Experience Gifts for the Holidays – The Spa

Because I will be in Ireland this holiday season, I am trying to find “experience” gifts for my in-laws – gifts I don’t have to cart overseas.  Something I’ve been given as a present more than once is a spa day.  And this gift never gets old.  My favorite spa of all time is the Eau Spa at the Ritz-Carlton on Palm Beach.

Okay, okay, can’t afford the Ritz?  Neither can I!  Luckily, my in-laws gave me a gift certificate awhile back.  That’s when I found out you can spend a day at the Eau Spa without going into debt.

My sister-in-law is just as much of an economical explorer as
I am!  Both of us like to save our money for drinking!

It’s called a “day pass.”  It costs $50, but if you want a gift that will knock the socks off your friend, husband, wife, mother-in-law, whoever, this is it.

Will also knock your clothes off, as you get to
put on this comfy robe!

The day pass covers every area of the 42,000 square foot spa – you just don’t get an actual massage.

We started in the Bath Lounge.

Rubber duckie, you're the one!

This giant jacuzzi features a shower pouring down on you, while jets massage your body.  In the background of that picture you see two “lounge chairs.”  They are made of cement, and while that may not sound comfortable, they are heated and I almost fell asleep on one.  After warming up there, we went to the Relaxation Lounge.

I know, I know, I look like a fat kid shoving cupcakes in my mouth!

This room is aptly named, as it is beyond relaxing.  There is refreshing flavored water and cute little mini cupcakes.  I ate about 10.  There are plenty of couches in the Relaxation Lounge as well.  We sat down for a bit before going to the Self-Centered Garden.

It's all about me here!

I brought a magazine and hung out for a bit, then took a nap.  There are lots of little areas with different water features, including a small pool and fountain.  But nothing beats swinging in a little egg over a pool of water.

Along the sides of this little pool, you'll find water running down the walls, which creates an awesome feeling over your fingers.

We were having a photo shoot with ourselves!

Of course, you can eat at the Eau Spa, but I’m too cheap for that, so we hung up our robes momentarily and walked over to Dune Deck Café, which is next door.

Then, back at the Eau Spa, we jumped in the showers, used all the luxurious Ritz products, and headed on our way. 

The spa is open 8am to 9pm, so you could stay all day if you want.  And most of the night.  But, you must reserve a spot for the day pass, and the spots do fill up, so make sure to book ahead of time.

Total Cost: $50 for a day pass, $10 for lunch

Best Deal: Feeling rich, without paying the price