Trailhead Spa at Brush Creek Ranch

As you may have read from my last few posts, I am an enthusiastic member of the Spa Tribe. Prolonged tedious travel following days tied to my desk truly necessitate a session with a strong masseuse.

After a few days enjoying cowgirl activities at the fabulous Brush Creek Ranch, including afternoon trail rides, fishing, and a high speed excursion dashing through dusty rock strewn trails in a Ranger vehicle, one begins to feel like a settler in the Old West – i.e. caked with dirt. Lesson learned – Cowgirls or Cowboys should accessorize with a calico face kerchief, not just a fashion statement, a lung saver! Too late – the Ranger ride was a separate experience, deserving of it’s own blog post. Spa treatment is essential in the plains.Brush Creek Ranch Trailhead Spa practices wellness and renewal in the plush spa rooms; begin your escape in the steam room or sauna and decide which venue best suits your mood. Indulge in a massage at the remote Falcon Peak overlook, with majestic views of Brush Creek and the Sierra Madre Mountain range. Or as I desired, mosey in the Ranger with your masseuse through the sage scented prairie to an authentic Native American Teepee located on the banks of the Platte River. Luxury meets rusticity on the riverbank.

Burning sage begins the experience, become one with the lazy flow of the river and imagine floating through the gentle waters. Solitude only interrupted by the gentle gurgle of the river and the flapping of the teepee as a gentle breeze rustles the canvas. An occasional bird tweet may remind you of your majestic surroundings.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAh, life on the prairie – or the Ranch as it is. Highly recommend Teepee Spirit Journey – renewed and refreshed.

The word tipi or teepee, meaning “a dwelling” is a word translated from the Lakota language; the Lakota were among the original tribes in the North Platte River Basin.

Spirit Journey (teepee only). 
This silent treatment begins with a traditional sage cleanse, followed by an intuitive and vibrational massage using a Wyoming native herb-infused oil blend, specifically picked for the healing, calming and spiritually uplifting properties. Allow your body and mind to release, helping you to connect to the intuitive wisdom of your inner being, while listening to the sounds of nature.

Additional Spa Offerings

Blissful Meadows – Private hike, 60 min yoga & 60 min BCR signature massage.

Sweet Serenity – Private hike, 80 min yoga, 30 min guided mediation, 90 min BCR signature massage.

Trailhead Signature Escape – 60 min BCR signature massage, 60 min field of greens facial, 30 min express manicure, and a 30 min express pedicure.

Tribal Bliss Experience – 90 min Wyoming river stone massage, 90 min kindred spirit facial, 60 min aromatic manicure, and 60 min aromatic pedicure.

Decadent Delights chocolate truffles, fresh fruit and champagne for 2 mimosa mornings. Whiskey river.

 

 

MSV Silolona Spice Islands – Komodo Dragons

Silolona is a powerful hand crafted traditional wooden sailing vessel. Newly built from the finest tropical hardwoods, designed by German Lloyds, and constructed by the Master Konjo boat builders of Sulawesi to his specifications. Silolona is a magnificent vessel melding the best of the traditional spice island sailing vessels with all of the modern amenities and safety features one would expect in a vessel of her quality.Silolona-Under-SailJourney Throughout the Komodo Archipelago

An introduction to this unique experience: Jagged silhouettes of sun drenched hills slipping into countless turquoise bays rimmed with pink sand beaches form the dramatic backdrop for the day’s adventures. The Komodo islands are blessed with hundreds of secluded beaches, transparent crystal clear waters, and stunning coral reefs for some of the best diving in the world.

Seek your own private haven either on-board Silolona or ashore to read a book
 or stroll a crescent shaped beach where the only footprints are yours or those of a Komodo dragon. Late afternoon is the perfect time to gear up for some fishing followed by aft deck sunset cocktails and nibbling on delectable freshly caught tuna sashimi.

Nighttime in Komodo brings its own special magic under
 the brilliant stars of the Milky Way constellation – dine on board or enjoy barbecues and bonfires on the beach. Shooting stars and glittering phosphorescence fades as you retire to the sanctuary of your stateroom to rest up for the next day’s adventures.

Sample Itinerary

Arrive Labuhanbajo & Sabolon Island – After embarkation, you will sail north up the eastern coast of Komodo Island to
 Sabolon Island: within less than an hour, enjoy your first swim! The rest of the day will be dedicated to water sports and beach relaxation.

Arrive Rinca Island Early morning, trek on Rinca Island to view the Komodo dragons in their native habitat along with wild boars, monkeys, wild water buffalo’s and scores of birds.
 Rangers will guide you through the natural park.

Arrive Pantai Merah – Begin the morning with brunch on Silolona before setting sail to a nearby rocky islet for a spectacular underwater dive. The afternoon will be spent at Pantai Merah world famous for its pink sand and excellent snorkeling and diving. Drop anchor for the night in the bay adjacent to a small fishing village.Ceremonial-Dancing-Village-of-Takpala-Indonesia-www.njcharters.com_-1Arrive Padar Island – Padar Island is one of our favorites. Besides superb scenery it is a great place to enjoy a myriad of activities: sea kayaking, water skiing, diving and snorkeling, hiking and beach combing. Those who prefer to wander will have the opportunity to observe many bird species in their natural environment. The view of nearby islands from the top of Padar is stunning. Sail in the evening sail towards Gili Lawah Darat & Gili Lawa Laut.

Arrive Gili Lawah Darat & Gili Lawah Laut – Wake up again surrounded by truly magnificent scenery! Every single island of this archipelago is magical and the small islands of Gili Lawah Darat & Gili Lawah Laut are no exception. Gili Lawah Laut offers very interesting snorkeling and diving sites with some of the most diverse fish groups, which populate the Komodo waters. You might be lucky and even see sea turtles, dolphins or mantas! Hiking the island provides suburb 360 degree views.

Arrive Batu Muncul –  Batu Muncul is blessed with stunning crescent-shaped beaches sprinkled with pristine white sand and great bays for swimming, diving and snorkeling.

Arrive Banta Island – Although Banta Island lies outside the National Park boundaries, its numerous finger-like bays and crescent shaped beaches provide excellent diving and snorkeling. This island
 is noted for its large population of giant turtles and manta rays. For your last evening with Silolona enjoy a beach barbecue as the skies burst with the brilliant stars of the Southern Hemisphere and the Milky Way.

Arrive Labuhanbajo Early birds will be able to enjoy their last swim at Pulau Sebayor before Silolona navigates toward final docking.

There are several cruising options on MSV Silolona, tailored to each guest.