ALONG COMES MARY

When I first visited Glen Ivy Hot Springs last year, I knew instantly that it was something special. Nestled in the Temescal Valley on the outskirts of Corona, Glen Ivy Hot Springs is the perfect opportunity for guests to get away from it all for the day and reconnect with themselves. Under 90 miles from both Los Angeles and San Diego, I was thrilled to return once again to Glen Ivy Hot Springs and as it turns out, found 4 more reasons why you should make your reservation to visit them today.

Twilight Season is Upon Us

The best time of the year is almost here: light evenings! At Glen Ivy, that means it’s the return of their popular Twilight Season. From May 2nd through October 27th, guests can arrive to Glen Ivy at 4pm (Thursday through Sunday) and enjoy an evening of DJ’s, entertainment and of course, pool time, at the reduced price of 40 dollars. Guests who’ve been enjoying the day at the spa are also invited to stay and chill. On top of that, The Ivy Kitchen and all of the food and drink stands will be open to whip you up some drinks or nachos.

Speaking of food….

New Chef Means new Menu Items

Glen Ivy wants their guests to have the best day in every aspect of the visit. It definitely shows at Ivy Kitchen, their cafe offering a seasonal menu as well as wine, beer and desserts. I was so impressed during my last experience with the eatery that I wondered how they would pull out the stops this time. Turns out, the day spa recently welcomed a new Executive Chef, Chris Hartman, who has added some more flare to the menu.

With a farm-to-table approach and utilizing what’s in season, The Ivy Kitchen still has long-time favorites like their chicken nachos, along with new additions including a portabello sandwich and a kale and quinoa salad. Perfect for vegetarian and vegans. Best part? I was not left out for a change and got to try the mouth watering sandwich myself as the kitchen offers gluten-free bread. Most items, including their flat breads, can be prepared for gluten-free enjoyment. Reason enough to love Glen Ivy.

Glen Ivy’s Newest Treatment, Shirodhara

If you’re thinking, Shiro-huh? Don’t worry, so was I. This was actually the reason for my return visit and was unlike any other treatment I’ve had. Shirodhara is a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating body treatment from the ancient Ayurvedic holistic healing practice.

Glen Ivy explains, “In Ayurveda, health is defined as the dynamic state of balance between mind, body, and environment. Shirodhara, Sanskrit for “head-flow,” is a form of Ayurvedic therapy that involves gently pouring a steady stream of warm herbal massage oil over the third eye. Using traditional warm oils, the time-honored Shirodhara body treatment calms the mind to create a profound sense of bliss and contentment.”

During my 50 minute session with Heidi, a Glen Ivy therapist for the past 15 years, she zeroed in on all of my sore spots, especially in my feet and legs. Using a light touch with the herbal oils, I felt so much tension and toxins leave my body. When she got to my scalp and third eye, a copper pot was used to help make the magic as the oils were poured down my head. The aroma therapy from the oils was heavenly, and I admit I felt a bit drunk by the time she wrapped up. I cannot recommend Heidi enough as her energy adds to the healing, zen state you’ll find yourself in during this new treatment.

Word to the wise: the Shirodhara treatment will soak your hair in oils. You’re given a turban to keep but definitely plan on packing a hair brush and all of your hair care tools to give it a good washing in the Bath House before you go. Heidi also made sure to tell me to add your shampoo before getting your hair wet with water. I can attest to this pro-tip.

Treat Someone Special in your Life

Mother’s and Father’s Day are around the corner, and what better a way than to tell someone special in your life that you want the best for them? Consider booking them a treatment (services range from facials, massages, mani’s and pedi’s) and join them, or give them a gift card to plan their own day at Glen Ivy. You can also grab great gifts in their store as well as the salon as they carry the entire lines of products they use on their clients during services. Pretty good way to bring the spa home with you until your next visit, no?

Visit Glen Ivy

Whether you’re after a day lounging by the pools (there’s 19 of them) or want to book a Shirodhara treatment (really-you should), there’s no better time than summertime to plan a day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Visit them HERE and make sure to tell them Along Comes Mary sent you. xo

(*Disclosure: Special thanks to Glen Ivy for hosting me on behalf of this feature. All opinions are my own.)