A Day To Remember in Tampa

Word on the street is, there's a big football game in town this weekend. My friends, Matt and Becky, will be there – she said she'll be the one reading a book.

That was just a joke, but it got me thinking about all the wives, girlfriends, friends and relatives who might be looking for some alternative activities, to make their visit to Tampa special.

This is what I would suggest ...

Take a trip across the bridge to St. Petersburg. Along the way, you'll enjoy great views of the water – complete with sea birds and sail boats – while watching jets arrive and depart from the airport with the Tampa skyline as a backdrop. Head straight downtown to the Museum of Fine Arts, for the Albrecht Durer exhibit of woodcuts, etchings and engravings.

Downtown St. Petersburg is situated on the waterfront, on the other side of the bay from Tampa, and is a great stroll on a nice day. Just up Central Avenue from the museum, you'll find The Art Center – now showing a lively Jasper Johns print collection.

Back in Tampa, I'd make an appointment, posthaste, at Spa Jardin. (Keep in mind that the cost of the 4 1/2 hour spa package, A Day To Remember, is well below that of the least expensive seat in the stadium.) Of course, there are many other services available in a range of prices. And no matter which you choose, you will begin relaxing the moment you step into the cozy 20s bungalow in South Tampa.

The aroma of lavender and other natural essences gently waft throughout the spaces.

A friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff make every visit a special treat. Before you leave, all of your senses will be engaged.

On arrival, turn off your cellphones, and prepare to de-stress.

If you don't have time for a spa treatment, come in and browse the exceptional selection of beauty and skin care products. You'll also find many unique gift ideas that you won't see at the mall.

Every treatment room has its own unique decor.

When I go in for a manicure or pedicure, I always anticipate the wonderful little slice of nut bread and cup of tea.

Recently added to the menu of services: the only outdoor spa treatments available in the area, called touch therapies alfresco. A private oasis includes a koi pond and raindrop shower. And there are plans afoot to include outdoor yoga classes, with misters to offset the summer heat.

Amber Epler Prida created Spa Jardin, the first day spa in Tampa, and hasn't stopped to rest since. The salon has evolved over the years, as Amber has consistently worked to maintain an extraordinary environment and superior level of quality and service. She originally trained in a small town in France, just outside Nice, and has used the European standards of excellence in creating natural botanical treatments to set her salon apart from the competition. And Amber continues to seek out inspiration and ideas through visits to spas from NY to California.

One recent idea that occurred to Amber was the need for walk-in spa services. When the bungalow next door became available, Amber decided to turn it into a separate location for on-the-go waxing, nails, makeup, spray-on tans, and men's services – where no appointment is necessary.

Voilá, Melt Out.

The decor is an eclectic mix of modern and industrial, with a few vintage touches thrown in.

Melt Out is the exclusive location in Tampa for the Kevyn Aucoin makeup line.

Amber was assisted in the interior decor of Spa Jardin and Melt Out, by the talented Wendy over at Tonic Home.

All photos of Spa Jardin and Melt Out by Topsy Turvy.
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Amber's favorite skin care product: YonKa spray-on toner.
(This happens to be my favorite also. I think I'm slightly addicted to that refreshing morning mist of natural botanicals.)

The best thing you can do for your skin, Amber says: hydrate. You should also feed your skin from the inside and out, eating fresh foods and maintaining a good skin-care regimen. She learned first-hand from the French, who will go without basic necessities before giving up their skin-care treatments.
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