Journeys Spa at Wyndham Sugar Bay on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Julie Register visited this resort spa on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands in May 2003

Journeys Spa 

I love Pina Coladas. They are the ultimate hot-weather drink for me, a frozen blend of coconut and pineapple. I became one with Pina Coladas at Journeys Spa at Wyndham Sugar Bay. Journeys Spa takes advantage of their exotic island location and offers a number of Pina Colada - themed spa treatments. When I found out about them, I scheduled every Pina-Colada treatment the spa offers. 

I checked in at the reception desk early and was given a brief tour and a locker complete with robe and slippers. I started my day in the second-floor fitness center - a little cardio on the elliptical, a little circuit. The Fitness Center offers Paramount strength training equipment, Precor cardiovascular equipment, free weights, Cardio Theater, an aerobics studio and stability balls & bands. Afterwards, I showered under the multi-head Swiss-like shower and tried the steam and sauna in the Women's Wet area. I had about 45 minutes before my appointment, so I went out to the private, outdoor Women's Lounge where nude sunbathing is allowed. I relaxed on a lounge chair for a while and enjoyed the sun. I decided not to try the whirlpool, since I was already warm from my workout, steam and sauna. When it got close to time for may appointment, I went inside and waited in the Co-Ed Lounge where I refreshed myself with lots of lemon-infused water. 

My therapist lead me to Water Island, a large treatment room that can accommodate a couple. In addition to the two treatment tables, there is a large shower and a free-standing whirlpool tub - perfectly sized for two. The first of my series of Pina Colada treatments was the Caribbean Journey - a Pina Colada bath. The whirlpool tub was filled with skin-restorative seaweed and a milky coconut bath with pineapple aromatic essences. I got in the tub, was given a frozen, virgin Pina Colada to sip during the next 20 minutes. I leaned back, relaxed and enjoyed the massaging water jets, and light show. This whirlpool has colored lights under the water that gradually change from green to red to blue to white. It is supposed to help align the chakras. To make it even better, my therapist massaged my scalp, neck and shoulders while I was in the tub then left me to enjoy the bath. When my drink was long gone and the twenty minutes were up, my therapist returned to start my second treatment, The Pina Colada Body Polish, an invigorating exfoliating treatment smelling, of course, like pineapple and coconut. This was followed by a Pina Colada Seaweed Body Wrap. Seaweed was mixed with aromatic pineapple and coconut oils to form a mask that was applied over my body to remineralize the skin. While I was wrapped up, the ingredients did their work and the therapist massaged my scalp. When I was "done," I was unwrapped, helped off the table to the shower where I sprayed the mask off. I returned to the table for a light massage with a hydrating body lotion. I left feeling indulged, relaxed and very smooth. 

For those who do not dream of becoming one with a Pina Colada, Journeys spa offers many other equally wonderful treatments, including a number of packages starting with a luxurious bath:

Cleopatra & Antony Sensuality Journey – Their love was legendary. Antony was seduced by Cleopatra’s charms in  exotic milk baths fragranced with the sensual essences of the East. This journey into the ecstasy of antiquity is the most sybaritic bath fantasy.  Aromatic essences of ylang ylang, sandalwood, jasmine and cedar arouses the senses and awakens our senses.  Mixed with a luxurious milk and sea vegetable collagen, this bath is therapeutic, relaxing & soothing, the skin is left soft & silky. Treatments suggested to enhance the bath and complete the package: Dead Sea Salt Glow and Journeys Signature Massage with Sensuality oil. 

Japanese Spa Journey – The Japanese have long appreciated both the social and health benefits of thermal baths.  Bathing is a ritualistic cleansing that is enjoyed socially with others.  The therapeutic effects of green tea & ginseng is disguised as pure pleasure.  The bath is enhanced with a blend of exotic essences to quiet the mind. A choice of beverage would be green tea served hot or iced. Treatments suggested to enhance the bath and complete the package:Dead Sea Salt Scrub steeped in Kombu oil and energizing essential oils and the Kombu Paraffin Back Mask. 

Brittany Revitalizer Journey – Brittany is home to the most prestigious thalassotherapy spas in the world.  It is also where most seaweed treatments were born.  Turning to the restorative powers of the sea to revitalize and purify the body leaving you feeling “fully alive”.  A mixture of red & green seaweed powders along with sea salts immersed in a specially prepared detox formulation of essences provide a soothing bath experience.  The suggested beverages to compliment would be the unique, non-alcoholic, detox mix made with potassium/magnesium rich seaweed extracts. 

Other treatments offered include facials (Deluxe, Skin Type Specific, Signature, Microdermabrasion, Gentleman's), body treatments (Sunless Bronzing, Journeys Marine Algae Body Wrap, Dead Sea Salt Glow, Marine Body Polish, Nori Back Conditioning, “Soothing” Nori & Algae Gel Wrap), massage (Journeys “Beach Stone," Swedish, Journeys Signature, Stress Relief, Sports/Deep Tissue, The Ultimate Couples, Acu-Roma, Mother and Daughter, Reflexology), nail care and salon services.

Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort

The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort, opened in 1992 and undergoing a $7 million renovation in 2000, encompasses 34 acres from the top of a mountain to the beach below. It offers both a-la-carte and all-inclusive (Including room, all meals, snacks, beverages including premium liquor and house wine, recreation, entertainment, non-motorized watersports, fitness center, tax and gratuities. Only airport transfers are not included) options. The guest rooms and Manor House are located on top of the mountain. The beach, pools, spa, tennis courts and fitness trail are located in the valley below. After taking the elevator down two stories from the guest rooms, there are about 100 steps down to the rest of the resort. A shuttle is available for those not up to the climb or descent. Guest rooms offer ceiling fans, refrigerators, and private balconies overlooking mountains or water. Activities include golf, tennis, scuba, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, the beach (which is rather rocky), and three fresh-water pools.

Journeys Spa as seen from the Fitness Trail	Approach to Journeys Spa past Tennis Courts	Approach to Journeys Spa	Approach to Journeys Spa
Fountain in Front of Journeys Spa	Journeys Spa Reception Desk	Journeys Spa Vanity Area in Women's Locker Room	Sink in Journeys Spa Women's Wet Area
Shower in Journeys Spa Women's Wet Area	Women's Outdoor Lounge where Nude Sunbathing is allowed	Whirlpool in Women's Outdoor Lounge	Co-Ed Indoor Relaxation Lounge in Journeys Spa
Facial Treatment Room	Massage Treatment Room	Wet Treatment Room	"Water Island" Couples Treatment Room
Outdoor Treatment Room	Pedicure Throne in Salon	Manicure Station in Salon	Spa Boutique
Second Floor Fitness Center	Beach Massage is Offered	Spa Exit	Two Iguanas Using the Fitness Trail

Guest Rooms Overlooking the Water	Guest Rooms have  TV, table and sitting area	Table in Guest Room	Sitting Area in Guest Room
Bed in Guest Room	Mini Fridge in Guest Room	Large Vanity in Guest Room	Bathroom in Guest Room
Guest Room Balcony	View from Guest Room Balcony	View from Guest Room Balcony	Sunset View from Guest Room Balcony