If you are a spa lover, then you will want to read this. I had a discovery that has changed my self care life for the better. It took my spa game up several notches and let's just say, I felt like a true Moroccan goddess on my past birthday October 14, 2022. And to think I was hesitant about making the appointment earlier that week, I now know, I would have made a huge mistake not to.
I decided that for my 35th birthday, having endured so much over the years, I wanted to cater to my body, mind and soul. By the way, in order to write 35, I actually used a calculator to compute it, as I could not remember my age (covers face in embarrassment), please don't judge me, a sister has way too many things grappling for her attention than to keep tabs on age!
As you all know, I make bath and body products using natural and traditional ingredients and I am big on cultural experiences, spa and fusing those passions together. One of the products I make and enjoy using is the Moroccan Beldi Soap. My version is slightly different, as I add other amazing ingredients that are not included in the original formula. I do this to offer a unique product and to set myself a part. Afterall, isn't that what we are to do as business owners?
Before jumping in the beautiful art of formulating the beldi soap, I decided I needed to learn more about it's history, where it is from, what it was used for and how it was used. Once, I had enough information, I jumped into the lab and my creative senses kicked in, and I came up with ideas on how to diversify the product. The result, Maynature's very own and Amazon popular Black Gold and Goat's Milk & Turmeric Beldi Soaps/Savon Noir/ Black Soap.
They are made out of the same main ingredient- Olives, and the same technique is used to make them. Even though, I formulated these amazing products, and did my own little hammam ritual at home, I craved the true experience. So months before my birthday, I decided to check my bestfriend Google, to see if she had any ideas of spots I could try in Calgary, that offers what my soul needed. Can I tell you something, my trusted friend Google never fails, she came up with not one, but at least three(3) options that offered what I was looking for- gotta love her! The one I had my eyes on while I fought with the enemy Procrastination in my mind, got booked up for the 14th of October- Boo Hoo, a key lesson learned here. And so, I moved on and checked the availability for the Elite Spa and Hammam, and to my delight, they had space for me. I got excited and selected the first one of the morning, because I wanted to get in as soon as I could- what? I was excited! However, after booking, I received a call from a smart individual who encouraged me to pick another timeslot for a better experience. Thank you, good soul! So I took her advise and booked for 12pm and noted down what I needed to do to be prepared for my spa extravaganza!
I guess the staff now knows exactly who I am, no point putting anonymous on this post. lol!
October 14, 2022, I arose bright and early to the sun's kiss on my windowsill as I drew my curtains with a hot cup of coffee and a croissant.
Uhm no, not exactly how it played out. I am a mom of little children, one is a 6 yr old in school and the other is a 2 yr old. So here is how it actually went down. I woke up at 6:15am and got my daughter ready for school, took her to the bus stop, then came back home and jumped right back in bed. I passed right out until about 10am, at which point I rolled out of bed and did my hygienic ritual, got dressed, made my bed, got my 2 yr old ready as my husband had already made her breakfast, grabbed a quick snack and we were out the door. On my way to what turned out to be the most heavenly spa experience I have ever had- hands down!
Upon entering the spa, I am greeted by my therapist, Sam, who I came to learn, is a Moroccan native. So clearly, I was in good hands, as I was given the authentic experience by someone who grew up in the culture. Lucky me! I was taken to a private room to change into a robe and disposable underwear, provided at the spa. Be sure to bring a spare underwear if you prefer not to use a disposable. Once I changed, I was taken to a sauna, where I sat for about 10 minutes to relax, excrete toxins and get my pores to open up for what was to come. I was very pleased that water was provided as I was able to refresh myself as the toxins were being drained from my body. The spa scented candle set the tone and made for an even more relaxing ambience. After the sauna experience, Sam took me to the hammam room where the treatment would be administered. Dark and steamy with the uplifting aroma of eucalyptus, I was asked to remove my robe and lay on the tile bed, I was provided with a shower cap as my hair was already styled for my birthday, so I did not need the hair wash portion of the treatment. Ample cushioning was provided for comfort. Sam started by pouring warm water over my body. The gush of the water upon my skin with each toss was extremely relaxing. She then applied the beldi soap, often referred to as olive soap or black soap.
The Moroccan Beldi soap is rich in vitamin E, made predominantly of olive paste and olive oil. This natural soap is a gel like consistency that may vary in colour from a light green shade to dark brown, is a skin conditioner that is extremely useful for dry, flaky skin. It is a gentle exfoliant that can be intensified with the use of a Kessa (traditional Morroccan exfoliating mitten), loofah or exfoliating gloves. It can be used as a weekly treatment and may even be used as a shaving cream substitute due to it's rich creamy lather.
Sam first applied the beldi soap to my back section from neck to heel, forming a lather, washed it off and then used the kessa mitten to vigorously scrub my skin. She then gently assisted me to turn over and she repeated the same by applying the Beldi soap and then using the kessa mitten to exfoliate. A very interesting part of this experience is that you get to see the dead skin that was lifted from the body as a result of the process. You think you are clean because you shower every day, the hammam will prove you wrong!
Sam was very attentive in her treatment toward me. She provided me a gentle face scrub and an energetic foot scrub before she applied a detoxifying and restoring mud mask all over my body. After which, she helped me off the bed so I could enjoy a refreshing shower. Shortly after, she re-entered the room and took me to a private lounge where I was served tea and sweet treats, a well needed snack.
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| Image of Elite Spa Private Lounge- Tea and Treats |
I sat and enjoyed my treats while Sam went to prepare the room for the next part of my relaxing spa day, a deep tissue massage. I had a lot of tension in my neck and prior to going to the spa, I was very achy. By the time Sam was finished catering to those bothersome spots and oiling down my body while she worked those muscles, I truly felt like a brand new woman! My skin was so buttery soft and glowing. I felt beautiful again, I felt re-energized and most importantly, for the 2-3 hours that I was at the Elite Spa and Hammam, I felt truly stress-free. I disconnected, had no urge to use my phone except for taking about two (2) photos. I felt one with myself and that is exactly what I wanted my birthday to be about this year.
My wonderful husband took it a step further by arranging with our friends to stay with our kids so we could enjoy a well needed date night at the Chairman's Steakhouse, overlooking the Mahogany Lake.
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| A Must Have at Chairman's- The Carrot Cake |
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| Myself and Hubby Eric |
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| Napkin Presented in Style |
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| The delectable Ribeye Steak- Chairman's Steakhouse |
What a great way to conclude a well spent birthday. My heart was indeed happy. Thanks to all who played a role.
Check out this blog I found which goes in detail about the traditional hammam and what you can expect if you visit Morocco and want to take part in that experience. Learn More
Use code BLOG22 for 10% OFF of any of our Beldi Soaps:
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