As a nurse, self-care is essential. Thus, I had no guilt or buyer’s remorse when it came to spending the day at Glen Ivy Day Spa. Here are my Do’s and Don’ts on planning your visit!
My girlfriends and I left San Diego around 915am and arrived at Glen Ivy around 11am. Tip #1: DO eat breakfast before you go, as the drive can be long and you’ll want to get right to activities when you arrive. We were greeted by a nice gentleman checking bags. Tip #2: DON’T bring snacks (they will hold them for you or kindly ask you to take them back to your vehicle); DO bring a refillable water bottle (there are filling stations everywhere!) We were then guided through the check-in line where we paid for our services, were given a map of the property, and were reminded of our appointments. Tip #3: DO “leave your card on file” (they have your info and you can pay for everything all day without having to pull out your debit/credit card again!) We followed the recommendations of the greeter and dropped our stuff in the “Bath House “, aka locker room, where locks are provided. Tip #3: DON’T bring your own towels – there are towels EVERYWHERE; DO bring a bathing suit you don’t care about getting dirty, comfortable clothes to drive home in, sunblock, a cover-up, sandals, and a beach bag you can keep your essentials in poolside. We happily jaunted to the pool next, where we secured a spot and some floats, and began the process of total relaxation. We ordered drinks, we chatted, we tanned! It was glorious. Tip #4: DON’T book your services too early, or if you do, make sure there is ample time in between services so you have time to take advantage of just laying around. DO order Peach Bellini’s by the pool. Not too sweet, and very refreshing!
After more lounging and lunch, we each separately made our way to our massages at 230. No tips needed here. Just enjoy the massage. Feeling like wet noodles, we all wobbled over to the mineral baths to meet after our massages. Tip #5: DON’T wear any jewelry (the mineral baths can tarnish metals). DO expect to smell rotten eggs (mineral baths are a little smelly due to the sulfur content, but so worth it).
After opening our pores in the warm water, we went to Club Mud and coated ourselves in a red clay. SO much fun. Tip #5: DON’T wear a lightly colored bathing suit here (the clay could stain it.) DO make sure you take the time to rinse your hands and take pictures. How many times in your life are you going to be coated in mud?! Also, make sure you jump in the muddy pool here. It kinda made me feel like a zoo animal, and it kinda made me feel like I wanted to wrestle someone, lol. But it’s warm and lovely, and a perfect soak before showering and heading to The Grotto.
Down an elevator and into a cave we went to be painted neck to toe in green Nickelodeon-esque goo that is oh-so moisturizing. You sit and soak in the cave, then shower it off, then hydrate in room filled with tea, water and apples while listening to the trickle of a waterfall. FINAL TIP: DON’T RUSH. This is an investment. We paid $158 for all these services, which is a deal they offer called the “Total Wellness Package”, but obviously not “cheap”. Again, it is an investment in yourself, so don’t rush it. If I were to do it again, I would have arrived a little earlier, just to be able to take it all in a little more. I would absolutely do it all over again. I can’t wait to come back! Glen Ivy is great for a girl’s day, mother’s day, or even an anniversary present for your boo! Thanks for the fabulous experience, Glen Ivy!
The Practical Priss 