Hot Spot: Naturopathica Spa in Long Island
Long Island holistic spa, Naturopathica. (Photo: Naturopathica)
The Treatment: Naturopathica’s Herbal Massage pairs aromatherapy with an intense massage customized to your body. The holistic treatment incorporates plant extract oils that possess “anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and sedative constituents to balance and heal the body.”
The Lowdown: When Naturopathica Healing Arts Center and Spa opened 20 years ago, the words “holistic” “all-natural” and “wellness” were new concepts in the spa realm. European day spas were the trend, and holistic healing still was considered a bit of a hippie philosophy. Founder Barbara Close opened the small spa that combined aromatherapy, herbal remedies, eastern healing with her own line of all natural potions. The spa was designed to be about overall wellness, focusing on beauty from the inside out.
The first time I went to Naturopathica over a decade ago, the practitioner asked me about what I was eating, determining that dairy may be the culprit for my breakouts. It was the first time that anyone had made the link for me between diet and skincare, and it was completely eye-opening. While today, the entire spa industry seems to have followed the move towards overall wellness and natural beauty, Naturopathica has been an innovator in the field.
Naturopathica currently has one other location at the Topping Rose House hotel in Bridgehampton, and a new location on the way in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood.
The Backdrop: While the town of East Hampton might be bustling, the spa located about a mile away, is a mellow oasis. The vibe is friendly and laid-back. The first floor features Naturopathica’s extensive all-natural products from transformational Vitamin C serums to their resurfacing Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. You’ll also find colorful eco-friendly tunics, yoga wear, and a selection of books on wellness. The apothecary bar lets you custom blend your own beauty products. Downstairs, 12 treatment rooms provide a quiet sanctuary for transformation.
The Scoop: Before starting your massage, you are given a choice of essential oil blends to choose from. Each unique combination has different healing properties to choose based on your mood or needs. Then the massage therapist spends a few minutes going over not only your physical aches and pains, but how you are feeling overall before deciding how to target your massage. The therapists are trained in different healing modalities, so expect moves inspired by Eastern and Western massage treatments. Afterwards, my therapist showed me a few key moves to practice at home to counter tension.
The Results: I’m not sure if it is the aromatherapy or the overall vibe, but it’s impossible not to leave the spa feeling completely blissed-out. To keep the vibe going, stop by the apothecary bar to infuse Naturopathica’s healing scents into your favorite products.
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