The changing of the seasons is always a good reminder for me that I need to slow down and prioritize self care. Especially after the winter we’ve had here in Vermont, my poor skin needs some love. Mentally, I really benefit from slowing down and taking a few hours free of screens, phones, and my ever-growing to-do list. Living just a few miles from The Essex: Vermont’s Culinary Resort and Spa, I figured it as finally time to schedule a little me time…

For my treatment, The Essex spa team asked if I wanted to be the first to try two brand new treatments: A rose-CBD body scrub and a CBD facial, both a collaboration with Elmore Mountain Therapeutics. In recent months, I’ve become a big fan of CBD. Being somewhat anxiety prone, not a great sleeper historically, and seemingly always sore from one ailment or another, I’ve starting dabbling in its use. Kimble Brook Farm CBD Iced Green Tea. Aqua Vitea Chaga Chai CBD kombucha. Nutty Steph’s CBD chocolate. Of course, I was game. And I couldn’t wait for my appointment to experience these new treatments.

Visiting The Essex Spa

Arriving at The Essex Resort and Spa, the spa is located in a different building from the main resort. Follow signs to the right of the building and enter the spa, adjacent to the indoor pool and gym at the facility.

The Facilities at The Essex Spa

I arrived about 30 minutes before my treatment, changed into a comfy robe and spa slippers, and headed to the steam room. During my visit, the sauna was out of order, unfortunately. I’m a dry-heat kind of girl… But I’m sure the steam helped me relax and open up my pours for the CBD oil during my treatments. For my next visit, I’ll be sure to come even earlier to spend some time in the pool and hot tub.

Before your treatment, there are male and female waiting rooms complete with comfy chairs and ottomans, along with a gas fireplace and meditational books and current magazines. After your treatment upstairs, you’re welcome to spend time in the other relaxation rooms. The Essex has both gender-specific rooms and spaces for both genders.

Treatments at The Essex Spa

Like many spas in Vermont, the treatment options at The Essex are extensive. Swedish, deep tissue, sports, warm stone, and Eastern hand massages are available. Body treatments include a honey-lavender escape, a body brew and tranquility hot oil wrap. They also offer their signature HydraFacial treatment, Norvell Sunless Training. Spa services include manicures, pedicures, make-up, waxing, and hair styling.

CBD Rose Glow Body Scrub at The Essex Spa

For my treatment, I first experienced a 50-minute Rose Glow CBD Body Scrub. The new Essex and Elmore Therapeautics collaboration body scrub blend smelled amazing. I hadn’t previously had a body scrub, so I didn’t know what to expect. The practitioner massaged me with the salt scrub, which contained rose petals and CBD oil. The rough scrub felt amazing and removed any dry winter skin. After the scrub, I was wrapped for a few minutes for the salt to penetrate my skin. Then, I showered in the same treatment room and was amazed by how soft my skin felt already. The scrub was followed by a light CBD oil massage, including an abdomen massage. This was a first for me but felt surprisingly good, albeit a bit ticklish. I would definitely recommended this treatment for seasonal changes and plan to make it a part of my regular self-care routine.

CBD Serum Facial at The Essex Spa

Then the true magic happened. Glossy and glowing from my body treatment, I met The Essex’s head esthetician for my 50-minute CBD facial. The table/bed I laid on was contoured and heated, with the silkiest sheets. The positioning of my bed, contouring to my legs and back, put me in a state of serious comfort and relaxation. I often find facials to be even more relaxing than massages. I keep most of my tension in my temple, scalp and neck. This specific treatment included deep cleansing, extractions, and in-depth massage of my scalp and neck. I remember at one point at the beginning of the facial having a pounding headache. By the end of the treatment, I was seriously relaxed. My neck, a source of constant fatigue typically, was loose and pain-free. I fell asleep a few times during the treatment, which has never happened before; it was hands down the best facial I’ve had. The CBD serum, which can be used as a cleanser and serum, has an earthy scent but was pleasant and instantly gave my dry cheeks some hydration.

Tips for Visiting The Essex Spa Like a Local

• Arrive early. Make the most of your wellness experience and arrive early to experience the sauna, steam room, fitness center, pools, hot tub or outdoor tennis.
• Spa robes, slippers and lockers are provided for all spa guests. Lockers are accessed through an individual pin code you use to lock and unlock the locker unit.
• Shower before your treatment. The beneficial oils used during treatments at The Essex Spa are best absorbed through clean skin.
• Drink lots of water! The spa recommends two glasses of water per hour of treatment.
• Don’t miss your appointment! Notify the spa by no later than 4:00PM the day prior to your appointment to reschedule or cancel; otherwise you’ll be charged for your full treatment.
• Book three treatments in one day and get 20% off your customized Chef’s Choice package.
• Locals! The Essex offers locals discounts all year round (excluding any weekdays that fall on major holidays). They are “Vermonter Days” – Monday through Thursday when Vermont residents can enjoy 30% off all services! You need to show your Vermont license at check-in. Take advantage of this awesome offering!
• Not interested in a specific treatment? You can enjoy The Essex’s spa facilities for $40 a day. For guests of The Essex, this fee is waived.

The Essex Resort & Spa

70 Essex Way Essex, VT 05452

Spa Direct Line: 802-764-1452

Hours:

Facilities: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Spa & Salon Appointments Available: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Spa Boutique: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fitness Center/Indoor Pool: 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m

*This is a sponsored post. The Essex Resort and Spa offered me complimentary services in exchange for an honest review of my experience at the spa. All opinions are my own.