Georgia is confused.
In Atlanta alone, there are 71 streets named Peachtree. Yes, it’s called “The Peach State,” but Georgia is only around the 4th biggest producer of peaches nationwide. California is by far #1. And to make matters worse, “Peachtree” is merely a misinterpreted version of “Pitch tree.” Pitch is sap, and in fact, there seems to be no historical peach tree that led to the original name. Sit on that one, James!
But despite these bewildering peach statistics, Atlanta seems to be doing just fine, and my visit to the renowned 29 Spa at the Mansion on Peachtree, a gorgeous 15,000 square foot recipient of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2009 50 Hot Spas, was as peachy a spa day I could have asked for.
I arrived with my friend Natasha in Buckhead, the ritzy, uptown neighborhood of Atlanta, and a fitting location for The Mansion on Peachtree. With a dramatic estate-like entrance and glossy floors that shined like a royal chess board, the hotel maintains a southern, swanky feel.
29 Spa is the vision and work of Lydia Mondavi, a spa icon and fifth generation Atlanta native who melds Napa Valley-inspired luxury and skin care with classic Americana in a blissful, decorative spa setting. She is also the creator of 29 Cosmetics, an Age Protecting skin care and makeup line utilizing the benefits of grape seeds.
Natasha and I were delighted to spend the afternoon chilling out in the jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and showers, reading fashion magazines and drinking wine (one glass is complimentary for all) in the relaxation lounge with heated neck pillows and shoulder-padded robes. Yes, shoulder pads! They’ve made a slight comeback in the past couple seasons, and 29 Spa is right on trend.
Here we are with spa buddy Ava Roxanne of My Skin Concierge, who stopped by to say hi from the Lavish Unconference that happened to be hopping upstairs at The Mansion on Peachtree. She’s recently stomped grapes there, Lucy and Ethel style, with Lydia Mondavi herself. Where was I on that day!?
The Treatments:
I received a massage called Sommelier’s Selection: “Replenish and relax! This comforting, beneficial massage uses 29′s warm grape seed extract massage cream combined with gentle pressure massage to dissolve stress inviting tension to flow from the body.”
My masseur Chris delivered a wonderfully deep, penetrating massage in one of their 14 spacious treatment rooms. The description says “gentle” but I made sure there would be nothing gentle about it. I like my massages firm, so I told Chris he can go as hard as he’d like. Always be open with your therapist about the level of firmness you prefer. If it’s too hard or soft, say something.
Natasha received a body treatment called Grape Skin: “Perfecting grape skin extract and red wine pumice restore the skin with powerful, anti-oxidant polyphenols. Leaving your skin feeling as velvety as a silky Reserve Cabernet.”
Natasha doesn’t go to the spa very often and had never gotten an exfoliation quite like this. She was all aflutter afterwards, having me feel her legs and arms for their velvety softness. They were indeed! She also told me it was a little cold in the room, but didn’t say anything. Therapists often ask if you’re comfortable with the temperature, but if they don’t, it’s your job to speak up! As I told Natasha, ladies and gents, if it’s too hot or cold in your treatment room, always say something.
After our treatments, we showered and used the hair dryers and products at our disposal. All fresh, glowing, relaxed and ready for a night out Atlanta! If only we knew which Peachtree street we were supposed to meet everyone…
29 Spa at The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel & Residence
3376 Peachtree Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.995.7529
Disclosure
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