And I felt blessed to be spending a spa day with my oldest granddaughter, Miri. My massage last month at the Inbal Hotel Spa was perfect. Miri and I each had the Combination Massage, which combines a variety of modalities, and we both agreed that our massage therapists, Batya and Clara, were excellent.
They were sensitive to our bodies and our minds. They knew where to rub and knead, when to apply strong pressure and when gentleness was appropriate. They started the session by asking about our wants and needs and proceeded to accommodate us. I wanted special treatment for my knee. Miri had specific requests about towels, air-conditioning and a type of oil. Regarding conversation during the session — I wanted to talk; Miri did not. And so it was. The spa offers an array of massages, body treatments and facials.
Both men and women massage therapists are available. Cleanliness is the sine qua non of quality spas, and the Inbal Spa was immaculate. But it was not sterile — it radiated warmth. The receptionists, practitioners and attendants were warm and helpful. The atmosphere in the common rooms and in the treatment rooms — four singles and one double — was relaxed, peaceful and comfortable. The Inbal Spa is elegant without being ostentatious.
As I generally begin my work day with some physical exercise, I decided on the following schedule for our Spa Day: fitness center, massage, swimming pool, shower, then lunch. The sauna room would have to wait for another time. The fitness center radiated energy. Harbi, a gym attendant who has worked in the spa for 16 years, patiently explained to us about the different equipment — including treadmills, cross trainers, Smith machines, chest presses and free weights.
Though I have a stationary bike at home, I decided to try the state-of-the art bicycle in the gym. After that, my home bike no longer seems adequate. The pool is uncovered throughout the summer and is then covered and heated in colder months.
