Luxe a Deux

By Lisa Codianne Fowler
Published: November 8, 2007
Last Updated On: July 15, 2011

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Spas

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Daytona Beach

A romantic, rejuvenating spa getaway for him and her at The Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach.

Rejuvenation comes in equal parts for him and her at The Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach, where couples can indulge in spa treatments together. The resort itself is one of the oldest in Florida; this grand dame has hosted couples looking for a luxurious getaway for more than 100 years and is highly skilled in meeting your every need. After all, the couple that spas together, stays together.

Metrosexual (met.roh.SEK.shoo.ul) n. An urban male with a strong aesthetic sense who spends a great deal of time and money on his appearance.

This does not describe my husband Patrick. He rarely even looks in the mirror. Perhaps it's because the ones in our home are at my eye level, one foot lower than his. For, although I've just turned 50, I still have a strong sense of "girl," and after our treatments at the Ocean Waters Spa, had the glowing skin tone of a nubile spring breaker. So did he.

Male or female, pampering is part of the package. Plan on leaving not only firmed, but affirmed.

Our stay at the Plaza Resort & Spa happened to coincide with Spring Break, just after Bike Week. "It's an event town," said Gary, my body care counselor, heretofore referred to as "Angel Boy" (but not to his face). Year-round events are one of the reasons Gary and his wife moved to Daytona. All of 28 years old, Gary's countenance was sage-like and heavenly, and though during spa treatments he mostly wore khakis and golf shirts, I could swear he was draped in a flowing white robe complete with halo.

Patrick's divine guardian massaged, hydro-therapied and exfoliated him, as my therapist did me. At Ocean Waters Spa, couples choose the gender they feel most comfortable with. Male or female, pampering is part of the package. Plan on leaving not only firmed, but affirmed.

Patrick's massage therapist commented that he and I seemed to be a "happy" couple. And that was at the onset of the tantalizing treatments ahead. If these therapies could cement an already solid foundation, what magic might they muster for couples romantically challenged by kids, bills and the stresses of career and extended family?

The Plaza is indeed a refuge from reality, as well as from the hubbub of Daytona's festivities, whatever they may be. Our suite alone was a sanctuary. All rooms have a microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker; some have state-of-the-art cook tops. Add our oversized whirlpool tub with an expansive view of the Atlantic Ocean, and we were hard-pressed to find a reason to step outside, other than to the spa. The Magnolia Café, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as room service for all three, completed the compulsion to remain on property. But for a brief excursion down the street to Robbie O'Connell's Irish Pub for St. Patrick's Day, we were content to avail ourselves of all that the Plaza had to offer.

Our spa treatments included an aromatherapy couples' massage, cleansing facials, healing hydrotherapy, exfoliating salt glow and Vichy shower, and concluded with simultaneous pedicures. I've never seen my husband smile as much or as long. "Be proud of his feet," said his pedicurist, as she massaged them. "These are good feet... tonight they are going to be happy feet." Patrick beamed.

The Ocean Waters Spa hosts bridal packages where the parties have nail, hair and body treatments here, just prior to weddings upstairs at the Colonnade. Couples come, as we did, to renew their bodies and souls in a soothing, revitalizing ambience; to walk on the beach, work out at the fitness center and have a series of spa treatments.

The elegant hotel has been converted to a condo-hotel and has seen upgrades such as plasma TVs, 300-thread-count linens and high end finishes throughout. Our room was pre-upgrade, yet still stood among those we will most lovingly remember. From ocean views to aqueous therapies, we left with skin as smooth as silk, serenity beyond belief and a vow to return to this tranquil oasis.