Instead of handing out the same old presents that may collect dust, try something new and pamper your loved ones with makeovers and spa treatments. A yearlong membership to a gym might be an excellent holiday gift and jump start on a New Year’s resolution.
According to Alberto González, owner of Curves, one out of every 20 women and one out of every 10 men work out at a gym. “This means only 5% of women go to the gym in Costa Rica,” he said, adding that shame, idleness or a feeling of discomfort at an average co-ed gym add to the reasons women tend to stay away.
The concept of Curves is for women only and offers a 30-minute program, three times a week, where women rotate from one machine or workout to the next as part of an effective weight-loss program. Throughout the holiday season, Curves is offering a 66% discount off its registration fee. Curves has gyms in Escazú, Parque de la Paz, Curridabat, Alajuela, Tibás and Plaza Rohrmoser. For more info, call 288-2480.
Slim and Tone, managed by Costa Rican Olympic swimmer Sigrid Niehaus, offers a similar concept in its all-female focus and 30-minute workouts, but also has a children’s playroom, where kids are entertained while their mothers work out. Slim and Tone also provides yoga lessons, pilates, nutritional guidance, and personalized attention. The gym, which offers a week of free trial sessions, is located in San Rafael de Escazú. Their membership fees range from ¢14,000-17,000 ($31-38). For additional info, call 289-3696.
But for those who would rather unwind than work up a sweat, a soothing day at the spa might be the perfect treat. Rancho Río Perlas Hotel and Spa, located on the highway to Orosi, in the province of Cartago, offers spa services such as facials, waxing, manicures, massages, tanning, mud baths and aromatherapy. The hotel offers thermal waters and a pool, while the spa offers several therapeutic treatment packages. For example, there are one hour to two-and-a-half hour cellulite, toning, cleansing and relaxing treatments that include exfoliation, peeling, hydrating and massage therapies. The hotel even offers a one-day, executive package with a Turkish bath, full-body cleansing, partial massage, anti-stress “infrajet” technology, a mini-facial, and thermal bath, for $88 per person. For more information, call 533-3341.
The Beautyclub, at Country Plaza in San Rafael de Escazú, offers a selection of spa packages and specials. In tune with the season, the “Holiday Surprise” offers a skin freshener, manicure, shampoo, cut and style for ¢14,000 ($31). The Fresh Start package sounds like the ultimate gift to start a refreshing new year. It consists of a custom facial, a manicure with paraffin, and a body exfoliating treatment worth ¢30,000 ($67). The Beautyclub offers many other packages, including an anti-aging, “just for her,” “just for him” and a sampler package. The spa and salon also does waxing, hair care, skin treatment and offers gift certificates. For more info, call 288-0059.
For hair care only, British-owned Wendy’s Salon, in Plaza San Rafael, Escazú, has some great ideas for presents. During the holidays, the salon offers packages ranging from ¢8,500-22,000 ($19-49), that include cuts, blow dries, manicures, deep conditioning or keratin treatments, hair coloring and spa pedicures. You can also take 10% off any package you design on your own and get a free deep conditioning. For more info, call 228-9810.
Eurostyle European salons, at Calle Real shopping center in San Pedro, or in Escazú, have excellent offers this season. For special prices ranging from ¢3,150-20,025 ($7-45) you can get various combinations of highlights, waxing, keratin shine or glamour treatments, European washes, styling and waxing. Call 289-9511 for more info.
