Relaxing at Glen Ivy

Most of you are probably already familiar with one of the best local spas here in Corona, California, Glen Ivy.

I went to Glen Ivy a couple of times this year for different occasions. I was very impressed by the beautiful garden landscaping and wonderfully relaxing days I spent there that I couldn't help but write about it this month.

On one occasion, I went for my husband and my 10-year anniversary. We took the day off to go during the week on the day of our anniversary. This was a good thing considering I had heard from one of the employees that it gets very busy on weekends especially during wedding season. The entrance fee was about $30 dollars and we took advantage of the 15% discount for Corona residents.

I had been stressed out by things I don't even remember so he surprised me with a massage package, pedicure, and a day of relaxing in mineral pools. It was a very relaxing day. I loved the tropical gardens and relaxing on the floaters at the lazy pool.

The pedicure was pricier than what you would pay for at a manicure/pedicure salon at a typical shopping center, but it was done with a lot more attention to the details to make me feel pampered. I felt it was worth it for the occasion. I normally do my own pedicures so this was a nice treat.

I did the Grotto with my husband. The Grotto is an extra amenity that is offered for an additional cost. The two of us got on an elevator and were guided to a room where two spa workers brushed some sort of minerals on us. We stand there and spread out or arms as they apply. The women who did my application was rushed and did my application with the disposition of someone working at a prison system just going through the motions performing some duty she was required to handle. She plunged the brush into the bowl and swished it around each time to whip out more mixture then wiped it on me like I was some kind of chair she was painting. I just smiled and stood there as I found humor in it as I do with most things that normally irritate some people. I thought I'd hate this job too, at least on some days. When she was done, we turned around to find the other lady taking her time applying long painted brush strokes down my husbands back. She saw us and hurried along this time a lot more quickly. Considering my husband is athletic and in good shape, I could see the reason for the delay. I chuckled and we joked about it as we later went through the grotto and had some apples and tea. I didn't think the Grotto was worthy of a separate entrance fee. It really wasn't anything special but a warm room designed to look like a cavern. The shower room was nice with the water pouring from the ceiling in the showers. Glen Ivy is wonderfully relaxing in itself but, I thought I could have skipped the Grotto.

The second time I went to Glen Ivy this year I went with my sisters in law and mother in law. It was great to go with a pack of women. We were supportive of each others need for much needed relaxation time. We talked in the steam room and dipped in the mineral baths and mud pit. We were all on a budget so we didn't do any extra amenities. All I needed is to relax on one of those long floaters in the lazy pool. The lazy pool is a 1 foot pool designed for the purpose of just laying out. You can lie on those floaters and just let the natural water movement move you around as you lay out to get a tan and relax. That's what I did. I can't wait to go again.