Health is one of the stealthiest of animals to pin down, a state of being we spend our lives seeking to acquire or hold onto. Some believe that the mind is the answer to all health, that, like time, it can heal all. But there are occasions when our bodies, as external entities, require something that the mind cannot provide.
Since the Roman era, men – yes, even the manliest of men, legionnaires and the like – have visited spas. ‘Sanus per Aquam’, health by or through water, or SPA – a word that is believed to originate from the hot, natural springs that fatigued troopers sought out for rejuvenation, relaxation and to treat their sore wounds and tired muscles.
As much as the meaning of the word “Health” may fluctuate with changing fads, the word “Spa” remains reliable. It is a place to heal, even when you don’t realise you are in need of healing. The masseuse manages to uncover the aches you’ve ignored and bitten your tongue through, the subtle tension you’ve hidden from the world in the muscles in your back, and the places in your body that you’ve denied care. She awakens you to the secrets you’ve been harbouring, her hands kneading the truth out of you. I realised this hidden inner world lying face down on a table between ocean and sky, at Ellerman House‘s spa.
Below: Spa therapist, Kirstin
The House of Health
The beautiful Britta Dahms, Marketing Miss at Ellerman House, and I took our fatigued soldier bodies for a spa weekend in one of Ellerman House‘s villas. The House of Health, if you will. Between champagne sunsets, bubble bath soaks, and dolphin watching from the terrace, Britta went for the facial and I, the Chinese Massage Stretch. The stretch treatment combines several massage techniques with acupressure and stretches to relax the muscles, open up joints and encourage the flow of circulation in the body. After every stretch, hot stones are applied to prevent any stiffness or sore muscles for the next day.
Discover more about the Ellerman House spa and the treatments available here, with massages such as traditional Japanese body work, LaStone therapy, Bellabaci, aromatherapy, Swedish, deep tissue, Reiki and lymph drainage.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ― Hippocrates
To better facilitate the healing experience, the kitchen at Ellerman House can balance specific meals with your spa treatments during your stay.
“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.”
― Jack Kornfield