The Spa at the Marriot Grand, Pointe Clear, AL.

Begin your ‘inward journey’ by visiting The Spa at the Marriott Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL. It is one of the most calming and peaceful places I have visited. It was hard to get me to leave!

“Peace to All Who Enter” is the message to everyone upon entering the spa. Once you enter the Spa you enter an environment of pure serenity. The “Hall of Whispers” main corridor is dimly lit, which leads to all the treatment rooms. The rooms are individually identified by botanical names such as, Bamboo, Moonstone, Ginger and Jasmine representing the dry treatment rooms and marine names like Neptune’s Hideaway and Gulf Waters for the wet treatment rooms. Director, Susie Milus Marquez said the services are truly a marriage between the plant and sea kingdom – all going back to nature. So as not to alter the mood, at the end of the hallway are three bamboo poles – they represent the Mind, Body and Spirit triad. Attention is paid to detail after detail.

After entering the women’s changing area I slipped into one of the provided brushed micro-fiber robes lined with ultra soft yet absorbent terry cloth. This is the real deal – this robe is the most comfortable robe I have ever worn! You guessed right – you can purchase them for a meager $100.00 each. To keep in a state of tranquility – there are inspirations printed on the cards with the locker keys. All are different.

I arrived early so I could enjoy the Quiet Room; a dimly lit room filled with mosaic tiles, burning candles, comfy pillowed teak furniture, refreshments, and snacks. There is also a Jacuzzi that can hold up to 21 people. Don’t worry you won’t see that many people – maybe two at a time. Arriving a good 30-60 minutes prior to a treatment is well advised in order to unwind and completely relax.

It was time for my treatment and opted for the pregnancy massage, being 6 months pregnant, and it was wonderful. My therapist attended to all my aches and pains with firm yet gentle motions. It was clear that my comfort was the only thing that mattered to my therapist. One of my friends that had visited with me opted for the Vichy Shower. This Vichy shower treatment is unlike most – the treatment takes place in a bed, designed in Australia, with a cocoon like cover. This cover pulls down over your body, not your neck or head, and showers you all over – Southern women don’t like to be too over-exposed – if you know what I mean. If you are a Vichy shower fan but don’t like revealing yourself to strangers this bed will be the answer to your prayers. Another one of my guests enjoyed a warm stone massage. This 80-minute massage is used with warmed polished stones. The riverbed stones are said to have ancient healing properties that will melt away even the worst tension and stress. My friend said thumbs up! If you haven’t tried it – just like the pamphlet says its “A Must Try!”

This spa concentrates on wellness and prevention. They only use natural products, plant and marine based ingredients. They even acknowledge that men and women are different and have products for each in all the treatment rooms.

When you visit Southern Alabama or any of the surrounding areas you’ll want to make sure you put the Marriott Grand Hotel and The Spa at the Grand on your agenda.

To make a reservation or for more information about the spa please call (251) 990-6385.