Celebrities buy cabins and ranches here to find respite from the population and paparazzi of their work lives. But even here, in the last best place, we push ourselves hard: We drive fast, combine full-time jobs with farming, we volunteer for worthy causes, and, of course we must fit in the customary hunting, fishing, skiing, boating, and camping throughout the year as well. Our kids even have packed schedules - wedging in chores, homework, sports, music lessons, etc.
We Montanans aren't exactly chewing on a piece of hay while rocking idly in a chair on the front porch and watching the tumbleweeds blow by. To find relief from modern-day stress, more and more Montanans are pampering themselves with special treatments like hot stone massage, herbal body wraps, paraffin foot treatments, or full-body exfoliation. Spas are a rejuvenating pit stop on the road of life - a place where tension and toxins can be exorcised, restoring energy and peace of mind.
Here's a look at three Montana day spas that each have their own unique ways of helping Montanans smooth out the rough edges of life. The spa offers a multitude of services including workout facilities, body care products, therapeutic treatments, steam rooms, and outdoor hot and cold pools looking out onto the spectacular mountain basin.
The therapies are numerous - body wraps, scrubs, massages, facials, and waxing. I decided to try a family approach to stress relief, and brought my husband and daughter to Moonlight Spa so we could collectively experience its benefits. I chose the spa's signature Rocky Mountain hot stone massage for myself, and the children's massage for my daughter. My husband chose to use the eucalyptus steam bath and the outdoor hot pool.
The spa has a couple's room, so my daughter and I were able to have our massages simultaneously, while my husband relaxed on his own. We got ourselves tucked in under the comfy flannel linens, and our respective therapists entered. Sheree gave my daughter her first ever table massage. She was caring and competent, often checking in with my daughter as to how she was doing - talking her through different techniques.
