Cool spa treatments for Atlanta’s summer heat

You are ready for cool fall days. But with sweaty summer heat still hanging around, the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta’s spa has a new temperature-lowering treatment called, “The Hotlanta Massage.”

It begins with a pear cactus oil and is topped off by Aloe Vera. And it costs more than $100.

Enlarge this image

HYOSUB SHIN / hshin@ajc.com

Regular customer Leon Pellicer gets ‘The Hotlanta Massage’ treatment at the Four Seasons Atlanta Hotel’s spa.

RELATED LINKS:
• More photos

• Guide to metro Atlanta pools, water parks, beaches, lakes and more

LIVING
Latest Headlines:

• Zoo raises $40K in campaign to keep pandas 
• Georgia Aquarium to welcome 10 millionth visitor 
• Aquarium adds 4 sandbar sharks to exhibit 
• Cellphones serve as '$300 baby rattle' 
• Athens ranked among best places to live 

• More Living Stories
• Living photo galleries

• Georgia Aquarium news and photos
• Zoo Atlanta news and photos

But cooling off can also be done on the cheap. And we’ve enlisted local spa directors for some DIY chilling treatments on these sultry late summer days. And remember, always drink plenty of water. If you want to make your H20 more of a spa-like beverage, add sliced cucumber, mint, lemon and a touch of rosemary.

Hotlanta Massage

Where: Four Seasons

What is it: A 50-minute massage that begins with pear cactus massage oil, followed by Aloe Vera gel.

The moisturizing effect of Aloe Vera leaves a cooling effect. And Cactus is known for its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties.

The cost: $135

DIY recommendation: Spa director Nicole Miller recommended wetting wash cloths and adding lavender linen spray. Store in fridge. Once chilled, put the wash cloth on the back of your neck for relief.

Deep Forest Muscle Repair

Where: The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation

What is it: A 60-minute massage, followed by a wrap of chilled linens — soaked in ice water.

The cost: $215

DIY recommendation: For sunburns, Tammi Johnson, lead spa therapist, recommended taking a tepid bath. Add one-half cup of vinegar. Soak for 10 to 20 minutes. After bath, lightly apply lavender oil. (Do not rub the oil because that can aggravate the skin).

Cellular Water by Insitut Esthederm

Where: Available online at spas including Chateau Elan.

What is it: A spray mist that leaves the skin a feeling of freshness and vitality. Serve room temperature or chilled.

The cost: At the Chateau Elan gift shop, a 3.3-ounce bottle is $38.

DIY recommendation: Spa director Michelle Ufer-Herold recommended mixing beach sand or sand box sand with lavender oil. Combine until mixture is pasty. Use on body as a cooling exfoliation.

Mint Masque Facial

Where: Spa Sydell

What is it: A one-hour facial including a mint masque made with rosemary and spearmint oils. Rosemary and spearmint oils are well suited for cooling and refreshing the skin.

The cost: $85

DIY recommendation: Karen Harris, vice president of Spa Sydell, recommended making your own spray mist bottle. Use purified water. Add lemon for oily skin. Refrigerate. Place sliced cucumbers over your eyes. Spray mist over your face. Place leftover cucumber into a processor, add a couple of teaspoons of sugar. Use the mixture as a body scrub.