The Spa at Sandpearl Resort

The Signature Perfect Massage — that name really does say it all. It epitomizes most spa experiences, but it also perfectly sums up my experience at The Spa at Sandpearl Resort, where I had the so-named 80-minute massage.

Aside from my final destination, the spa, the resort also offers coastal-inspired guestrooms and suites; the only Four-Diamond restaurant on Clearwater Beach, Caretta on the Gulf; two other culinary outlets; a number of enrichment programs; 25,000 square feet of high-tech function space; and an impressive art collection. Additionally, the resort boasts an impressive record for its efforts in environmental conservation, as the first Silver LEED-certified resort in Florida.

The Spa at Sandpearl offers a soothing atmosphere from the moment you enter. Reception, painted a warm beige, is small and personal, rather than overwhelming and full of people. The tiled desk is similarly shaded to the walls, with a pop of color provided by an orchid on the desk. Inside, darkened rooms with muted beiges, browns and whites evoke the same sense of tranquility, and a large therapeutic whirlpool with cool showers beckons visitors before or after their treatment either into the soothing water or to a few minutes on the loungers surrounding it. Spa-goers can also enjoy private relaxation rooms or steam rooms. In addition to the seven treatment rooms, deluxe couple’s treatment suites include Swiss showers. A range of treatment options is accented by the fitness center, yoga, tai chi classes, bridal make-up and hair-styling services and waxing.

The spa’s philosophy, from its menu of choices to the serene accommodations, concentrates on reconnecting spa-goers with their inner soul and the outside world. Many treatments focus on a personalized approach, like my Signature Perfect Massage. My spa artisan, as they are referred to, crafted the perfect massage for me based on my personal physical needs and wants. A myriad of modalities were used.

My preferences for any massage typically includes my shoulders, calves, feet and scalp. I cannot say no to having my scalp massaged. And I’m usually seeking total bliss and relaxation from my treatments, so unless something is particularly bothering me, I opt for light pressure. As a result of this checklist, my therapist used a combination of Swedish and Lomi Lomi massage techniques. Both aim at relaxation and employ long and continuous strokes, working gently yet deeply into the muscles.

The Spa at Sandpearl Resort

500 Mandalay Ave.

Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

tel 727 441 2425

sandpearl.com