When I think "luxurious, front-running spas," I don't usually think "Kansas City." However, we appear to have a gem amongst us, because Sunlight Spa was featured on Oprah Winfrey. Who knew?
This was definitely the most relaxing review I've ever done, because in order to write something balanced, you have to EXPERIENCE it. So I had a 60-minute, deep-tissue massage and a 30-minute session in the Sunlight Sauna, otherwise known as the "O Spa Package." And it comes with a subscription to O magazine. Boo-yah.
When I walked in, I thought "I would've never seen this place." It definitely doesn't look like a spa from outside. Inside, though, the decor is great. The attention to detail was fabulous, and there was a special room marked by cool beaded strings in which you could drink alcohol, making this a good weekend-late-afternoon treat. I went for citrus water instead since I was working -- for you, my lovely readers.
They brought me a bowl of warm water with rose petals in it, which was a little cheesy but lovely. Then they left me sitting there for what I thought was an uncomfortably long period of time. This is probably because I was supposed to be relaxing, and I don't relax well. It would've been fun if I'd had a girlfriend there to chat with over a mimosa, though. (All hints.)
Next, I went back and had the best deep-tissue massage of my life with Kylie Cherry, who is up for Best Massage Therapist from Kansas City magazine. (The spa is also up for Best Spa.) There was a time when I went to Heritage College and got student massages every week ($25 for an hour, yo) because my upper back and neck hurt so bad. I've had probably 20 different massage therapists attempt to do deep-tissue, and usually they just hurt. Kylie managed to hit the trigger points and relax me at the same time. She was THAT GOOD. And she looked a lot like Liz Gumbinner, which maybe endeared her to me more.
Next, it was time for that famous sauna. Apparently, because it is far infrared and not the traditional steam kind, it was going to increase my core temperature without making me so hot, much like exercise.
Kylie turned on some sort of sound thing that made the seat vibrate and turned off the lights. I sat and prepared to sweat. It was 154 degrees in that sauna, and I was in there for 30 minutes, and people, I did not sweat. I have no idea what is wrong with me. Maybe it's because it's 93 degrees with 88 percent humidity outside. (Which brings me to wonder why we need sauna treatments in the summer.) Overall, the sauna didn't relax me much, but I'm rarely relaxed by artificial heating, especially in close quarters. I used to worry tanning beds were secretly liquifying my innards. However, if you like that sort of thing, this sauna is totally better than the others I have been in, because it truly did NOT feel like it was as hot in there as I knew it was.
Also, in passing, I really loved the cute little wrap I got to wear, and I'm going to buy one to wear at home. Just because I can.
Now for the good part. Sunlight Spa has given me one O package to give away! And, if you don't win it, anyone who mentions "Surrender, Dorothy" when making an appointment gets 20% off a single service! I feel like a radio station. I am so cool. Not.
So ... the contest will go until midnight on the day I return from BlogHer, which is July 26. Enter as many times as you want. I'll use a randomizer to pick the winner.
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Mmmmm, sounds loverly.
Posted by: Christy | July 14, 2009 at 04:50 PM
Where is it located? Sounds great!
Posted by: Julie | July 15, 2009 at 09:10 AM
Sounds divine!
Posted by: Dawn K. | July 15, 2009 at 09:28 AM
ooo - i need to get me one of those!
Posted by: Kristi | July 15, 2009 at 02:29 PM
and one entry to grow (and sweat?)on.
heck - for a deep tissue massage, I may just enter every day for a week. Weep, Rita. :)
Posted by: Kristi | July 15, 2009 at 02:30 PM
Dude, you are cool. Where is it located, in case I don't win : )
Posted by: Angie | July 15, 2009 at 02:54 PM
It's in Overland Park on 107th and Metcalf by the old Sun Publications building.
Posted by: Rita Arens | July 15, 2009 at 03:07 PM
increasing my odds.
Posted by: Kristi | July 16, 2009 at 03:37 PM
did i mention that...
I.
Am.
Desperate.
(for a massage, that is)
Posted by: Kristi | July 16, 2009 at 03:38 PM
and still increasing them...in case i forget later.
Posted by: Kristi | July 16, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Trying to get ready for the Susan G. Komen 5k, so this would be a nice way to reward myself!
Posted by: Dawn K. | July 16, 2009 at 04:37 PM
fighting unfairly. sorta.
Posted by: Kristi | July 16, 2009 at 09:29 PM
i have to at least try. my last massage was mid-08.
Posted by: Kristi | July 16, 2009 at 09:30 PM
hi again.
Posted by: Kristi | July 18, 2009 at 12:29 PM
I'm all about deep-tissue massages and spa services. Sign me up!
Posted by: Average Jane | July 18, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Would much rather be spending my Monday at the spa rather than work!
Posted by: Dawn K. | July 20, 2009 at 10:00 AM
happy Monday!
Posted by: Kristi | July 20, 2009 at 10:55 AM
dreaming of a deep tissue massage - ahhh...
Posted by: Kristi | July 20, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Should I be a Kansas resident?
Posted by: Sruti | July 21, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Just because I can do it!
Posted by: Sruti | July 21, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Again, again and agaiN!
Posted by: Sruti | July 21, 2009 at 09:01 AM
The '30 Day Shred' video has me in desperate need of a massage!
Posted by: Dawn K. | July 23, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Leaving on our family vacation to St. Louis tonight...increasing my odds while I have a chance!
Posted by: Dawn K. | July 23, 2009 at 01:57 PM
again, I add my name
Posted by: Kristi | July 23, 2009 at 09:34 PM
and again.
Because I can.
Posted by: Kristi | July 23, 2009 at 09:35 PM