The warmth of lavender scented oil caresses my back. Madame Violette runs her firm but gentile hands
By Silvia Keller
The warmth of lavender scented oil caresses my back. Madame Violette runs her firm but gentile hands through my tired and stressed muscles. Hot lava rocks melt the nods upon my neck. She massages my head, soothes my eyes, fills my every sense with calm. Sweet lilly of the Valley takes over, as jasmine and geranium dance to the tune of the Bay of Ajaccio.
The room is dimly lit, but tucked in a corner I see a small cherry wood cabinet, perhaps 19th century. In it, dozens of small jars with labels written in French. She pulls one out and pours two drops into her hands. She strokes my tired legs and within seconds they come alive. As I praise her, she whispers in my ear "Corsican Secret".
Wouldn't you want to know the secret to relaxation and well-being? After going to Spas around the world, I found out that a massage at the Spa of the Eden Roc Hotel, is unlike any other massages. They do not tell you that the plants and flowers used to make their essential oils, grow exclusively here, on the Island of Corsica. Furthermore, most European Spa seekers don't even know that these "treasures of nature", are known for treating ailments from arthritis to stress. You too can come back from your vacation with a feeling of renewed vitality and
well-being.
Eden Roc Hotel sits perched on a hill, overlooking the Bay of Ajaccio. If visiting France, it is the perfect get-away at just two hours flight from Paris or one half hour flight from Nice.
The lobby, is an arpeggio in blue, adorned with sapphire and ruby oriental rugs. Stone walls held up by crystal chandeliers glisten onto the shiny crema de marfil floors. Glass windows
throughout, allow cool breezes dance to the tune of waves crashing against the rocks. Gardens of lilacs, sweet violets and jasmine separate you from the blue of the bay.
A stroll through the verdant of manicured lawns and the sounds of piped-in classical music, leads you to a special place. Upon entering, eucalyptus and vanilla engulf your faculties. You have transported your sense of smell, sight and hearing to Nirvana. You may choose to have a sauna, hammam, beauty treatments and "the piece de resistance", that special massage. Experts say, that climate and soil of the island, contribute to the growth of plants used in the essential oils. Most of these plants only grow in this part of the world.
All that relaxation leaves you with bursts of energy. Hotel's concierge can arrange for a guided tour to any part of the Island or for a shopping excursion around town. You may take home staples of Corsican life, such as chestnut liquors, cork photo albums or books narrating the history of Napoleon Bonaparte.
After a long day, dining al fresco at the "Garden of Eden", the hotel's restaurant, is the way to go. Pink tablecloths and glistening crystal adorn each table. Light from floating candles flicker in the night. Friendly waiters with white tuxedo jackets and black dress pants bring you the evening's menu. Freshly caught lobster from the bay is the day’s special. The chef has decided to prepare it in a light buttery sauce flavored with a smooth aromatic cognac and dressed with sweet white asparagus flown in from the region of the Camargue. For dessert we wanted to try the world known "Napoleon" better known here as "Mille-Fleur". However, other treats were on the menu for tonight. Chef Hubbert did not want us to go away disappointed. So, after we sipped champagne on the house, he brought out for us, a warm, flaky, chocolaty and creamy nine layer Mille-Fleur. An unforgettable experience. A gesture you find is not uncommon while at the Eden Roc.
A walk through the restaurant terraces takes you to the Napoleon where the evening ends with tunes from a grand piano and a glass of cognac. As I pack to leave, I look around my room, (there are 45 total ). It is large for European standards, bright and comfortable. It has Mediterranean style, light colored furniture. As all the rooms in the hotel, it has a balcony facing the bay. I sit on the balcony as the day breaks and listen to the whispering of the waves. I feel the tingle of the salt in the air and the breeze caressing my skin. Sun light kisses the waters as seagulls wake up to greet the day.
As I leave Corsica, I believe I take with me the secret to a better life. A well-kept secret, one we have uncovered and that you too can share...
So, if relaxation and rejuvenation combined with friendly atmosphere and gourmet food is what you have in mind, the Eden Roc is the place to go.
For information call 04-95-51-56-00
or access the Hotel’s website at:
www.edenroc-corsica for reservations and information.
Room prices vary according to season:
Single rooms between 75 and 215 Euros
Double Rooms between 125 and 350 Euros
Suites range between 150 and 500 Euros
Essential Oils available for purchase at the Spa.
Prices vary according to therapeutic properties.
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