American Spa November 2003

...Pioneering the spa movement in Jackson Hole, massage therapist Heidi Harrison founded The Body Sage spa at the Rusty Parrot Lodge in downtown Jackson Hole in June of 1995. "The Body Sage grew organically from the massage practice that I started in the Rusty Parrot Lodge in 1990," says Harrison. Finding the popular ski destination an ideal locale for a spa, Harrison partnered with her father, owner of the Rusty Parrot Lodge. "The wide range of recreational opportunities makes Jackson Hole a unique spa destination," says Harrison. "Visitors can customize a health retreat by combing spa treatments with outdoor activities. A stunning environment makes exercise a pleasure. There is no reason to use a treadmill and a television when they can cross-train in the Tetons." The vast number of available activities helps drive the spa industry. "World-class hiking, biking, climbing mountaineering, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and snow-shoeing beckon even those reluctant to try something new," says Harrison. "Guides and teachers welcome novices into a new world that may become a life-long passion. Spa treatments make it possible for everyone to enjoy more of their favorite activities than their overworked muscles would otherwise allow. The Body Sage stays open until 10 PM to allow both guests and residents to enjoy every minute outdoors."

According to Harrison the menu grew in response to the active lifestyles of Jackson's visitors and residents. Particularly popular are the spa's sports packages. The Sports Wrap uses local arnica, which is reputed among athletes to speed recovery of overworked muscles-a condition with which many local and visiting skiers are quite familiar. The spa pairs the wrap with a therapeutic sports massage to make it even more effective. Intended for serious athletes and weekend warriors, the Sports Recovery Package includes a sports massage, hot arnica wrap, and salt glow scrub to help remove metabolic waste that causes soreness. In developing the menu Harrison focused on three objectives: using local or regional products whenever possible; addressing the main concerns of locals and guests, specifically sore muscles, dry skin, and stress; and offering packages for their therapeutic rather than pampering value. "I knew we had a winner when I received a Sports Recovery treatment after my first long bike ride of the season and felt absolutely great the next day," says Harrison. "Normally I have to walk down the stairs backwards."

Back to Acclaim