OCEANFRONT OASIS
NATURAL GLOW MAGAZINE (July / August 2002)
BY: EVELYN GILBERT

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE EPITOME OF PAMPERING,
combined with a gorgeous locale, not many places can beat Gurney's Inn. As ocean breezes envelop you, and therapeutic sea water permeates your being, stress magically melts away. Although this retreat is situated on a private white sand beach at the tip of Long Island, you feel as if you're far from the frantic pace of civilization, even though midtown Manhattan is only a three-hour drive away.

One of this spa's claims to fame is that it's the only one is the U.S. that features "true" Thalasso therapy. These detoxifying, relaxing, and circulation-promoting hydrotherapy treatments, using filtered sea water gathered from the nearby Atlantic, are truly special. After one session, you emerge renewed and ready to face the world again.

SPA-TACULAR TREATMENTS:
The cozy spa sitting area feels like you're lounging at a friend's seaside spread. It's a great place to kick back while waiting for your body treatment, massage, or facial. Since the facility is known for its water therapy, and recently got brand new computerized state-of-the-art tubs, the hydrotherapy treatments should not be missed ($65; all spa and salon charges are also subject to an 18% service charge). You immerse yourself in the oversized tub that's filled with filtered, mineral rich ocean water heated to body temperature. Jets massage your muscles from various angles as you float into a deep state of relaxation. (Note: Not recommended for those with hypertension.)

Having already sampled the powerful healing ability of hydrotherapy on my last visit, this time I had another popular gurney's service: a detoxifying, skin firming Argilite mud treatment ($200). This body wrap with special mud imported from France left my skin feeling silky and renewed. The one and a half hour process began with a body exfoliation using a scrub rich in calcium and magnesium to stimulate circulation. After a vigorous cleansing, I rinsed off in a Swiss shower, in which my body was sprayed with fresh water from overhead and side jet needle valves. The therapist varied the velocity of the spray and the water temperatures from hot to cold which had an invigorating effect. Next, after a generous helping of mud was slathered all over my skin, I was wrapped in a plastic sheet for about fifteen minutes. Then, it was off to the Swiss shower again to remove any remaining residue. A hydrating gel was applied after that, and I was escorted to the wet sauna for a bit of a sweat. Following another quick wash in the regular shower, the session concluded with a short massage using calming black currant body oil.

In addition to their signature water and mud treatments, I was delighted to find that the spa had added some new services. I tried the Organic Rose Body Treatment ($110), and was thrilled with the process and results. Rose is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C. Its legendary, uplifting aroma is known to help those with depression. The products used in the process were of such high quality I could feel my skin greedily soaking them up. Even the driest areas on my body came away feeling luxuriously toned and temptingly touchable.

Nothing can beat the healing touch of a trained professional. Margarita, a strong, yet gentle woman who "loves making people look beautiful" artfully administered the balancing and nourishing wrap. Twenty years of experience, combined with enthusiasm for her work and whereabouts - "I feel like I'm on vacation all the time," she exclaims - explains why she's so good at what she does. First Margarita scrubbed my skin with shower balm and exfoliating grains. After a quick cleanse with water, she applied a generous amount of warm body oil and lotion. The scents of Damask rose and geranium revived my skin and spirits, as did Margarita's loving technique. She then wrapped me in a heated blanket so I could absorb all of this powerful plant energy. The fantastic flower treatment was topped off with a frankincense oil scalp and forehead massage and a spritz of rose spray. I left feeling privileged to have been pampered by some of the purest products, and one of the most proficient practitioners I'd ever experienced.

Gurney's also offers a full range of facials, including "Ocean Breeze", using Phytomer seaweed products for hydration, "Yon-ka AHA," which is a deep-cleansing treatment that uses a fruit mask and lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids, "Micro-Peel," "Hydra-Active," and "Aqualift Anti-Aging." Blanca, a skilled esthetician, gave me a Yon-ka treatment suited for my sensitive skin. While I usually don't have enough patience to enjoy a facial - there are always so many steps that seem annoying and are all geared towards improving my looks, not towards relaxation, which I will endure almost anything to achieve - she made me enjoy the process as well as the results. She was attentive to my needs and did a very thorough job. When all was said and done, while I'm still not a huge facial fan, my skin looked fresher and perhaps a bit younger after she got through with it.

