In between our delightful spa treatments and over our drop-dead-amazing lunch, we had the opportunity to talk to spa technician Linda Towill, who works and lives at Encanterra. She told us all about the community, treatments, products and special offerings of our new favorite spa.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Tell us how you found yourself working here at Encanterra, where you live!
Linda Towill: I came here from Boston about a year ago. One of the reasons we bought a home here at Encanterra is because I saw the plans from the spa. We could see that it is going to be spectacular. I thought it'd be nice to live and work in the same place.
I guess the best way to describe the spa is how we describe the community in general. It's an active, adult community. Some of the people are retired here, some aren't, some live here year-round (I'm one of them) and we have a big Canadian population here. The whole thing about Encanterra and Trilogy properties in general is the active lifestyle. People wouldn't live here if they weren't interested in the socializing, the athletic component here, staying fit. The spa ties in with all of that. The spa has a more relaxing aspect of that.
AFM: What type of products does the Alvea Spa use?
LT: We use anti-aging Epicuran products- they're a really fabulous line based on anti-aging out of California. I've been doing this a long time, and it's the product line that I like the most.
It was developed using scar tissue from burn victims and the enzymes responsible for healing, and also looked at the inside of your mouth and how it never seems to age. They came up with an enzyme that's very similar to those- it's the same shape as a humane enzyme so the body accepts it.
AFM: We heard you hold amazing spa parties- tell us more!
LT: We have body treatments, massage, facials, all using the Epicuran product. We have a private patio where you could have a treatment with a body wrap or massage, and then there's a private outdoor shower.
We do a lot of spa parties here- really big ones. Either members bring their outside friends in or we have total outsiders. Melanie Carter, our Spa Director, customizes them to be whatever you want. We offer massages, facials... food can be brought in, and it all goes in rotations. It's funny- people take pictures in robes. We do pre-wedding, family or just girlfriends. There are all different versions of it, people go to the pool or the dining room to have lunch. Melanie can also give group discounts, depending on what you'd like to have done, so it can be a 20-40% off the regular prices. There are a lot of possibilities- we can do whatever you want to happen.
Editor's Note: Contact Melanie Carter at 480.677.8069 to book a spa party!
AFM: What's your favorite treatment?
LT: I like the hot stone therapy and hot stone massage. What we do is like the Harvard of hot stone- we use hot stone placement on the body to heat up the muscles. With heat included in a massage it's really amazing. We also do cold stone treatments- what happens is vascular gymnastics the hot and the cold it's very good for your circulation and for your body and the muscles.
We also do scrubs, wraps, different hydrating wraps, a detoxifying wrap with the clay. We do lots of facials and I've been doing massage for 10 years. I really like every treatment.
AFM: What are some special services you offer?
LT: A few people don't like having their face touched, or are skittish about their bodies, but there's something we can do for everyone. There's a massage I do that's not specifically listed [on the menu] but it's with clothes on, and it's rocking- it's called Treger work.
Also reflexology is amazing- it's working on the feet, and you have 7,000 nerve endings that correspond with different places with your body- by touching those in a gentle way, it sends a message to your brain and then that part of their body. Some people can even feel the touch in their shoulder or whatever. It's such a relaxation thing for your mind. So that's good, too.
Spa guests can also use the pool or take a yoga class before or after your appointment. You have day lockers and everything, it's a very nice experience.
