Aquaest Retreat (2002 to 2007, now closed) was a unique experimental venture in combining aspects of retreat and spa with ideals of right-livelihood and environmental consciousness (especially regards water). Its small size (on-site accommodation for just one or two), location (the Missouri Ozarks), and simple method of operation, meant that it fell outside the conventional categories of spa or stay venues. There were few other retreats of this size centered around aquatic bodywork, and perhaps none with its personalized style.
This form of retreat-vacation appealed to independent individuals (and women in particular) who were looking for personal and high-quality services in an authentic and natural setting. They cared about the environment and enjoyed nature, and they wanted to learn more about themselves and access their own creativity. These people sought something other than the glamor of a destination spa resort, or traditional hotel and bed-and-breakfast fare. They also wanted to be seen as real people, not just another paying customer.
The private spa-retreat was inspired by a form of aquatic bodywork*, which was the signature offering. Given the focus on water, the clear stream and karst natural resources of the Ozarks made an appropriate setting. This is a relatively unknown region of understated natural beauty and an extraordinarily diverse biota. The retreat was located on twenty secluded and wooded acres beside a healthy creek classified as an Outstanding State Resource Water.
There were three aspects to the mission of service as I conceived it for the retreat:
- enhancing well-being through immersion in water (aquatic bodywork)
- connecting to water in a natural landscape, alongside water-conscious stewardship
- participating in the health of the human and natural community, especially the watershed.
As an eco-holistic spa, it was adapted to the resources of the land (water, wood, wild food and herb plants) as much and as carefully as possible. The log-style buildings (lodge and bath house) were well-insulated, located to stay cool in summer, and could all be wood-heated. The outdoor bathing area had a woodfired hot tub, cold plunge and dry sauna, that eventually would include a composting toilet with outside shower, and recycling of water into a nearby water garden. The organic garden expanded yearly.
Both day visits and overnight stays were available. Individual aquatic sessions were promoted as the focal experience. Other movement meditations (e.g. yoga, labyrinth and nature walks), sensory experiences (hot tub/cold plunge/sauna, sound-vibration bed, massage), and creative activities (land and art projects) supported and enhanced each visitor's stay. A variety of nearby off-site accommodation was offered to groups, while most single guests and couples preferred to stay on-site in the owners' home.
The main spa building was a log cabin with windows and glass doors overlooking the creek. It housed a warm pool (for aquatic bodywork) in a beautiful wood frame, as well as a wet-massage area, a shower, and a rest area beside an antique wood-burning stove. The atmosphere was one of sanctuary and simple beauty, with stained glass and interior finishes that reflected the natural surrounds. All the buildings (except the main lodge) and landscaping were the creative work of the owner-operators.
Candles, incense and white sage smudge sticks were used, when acceptable to clients, to dedicate the spa space for sessions. Lightly aromatic and biodegradable products were employed in massage and bathing, and local product sources were given preference. An underwater speaker transmitted sound into the pool water and into the space, creating different moods of experience to suit individual guests. The rituals of service were all carefully designed to put guests at ease and give them a sense of the magic and mystery inherent in water.
All services were conducted by the owners, as a husband-and-wife team. Many heartening stories of guest experiences were recorded. Most found the aquatic bodywork transformative, going well beyond the remit of ordinary massage. Their feedback affirmed a great need for 'retreat' which supports a dive deep into the inner self but also places this search in the context of value to community and environment.
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AQUAEST RETREAT is no more but I (Sara Firman) continue to explore options for co-creating a new vision of spa-retreat. I welcome dialog, suggestions, your own visions ...
This work by Sara Firman is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.
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