FABULOUS FACILITIES:
For some Gurney's is an institution. Repeat guests return the same time each year, sometimes bringing their whole family. In the spa locker room, I encountered one such group, comprised of three generations of women including three adorable girls - ages 3, 4 and 5 - all in matching bathing suits. They were probably headed for the king-sized indoor seawater swimming pool. A spa must be doing something right if people come back for decades and bring their offspring!

In addition to the pool, which is open to everyone, there are also separate areas for men and women that offer authentic Finnish rock saunas, Russian steam rooms, Swiss showers, and Sea Water Roman baths. The Roman baths were by far my favorite. This giant Jacuzzi-type pool had lots of powerful jets of various velocities set into the sides and shaped to form benches around the perimeter, so you could sit back comfortably while the water pleasantly pounded your muscles. There is also a wonderful waterfall that you can stand under. As the water rushes down upon your naked body, you feel as if your worries are being washed away too. It's a simultaneously relaxing and invigorating experience.

HEALTHY PLEASURES:
There aren't too many places near New York City where one can take a solitary walk on a pristine private beach. Even on a chilly day it beckoned me, and I could not ignore its calls. Taking a stroll, while listening to the rhythmic waves caressing the sand, was serene and balancing. Whether by day basking in the sun, or by night under a star-filled sky, a meander on a Montauk beach is not to be missed!

When you are ready to head back inside for some exercise, you might want to check out one of the classes offered throughout the day and afternoon. There is a nice variety available, although only one activity is offered at a time, so if that particular class doesn't turn you on, you might want to opt for a brisk walk outside instead. Classes include Yoga, Pilates, Medicine-Ball Exercise, Meditation, Dans-Kinetics, Aqua Jog, Basic Tone, and others.

For me, one of the highlights of a trip is always nutritious yet tasty food. And gurney's Executive Chef Chris Von Eissler does not disappoint! His creations are delectable, and while many are decadent, there is also a healthy menu available. In fact, Von Eissler created a spa menu for Jane Fonda's weight loss program at the Vermejo Park Ranch. Since he used to manage the kitchen at the MGM in Vegas, as well as serve such upscale guests as Frank Sinatra and Ted Turner, he's no stranger to showmanship.

The presentation of the meals was almost as impressive and enjoyable as the taste. One of my entrees was accompanied by two types of Asian-style noodles. One bundle was black, the other white, and each sat artfully atop a fried cabbage leaf that cradled the tasty side dish. The food was topped off with impeccable service from the wait staff and an especially attentive maitre'd. Lunch in the dining room ranges from $8 - $20. A' la carte dinners begin at $15.75 and a four course meal at $25. (There is also an informal cafè that serves sandwiches and snacks.)

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: (NOW COMPLETED RENOVATED)
While my room was spacious, with an expansive private deck, and just steps from the sand, the furnishings had certainly seen better days. Granted, I was at the beach, where on does not expect luxury, but the sofa upholstery was ripped and the carpet stained, which might be a bit too much to bear when footing such a bill. (Rooms usually go for $270 - $500 a night including some meals, but his varies depending upon the location of the room and the season. Special deals are also commonly available.)

Tip: make sure you give your room the once-over before accepting the keys.

Gurney's may be the perfect setting to ignite the romantic flame with your loved one, but it's not the best place to go alone unless you're looking for some solitude. That's not a bad option if you need a respite from society, but I would have liked to have seen some health-promoting evening programs offered, like lectures, or even fitness classes, that would have encouraged some camaraderie amongst the guests. If you don't have a car (Gurney's is accessible by car, train, private bus, and ferry) and remain on the grounds of the resort, your only evening entertainment options are the dining room and bar.

Tip: Bring along your significant other or even a pal, or start that project you've been putting off. This is an outstanding place to write the "Great American Novel".

While overall my spa visit was a success - I enjoyed a break from the roller coaster of life and recharged my internal battery - the facility does seem to be going through some growing pains. It was packed to capacity when I visited. In such close quarters I couldn't help but overhear guests complaining that they did get the treatments they wanted, at the times they preferred, so be sure to plan ahead.

Tip: Call and book your spa treatments well in advance of your stay or you may end up disappointed.

290 Old Montauk Highway ~ Montauk, NY 11954