Spa Magicians on the Costa Magica
by Marilyn Green -- Costa Magica, Costa Cruise Lines
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The spa personnel on this ship are particularly radiant and the level of expertise and sensitivity is exceptional
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The new Costa Magica, inaugurated by Costa Cruise Lines in Barcelona in early November, is truly a magical ship, a floating tour of Italy in itself with each public room themed for an enchanting region, well known or little known outside the country. The elegance, light and gentle colors and rich use of gold in almost-Egyptian columns give the ship a very distinctive feeling. The ship's Saturnia Spa carries that lightness to a spectacular level.
Gone are the days of the beauty parlor box on cruise ships; this one is warm, spacious and serene, with an entire wall made of glass. The 1,300 square meter spa includes a wellness center, Turkish bath, the beauty salon and treatment rooms, and a really gorgeous gym crammed with Technogym equipment. Regarding the gym, if you set up your workout with the staff your key goes into the computer to tell you exactly which exercises to do and how many repetitions. Several fine health clubs use Technogym on shore, and your key will work when you get home as well.
The spa is run by Steiner, and includes an impressive array of treatments in the 14 available rooms, with 14 staff members kept very busy supplying several kinds and combinations of massage, wraps, facials, anti-aging treatments, etc. Custom packages can be set up to cater to individual needs.
The facilities are open from 8 to 8. Spa manager Dorienne Caramia noted that, since the ship is cruising in Europe all year, passengers spend more time on board because of the chillier weather in winter. The spa personnel on this ship are particularly radiant and the level of expertise and sensitivity is exceptional.
One innovation on the Magica is the presence of pedicure thrones, a great improvement over the basins of water, stones and rose petals offered even in many top land-based salons and spas. The pedicure I enjoyed at the hands of South African therapist Vanessa Penman was one of the finest I have ever experienced. The attention paid to foot massage, sloughing and moisturizing produced the feet I dream of and seldom achieve - smooth, soft and purring with pleasure. Because I am prone to infections, Penman suggested Tea Tree oil treatments at home. She explained the purpose and effect of each step in the pedicure as the throne gave me a slow, relaxing back massage.
Henry Zuzolo gave me an excellent haircut and styling. He asked all the right questions beforehand: how I wanted my hair to look, how long, how the back should be shaped, and what changes I wanted from my current cut. After the styling he put a little shiner on my hair - "·only a touch, so it isn't at all greasy," he said.
I had not one, but two massages from Bettina Gutman. Her touch is very gentle, but firm and she goes unerringly for the problem spots. The first was a Lime and Ginger exfoliation and massage, which left my skin feeling wonderfully smooth from the dry brushing and emollients, and the massage made my muscles release completely. The next day I was back for a full body massage. I didn't specify what kind I wanted her to use; she is so well versed in her craft and so skilled that I trusted her to use the right techniques in the right areas. The only regret I have is that the massage had to end.
For More Information: Costa Magica Website.
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