Four Missouri spa resorts can set guests on the path toward mindful lifestyles and provide a restorative getaway.
BY LISA WATERMAN GRAY

Small heated Himalayan salt rocks warm my palms as the massage therapist firmly glides more warm rocks across my lightly oiled back. The penetrating heat relaxes tight muscles. Low lights reflect in a mirrored wall as soft music fills the small room. With multiple warm stones placed along my backbone, the therapist manipulates my arms and legs. She also frequently asks whether the massage pressure and heat from the stones felt OK.

Above and in title: The two-story Spa Chateau in Branson features 10 treatment rooms, an indoor infinity tub, an outdoor Roman-style bath, and more. Spa Chateau Below: The Grotto at the Spa at the Elms near Kansas City is a restful area that includes a hot tub, dry sauna, and steam sauna. The Elms Hotel and Spa

Later on, a hydrating facial began with marine gel, which tingled slightly from blueberry in the masque preparation. A hot towel gently wrapped across my face added soothing warmth. The technician also massaged my head, neck, and shoulders, resulting in a light neck pop.

This is Spa Shiki where technicians tailor treatments to the needs of each client. For travelers seeking a restorative spa getaway not too far from home, it is one of four suggested Missouri getaways to explore at the start of a new year, when we often think about remaking ourselves.

Spa Shiki has operated for 15 years inside a 15,000-square-foot building at The Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Mo. Nationally recognized by NBC’s Today Show, SELF magazine, and Spa Finder, the facility transformed a previous bowling alley into a relaxing retreat.

From polished wood stairs leading to lower level treatment rooms, to dark, rich earth tones in locker rooms, and a low-lit lounge area where an illuminated wall displays leaf veins in repeating photographic panels, Spa Shiki combines Asian aesthetics with natural elements. Mirrored walls in each small treatment room create a feeling of spaciousness.

Spa services include massages, body treatments, facials, and salon treatments, as well as steam showers and saunas in each locker room, and a small saltwater hot tub. Guests can eat lunch in the compact dining room, while relaxing in cozy robes. A full salon is also on site.

Chateau on the Lake

Located near Branson’s outskirts, Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center (AAA Four Diamonds) is known for its 14,000-square-foot Spa Chateau. It features two levels with a spectacular two-story glass chandelier. There are 10 treatment rooms, male and female locker rooms, an indoor infinity tub, and an outdoor Roman-style bath in addition to a small retail area selling body care and bath products.

Guests will find soothing earth tones in carpet and furnishings, natural wood cabinets, wicker chairs and couches, and stucco- covered walls in the lounge where they can sip fresh cucumber water or hot tea while settling into terry-lined robes. Plastic slippers continuously massage feet with acupressure beads.

The 80-minute Lakeside Sampler treatment begins with a warm massage bed, low lights, and a large, warm eye pillow. Dark walls, a pillar candle, natural wood shutters, and soft sheets create a cocoon-like sensation. Deep foot reflexology treatment precedes a full-body, essential oil-fueled massage, as well as face and scalp massages. The treatment ends with hot stones rubbed across your back.

Spa Chateau also offers Swedish and several other forms of massage, mother-to-be treatments, seaweed body wraps, and body exfoliation, as well as facials, and anti-aging treatment for face and hands. The Barber Shop & Image Center provides haircuts, coloring or highlights, and scalp massage, in addition to manicures, pedicures, and other services. A door from an indoor two-story pool area leads to the patio where a rushing waterfall, beautiful rock walls, and potted flowers complement the outdoor pool.

Guests can unwind in the eucalyptus steam room or a small dry sauna. there's even a Couples Candle Light Tub Soak, during which couples can soak in side-by-side tubs. For the ultimate treat, indulge in a light spa meal, such as blueberry balsamic salad, a hand-carved turkey sandwich, or fish tacos. Fresh fruit smoothies are also on the menu.

Spa at the Elms

The Elms Hotel & Spa (AAA Three Diamonds) has a long healing tradition stemming from natural mineral springs that first drew enthusiasts to Excelsior Springs near Kansas City in the late 1800s. Today, Spa at the Elms is a relaxing haven that can accommodate up to 20 services simultaneously.

Seaweed Wraps take place in a tiled treatment room with a half a dozen Vichy showerheads and a plastic-wrapped treatment bed. Technicians exfoliate clients before applying a soothing and warming seaweed-infused masque. Three wrap layers are applied and warm towels enfold the feet. With the wrap in place, the technician firmly massages the face, scalp, upper neck and shoulders, and feet. The technician removes the wrap and washes away the masque, using water from warm, rain-like Vichy showerheads, and a handheld shower hose.

Specialty rooms include two with Vichy showers, two with hydrotherapy tubs, and four that accommodate couples or traveling companions. In the locker room, narrow showers feature several showerheads and all the amenities one could need. The spa’s quiet room offers magazines, low lights, cold water or tea, and small snack items such as chocolate biscotti and trail mix.

A signature offering, The Grotto, is a hushed, restful environment where visitors rest on ergonomically curved loungers amid natural stone and tile. Strong jets enliven a small hot tub, while the dry sauna has a lovely cedar aroma, and the steam sauna creates a warm, foggy haze. there's also a cold plunge shower available. Washcloths saturated in iced peppermint water immediately refresh, while lightly scented body scrubs that resemble coarse sand fill the exfoliation bar. The Grotto experience is included with all spa services.

there's a full-service salon, and the impressive spa gift shop features major skincare lines, as well as a wide range of athletic wear.

ara – The Spa at Ameristar

Located in Ameristar Casino Resort (AAA Four Diamonds) in St. Charles, the ara spa offers 7,000 square feet of treatment rooms, and a spa boutique.

Inspired by Japanese bathing rituals, the Pure Bliss treatment is one of two rituals on this spa menu. Multiple jets of warm, rain-gentle water constantly spray across each client, accompanied by very warm water from a handheld hose. An invigorating bamboo scrub, sea algae wash, and foot massage are also part of this multi-faceted treatment. it's easy to virtually melt into the water-saturated towels.

The Turkish delight ritual incorporates cleansing with Moroccan mint tea salt, an olive stone scrub, a clay polish, and tangerine fig butter crème.

In addition to traditional massages, ara offers hot rock or aroma-infused massage treatments. All massages may be upgraded with smoothing paraffin treatments for hands and/or feet, or an exfoliating hand and foot scrub. A wide range of manicures, pedicures, and skin care treatments complete the spa menu.

Inside treatment rooms, lotions and massage oils incorporate natural ingredients such as plum blossom, red flower from Japan, and lime. In fact, the spa features its own line of body care items, including lotion made with green tea and lemongrass.

The calming spa environment features neutral and pastel-tone tiles, rounded walls, a spacious steam shower, and a whirlpool tub. Floor-to-ceiling curtains, cozy chairs, and soothing neutral colors characterize ara’s two waiting areas. The spa also offers a dining menu, with choices such as a fresh seasonal fruit plate, salads, and more.

Whether you schedule spa services at a hotel steeped in a century of healing tradition, a modern casino hotel, or a calming lake resort, Missouri spas offer relaxation and rejuvenation for every taste.

Lisa Waterman Gray is a contributor from Overland Park, Kan.