Last weekend I enjoyed the luxury of spending a couple days at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. The hotel has a Wellness and Longevity Institute that goes beyond the typical spa treatments (although I did enjoy one or two of those too). There are classes on nutrition, weight management and incorporating healthy choices into your everyday lifestyle. 
Voted one of the top spas in America by Conde Nast Traveler, the Spa at luxury Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, California near Thousand Oaks offers a nurturing retreat. California Health & Longevity Institute offers a 12-month spa and fitness membership that provides opportunities for improved health and sustainable, long-term lifestyle change.
The photo caused me to pause as I was leafing through an upscale magazine in the reception lounge at the spa. The photograph oozed serenity and peacefulness from the glossy page. It was identified as a home sanctuary and wellness room; wellness rooms are a growing trend in the luxury home market, and this picture made me want one--now. Later, I found myself wondering if a wellness room (or space) is really a luxury, or is it a necessity in today's fast paced world?
As I studied this new wellness room, there was no intimidating exercise apparatus in sight. There was a massage table beside an atrium filled with green plants. There were several yoga/exercise/meditation/nap mats rolled up and ready to be unfurled. Yes, a nap mat for those little refreshing catnaps or those power naps before an important event. Two body contouring lounge chairs were grouped amid a cluster of bamboo plants and other greenery. There was an adjoining steam shower, sauna, whirlpool tub and stacks of lush white towels, big thick bathrobes and bath accessories. There was soft lighting, relaxing music (no CNN allowed) and a mini fridge stocked with bottled water and nothing else. Cardio? You'll have to do that elsewhere. This room is for decompression, relaxation, self-tending, physical, emotional and spiritual restoration.
And napping. Didn't we learn to do that in kindergarten? Close your eyes, be quiet, remain still and rejoin the world refreshed and renewed in just twenty minutes.
Now that's a room I want to come home to every evening, not just on special occasions.
Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333
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That sounds fabulous, Norma. A wellness room. We could go inside during the day and escape from all the stress of our jobs. Invite a few friends over and bring in a yoga instructor. I feel calm already.
Jane - Yes, a sort of decompression room. I certainly have days when that sounds like a wonderful alternative to pulling my hair out... :)