Burke Williams is My Version of Heaven

Morgan and I went to Burke Williams this morning for some incredible, relaxing girl time. I haven’t been to Burke Williams in a while, but it’s one of my all-time favorite “treat yo self” spas because every detail is perfect. They really think of everything – from the spa water to the plush robes to the hair and skincare products to the rosemary-infused cold wipes. Before and/or after your treatment, you can relax in the eucalyptus steam room, the jacuzzi or the cold mist room. Like Disneyland for adults. There are separate men’s and women’s areas, so you don’t have to feel weird about running around naked or in a bathrobe with wet hair and no makeup.

The products they use are cruelty free – H2V is their signature line, and there are a few other brands that they use for facials and sell in the retail area.

I had the Parafango Treatment, one of Burke Williams’ signature treatments:

Exotic name, delightful results. This signature body treatment is the ultimate moisturizing experience. It begins with a salt scrub to exfoliate your skin. Then our unique Parafango mud is applied before wrapping you in a warm thermal blanket. And as if that wasn’t enough, we also treat you to the benefits of our H2V Express Facial, designed to heal and rejuvenate the skin.

Now this is a treatment for the more adventurous spa-goer (like myself). This is definitely not a relaxing treatment – it’s more about the outcome. My esthetician, Carolina, was SO sweet (and she had AMAZING skin, so I trusted her!).

First, she scrubbed my dry skin with scrub mitts. Slightly painful for my sensitive skin, but tolerable. Then, she scrubbed my skin with a salt/oil scrub (a little painful since my skin was already exfoliated). After that, she painted on a hot paraffin/mud mixture. Now this was pretty painful in some areas. She asked me if I was okay at every step, and if it was a little too hot for me, she cooled it down. After my whole body was coated, she wrapped me in a cocoon of towels and plastic (?) sheets. She told me I was supposed to sweat. The heat would open pores and the mud would draw out toxins and provide minerals.

While I was in my heat cocoon, she did the H2V Facial – complete with exfoliation, mask, massage, extractions, etc. She would have done a peel, but I told her I was taking zinc and she said it’s not a good idea to peel, wax or anything like that when you’re taking it. Good to know! It was fine by me because my skin is super sensitive and doesn’t like peels anyway. She used the Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Masque on me, which smells amazing. And, she recommended the Burke Williams line’s H2V Buff for my blackheads, so I bought some on the way out. You know, twist my arm…

After the facial, she wiped off the excess paraffin/mud and brought me to the showers, where I was instructed to rinse off, but not use soap. Then, she brought me back to the treatment room where she massaged me with menthol cooling lotion and finished off my facial with a Stone Crop Masque. She told me stone crop is similar to aloe but much more gentle. She said you should never use aloe on sunburned or damaged skin because it has exfoliating properties. I had never heard that before – very interesting! Then she added lotion and pigmented SPF 30 mineral makeup to protect my newly exfoliated face from the sun.

The whole thing took 80 minutes, but it went by so fast. I enjoyed chatting with her and she made me feel instantly at ease. After my treatment, my skin was GLOWING! My skin feels so soft now – I can’t stop touching it. I feel like a new person!

Morgan had a signature Burke Williams Massage:

This custom massage experience begins with a spray of our Signature blend of essential oils, and warm, moist heat pads that embrace your back to relax the muscles. Chinese herbs are used to polish the skin, focusing on the forearms, feet, and back. The service incorporates our Burke Williams massage lotion, a special blend of essential oils that creates our Signature scent. All of these elements combine to create a uniquely relaxing massage experience.

Morgan says this was the best massage she’s ever experienced. Her favorite things:

• My masseuse Sandy was considerate, polite, and thoughtful. She was thorough and applied just the right amount of pressure that I requested.
• Special treats in the ladies’ spa area were cups of fresh, sliced fruit and hair and beauty supplies (sanitized hairbrushes, a curling iron, etc).
• All staff members were friendly and attentive without being overbearing.
• Validated parking is a plus and convenient to grab lunch/coffee afterward. 🙂
• Staff members guided us to one location from another and treated us warmly as guests.

So, when you want to “treat yo self” definitely pay them a visit. It’s not inexpensive, but the steam room, jacuzzi and other amenities make it totally worth it. Great for a girls’ day. And, check out their Valentine’s Day specials (send this to your man – hint, hint, hint!).