This will be long as I'm incredibly wordy and still very grateful after a day at the spa.
My incredibly supportive husband surprised me with a day of spa services as a means to help me claw my way back into the land of the living after being basically housebound for four months with our twin babies. "Gross" has become a big part of my look and the poor man was just trying to help, as well as get some of his wife back. Little did he know, I've never wanted a mani/pedi and facials seem too expensive to be worth it, but, thanks to Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, I now believe that those of us who want these things the least probably need them the most. I'm now listing each of these items as my personal hobbies.
You guys, I walked in there a hot mess, but was greeted and treated by every single person like they were genuinely happy to see me. I was very self conscious (with good reason), but each technician was personable, helpful, so sweet, and amazing at their job. Dolores, who handled my facial, worked some serious magic, managing to take years of stress from my face while relaxing me at the same time. She explained each product, was attentive, and made it seem like she was genuinely excited to extract goodness knows what from a face that had seen zero love in about a year. Megan handled my manicure/pedicure with the ease and skill of a master and the forgiveness of a saint, but the best part (for me, the hermit with only four month olds to talk to) was roughly two hours of conversation with an incredible person. Even better: Dolores was next to us at the manicure station, so I'm pretty sure I got to experience "girl talk" for the first time in a long time. Megan also went above and beyond by getting lunch for me and even came back down to check on me despite being on her own break. I told you she was incredible. I didn't get to know my masseuse, Alisha (I hope this is spelled correctly), the same way, but for excellent reason. She is all business, which is exactly what I needed. Alisha is beyond amazing. I've had a few seriously excellent massages before at a few decent resorts here and there, but Alisha had me wondering if it was too late to rename one (or both) of my girls after her. She's super strong, yet is so skilled that it was never painful: which I never knew was possible. I just melted.
Ladies, from the front desk, to the service area, to Dolores, Megan, and Alisha: thank you so much. I really needed every moment at the spa and it wasn't so much the services as just interacting with amazing people like you that made it so special. I will totally be back, so let's not make this awkward now that I gave this review and you know that I like you. Let's be best friends!!! Okay, I made it weird... read more