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By Miriam Raftery
September 17, 2012 (Alpine) –What could be more heavenly than a day at Alpine’s new spa for a stressed-out news editor and her assistant? With high hopes, Mayan and I headed out to Native Dreams Day Spa in the Viejas Outlet Center, where our expectations were met and exceeded by the excellent services and products as we savored an afternoon of pampering and primping.
We were greeted with glasses of cool water with fresh fruit slices by the spa’s owner, Tangerine Risberg, a Taos Pueblo Indian tribal member. Tangerine grew up on a reservation in a home with no electricity and she is a success story – the first in her family to open a small business. We’re sure it will be a success, based on the delightful treatments we received. A single parent with two boys, her hard work has paid off as she’s achieved her dream of opening her own spa.
A signature facial included aromatherapy to promote relaxation and a soothing mist; I could feel the tension melt away right off the bat. Classical music added to the ambience. Best of all, my skin felt and looked younger. I also indulged in a sugar wax and purchased some skincare products to continue the routine at home, including a Vitamin A therapy serum that’s great in our dry climate.
Next came a signature massage accompanied by Native American music; gem stones placed through the rooms are said to absorb and release relaxing energy. My usually tense neck and shoulder felt wonderfully calm! Options include hot stone and Swedish massages.
Our day ended with a manicure and pedicure. The latter includes a heated neck wrap (ah, heaven!) massage chair, and thick body butter mask on legs and feet.
The spa also offers many other services, including hair, makeup and tanning. Their helpful cosmetologists can provide make-up sessions for wedding parties. A “Princess” room is tailored for young girls—a perfect place for daughters to have their nails done in sparkling splendor or enjoy an “ice cream pedicure” while Mom or Dad gets their own spa treatments. Special touches such as shampoo bowls that tilt (easy on the neck) and a collection of Native American artwork add to your comfort and enjoyment.
Watch for monthly specials and my personal favorite, “spa parties” for groups up to eight. (Join our Editor’s Club with a sustaining donation of $10 a month or more, and we’ll invite you to a spa party when our editor returns for her next soothing session!)
“We created a new pedicure new pedicure called the Pueblo Pedicure and it includes a red clay mask and a warming sugar scrub for $45,” Risberg said of the newest specials added. “We have $22 facials, $20 massages, and color and cut specials for first time clients.”
After your session, you may enjoy a stroll or shopping through the peaceful grounds of the Viejas Outlet Center, where you’ll find flowing fountains and bronzed wildlife statues perched among landscaped paths and streams—including a pair of bronzed bighorn sheep on a towering rock fountain at the spa’s entrance in this idyllic setting. The spa and outlet center are also across the street from the Viejas Casino, for those looking for gaming, lunch or dinner options to round out your day.
For more information, call 619-722-1268 or visit http://www.nativedreamsdayspa.biz/.
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