyes, but with every travel, I come that much closer to exploring as many as one can in a lifetime.

The list below reflects over 60+ spa locations this “Spa Bunny” has personally had the pleasure (or displeasure in some cases) of receiving services from during my travels (in no particular order).  Updated as of 2/24/18:

United States

Argentta Spa at The Watergate – Washington, DC

The Spa at The Jefferson – Washington, DC

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental – Washington, DC

Four Seasons Georgetown – Washington, DC

The Spa at The Ivy Hotel – Baltimore, MD

Four Seasons Baltimore – Baltimore, MD

Baltimore Spa & Salon – Baltimore, MD

The Pearl Modern Boutique & Spa – Fulton, MD

The Still Point at Haven on the Lake – Columbia, MD

Robert Andrews Spa – Crofton, MD

Sewickly Spa at Wisp Resort – Deep Creek Lake, MD

Red Door Spa – Bethesda, MD

Bethesda Salt Cave – Bethesda, MD

Zen Spa – Bowie, MD

Relache Spa at Gaylord National – National Harbor, MD

MGM Spa at MGM National Harbor – National Harbor, MD

Sago Spa & Salon at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake – Cambridge, MD

Red Door Spa – Fairfax, VA

Spa Minerale at Lansdowne Resort – Leesburg, VA

Spa at Ritz Carlton – Tysons Corner, VA

Lorien Spa – Alexandria, VA

Fountains Day Spa – Alexandria, VA

Flowering Almond Spa at Founders Inn – Virginia Beach, VA

Salamander Spa at Salamander Resort & Spa – Middleburg, VA

Toppers Spa – Dover, DE

Bedford Inn Spa at Omni Bedford Springs – Bedford, PA

Spa at The Doubletree – Pittsburgh, PA

Woodlands Spa at Nemacolin Resort – Farmington, PA

Hershey Spa – Hershey, PA

The Setai Spa Wall Street – New York, NY

The Peninsula Spa – New York, NY

Premier 57 – New York, NY

The Spa at Ritz Carlton South Beach – Miami, FL

The Umstead Spa – Cary, NC

Synergy Day Spa – Raleigh, NC

Madera Spa at Disney Grand Californian – Anaheim, CA

Chuan Spa at The Langham – Chicago, IL

The Peninsula Spa – Chicago, IL

Waldorf Astoria Spa – Chicago, IL

Woodhouse Day Spa – Carmel, Indiana

The Spa at Encore – Las Vegas, NV

Spa Mandalay  at Mandalay Bay – Las Vegas, NV

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental – Las Vegas, NV

Sahra Spa & Hammam at The Cosmopolitan – Las Vegas, NV

Qua at Caesars Palace – Las Vegas, NV

Spa at Bellagio – Las Vegas, NV

Aria Spa & Salon – Las Vegas, NV

Canyon Ranch Spa at Venetian – Las Vegas, NV

Spa Costa del Sur at South Point – Las Vegas, NV

Golden Door Spa at The Boulders – Scottsdale, AZ

The Spa at Talking Stick Resort – Scottsdale, AZ

Life in Balance Spa at Miraval Resort – Tucson, AZ

Spa Aria at Hotel Monteleone – New Orleans, LA

The Ritz Carlton Spa – New Orleans, LA

Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Other Destinations

Secrets Spa by Pevonia – Secrets St. James- Montego Bay, Jamaica

The Mango Spa at Club Mobay – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Awe Spa at Moon Palace Jamaica Grande – Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Terra Spa at Gaia Hotel & Reserve – Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Holis Wellness Center – Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

SPAzul at The Royal – Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Intermezzo Spa at The Bucuti – Aruba

Larimar Spa at Radisson – Aruba

Spa at Grand Palladium – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Drift Away Day Spa – St. John, US Virgin Island

If you would like more information on my experiences at any of these spas, or for any spa-related questions, please feel free to comment below.  If any spas are interested in having me visit and share my new experiences with the world, please contact me at spabunny@hisincorporated.com.