The BodyHoliday, LeSport at Cariblue Beach, Cap Estate, Castries, St. LuciaMikael Lamber
The Treatment
When a resort decides to call itself Body Holiday, you know you'll be pampered silly. The resort is based on four key concepts – relaxation, restorative beauty, great workouts and healthy cuisine. After a mortifying swimsuit fitting, I decide to try the spa's popular CACI Buttocks and Legs treatment with specially trained therapist Madonna (she looks more Mariah Carey). Microcurrent therapy is yet another example of a procedure that began as a medical treatment and has been adapted for use in the cosmetic spa market.
Originally developed to treat facial weakness due to Bell's Palsy and stroke, the treatment uses tiny microcurrents of electricity to stimulate muscles. This stimulation is sub-sensory, meaning you feel very little, if anything, at all, and there shouldn't be any scary visible muscle contractions. Madonna moves two steel-tipped wands over my buttocks and thighs in a methodical manner to stimulate the various muscles requiring treatment for approximately 30 minutes. I keep bracing for the big zap, but thankfully it never comes – the whole procedure actually feels rather nice. Unlike other devices that can be painful, CACI not only achieves results, but also offers a relaxing experience more associated with a manual treatment.
The Benefits
The specialized design allows the device – which has 24 microcurrent charged rollers – to pivot body contours, tackling cellulite, fluid retention, and sagging gluteus muscles. I'd recommend CACI to anyone seeking non-surgical, anti-aging results with a natural-looking outcome.
The Spa
At this adults-only spa resort, you customize your own "body holiday" online before leaving home. Once there, indulge in aromatherapy, Ayurvedic treatments, wraps, and personal-trainer services at the Alhambra-style Wellness Centre. Sure there's a focus on exercise, but this is not a venue catering exclusively to jocks and fitness bunnies, as a one-week stay comes with a sweet tally of seven 50-minute treatments. There are no buff loudmouths punishing you to an extra set of reps. Hammock swaying is a perfectly acceptable alternative to jump rope drills. Extensive renovations in 2011 include a reconfigured entrance, a beachside boardwalk, new infinity pool, refurbished restaurants and a new penthouse suite. British songbirds Charlotte Church and Emma Bunton have visited this health retreat to get back to basics.
The Basics
The BodyHoliday, LeSport at Cariblue Beach, Cap Estate, Castries, St. Lucia; 1-800-544-2883; thebodyholiday.com; $99 for 30 minutes.
Special to The Globe and Mail