Spruce Up Your Water with this Spa Water at Home Guide

Besides the pampering treatments, one of my favorite things about going to the spa is seeing what kinds of snacks and beverages it offers. Snacks are usually the same at most – nuts, dried fruits, a piece of chocolate after a treatment, and so on, but beverages? The possibilities with spa beverages are endless, and author Pam Wenzel puts together some nutritiously hydrating – and beautifully displayed – spa waters from all around the world in her book, Spa Water, A Guide to Creating World Class Spa Water at Home.

We pulled a couple of the recipes from her oh-so-pretty, coffee table-style book to give you a few simple and interesting ways to spruce up that regular glass of H₂O so you can drink up and stay hydrated.

RASPBERRY MIST
Tamaya Mist Spa at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico

Spa Water Excerpt: “In addition to their excellent flavor, raspberries are full of strong antioxidants and possess anti-cancer properties. Limes, known as an immune system boosting fruit, add a vitamin-packed zest. This citrus is helpful in fighting colds, the flu, and recurrent ear infections.”

Ingredients:
3 cartons of raspberries
4 limes, thinly sliced
4 cups ice
Water

Instructions:
1.       Layer your beverage pitcher with lime slices and raspberries. Add ice. Repeat until the server is full. Pour water over the ice and fruit.

Note: If you are using a beverage server, do not use frozen berries – they tend to break up and clog the spigot of the server.


KAPHA BALANCING
The Raj Maharishi Ayurvedic Health Spa, Fairfield, Iowa

Spa Water Excerpt: “Herb-infused waters tout health benefits galore. Ginger reduces symptoms associated with motion sickness, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating. Many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reduction in their pain levels and improvement in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly. Basil helps with cardiovascular health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax, thus improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythms.”

Ingredients:
3 basil leaves
2 thin slices of ginger
¼ tsp ginger
½ tsp fennel seeds
¼ tsp coriander seeds
2 quarts water

Instructions:
1.       Boil water for five minutes. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients.
2.       Pour in a thermos and sip the water hot or warm throughout the day.

LAVENDER SCENTED ORANGE
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont in Scottsdale, Arizona

Spa Water Excerpt: “Lavender is such a versatile herb. It relieves tension and stress naturally, while promoting relaxation and aiding in overcoming insomnia. You can use its leaves and flowers for sachets, and mix stems with vinegar or white sugar to make herbal vinegars and sugars, bath oils, and homemade soaps. Paired with orange zest and slices, this herbal and citrus water is fragrant and delicious.”

Ingredients:
4 sprigs organic lavender
4 oranges, zested (colored part only)
4 tsp sugar (agave nectar)
2 quarts water

Instructions:

1.       In a large pot, combine lavender, orange zest from two oranges, sugar, and water. Heat to a boil. Remove from stove to cool.
2.       Strain before serving. Pour cooled water in beverage server; add sliced oranges and lavender sprigs.