What to do when you get here — An insider’s guide to interests and attractions in the area surrounding The Cliff House Resort & Spa.

To The Cliff House Spa... And Beyond

As I walked into the Cliff House for my first spa experience ever, I felt tinges of excitement about completely devoting two entire hours to nothing but self-indulgence. The spa brochure created high expectations... “Let the sounds of the ocean transport you into Nirvana...” It was hard to imagine that level of bliss, but I decided to keep an open mind.

Long story short — they had me at hello. Upon entering the Cliff Spa, the Atlantic Ocean beckons beyond glass doors that open to the Terrace. The view is simply magnetic. I had to peel myself away from the windows when my therapist approached. I liked Cathy from the moment we met. If I had to pick a spa therapist from hundreds, it would be her. She spoke softly, moved slowly and exuded gentleness and quiet confidence. I knew I would be in good hands for my first spa visit.

I had chosen to pamper myself with the Seashell Therapy, one of the resort’s luxurious signature treatments. After slipping into a plush robe in the ladies locker room, I went to the Spa Lounge, which also overlooks the Atlantic and offers a variety of teas and sparkling water to enjoy in front of the fireplace while gazing at the ocean. I could have stayed there for hours, mesmerized by the views. Soon Cathy reappeared and asked me to choose one of three scented massage oils — citrus, lavender or rosemary. The rosemary was deeply alluring. If all of life’s choices could be so simple.

Next we walked into an area called the ‘Whisper Zone.’ The treatment room beckoned with soft candlelight and quiet new-age music. Cathy pointed out the seashells she was warming, and various other elements. Then she left the room momentarily, giving me total privacy to slip underneath the warm towels she’d prepared on the table.

When she returned, I felt compelled to chat. It’s who I am. But always a step ahead of me, Cathy said it was completely my choice whether to converse or not. “Whatever you’re comfortable doing,” she said in her whisper zone voice. After a few curious questions about the seashell treatment, I decided to relinquish conversation for relaxation.

The treatment began with a gentle exfoliation using a soft natural-fiber brush to remove dry skin. The brushing improves circulation and helps to flush toxins from the lymphatic system. Next, she applied a warm foaming mud mask rich in algae and sea nutrients. After this process I got to rinse off in a fabulous Swiss shower — located right in the same room — where 12 (read: twelve) gentle nozzles soothed my body, stimulating circulation from head to toe. I could have stayed there forever.

Next came the Seashell Massage using warm cowry shells rubbed gently on my body with warm laminaria oil to replace lost minerals. During this process I got to cradle a warm seashell in each hand — an extra touch that made the experience even more meaningful. The warm shells on my body felt light and feathery — not what you might ordinarily expect from a massage. It was heavenly.

During the next two hours, as Cathy carried out each element of the Seashell Body Treatment with great deliberation, I felt like a goddess being adorned with extravagances I didn’t deserve. I lost track of time and didn’t care. At the Cliff Spa, time is irrelevant.

The last step involved a deep moisturizing wrap of pure shea butter — one of the best moisturizers on the planet — which also improves the skin’s elasticity. I was wrapped in warm blankets and given time to bask in this state of bliss... topped with a soothing face and scalp massage a few minutes later. “Your body is a temple...” drifted into my mind. I’ve heard that phrase a thousand times, but I never knew its true meaning.

If you’ve never been to Nirvana, let me assure you of this. The Cliff Spa will transport you there... and beyond.