EXPEDIA – 242Blqrze

Hello Beautiful,

By now I should be a “Spa Connoisseur”! Whenever I get the chance to show myself a little tender loving care, my first thought is to book a service at a spa. Either for a massage, facial, or pedicure.

I’ve visited some of the top spas in Nassau, Bahamas, but I was unaware of this little quaint but comfortable spa tucked away in Compass Point Beach Resort called Windrose Spa. It’s the best-kept secret of spas in the Bahamas and it was one of my BEST spa experience to date!

The spa is literally small in size, however, it gives you a more island-like feel, as opposed to a big luxury spa. Through the windows of the spa, you have the most amazing view of the ocean over colourful huts and trees.

To get my services started I was offered a glass of fruit diffused water as I filled out client information form. Shortly after, my massage therapist Sophia introduced herself and explained what services I would enjoy. I had the “Tour de Windrose Spa” package which means Explore Windrose Spa in French, and it allows you to experience all areas of the spa – body, face, hands and feet.

As Sophie explained, the package included a 30-minute body scrub, back massage, facial, and pedicure. It also included an express manicure but I was wearing acrylic nails (bummer), so I didn’t have the manicure. Next time, I will!

Sophie ushered me into the room and allowed me a few minutes to disrobe. Windrose Spa also offers you disposal undies and a shower cap.

Although I’m no stranger to massages, I’ve never had a body scrub done before but I quickly figured out it was the reason for the large soft foil paper on the massage bed.

Sophie used a caramel macchiato scent body scrub on me. The smell was divine especially since my service was at 9:30 in the morning, the coffee smell woke me up. She explained that the scrub was to remove any dead skin cells and would leave my skin feeling soft to the touch. After about 20 minutes of scrubbing, I went into the shower to wash all of the exfoliant off.

I was already feeling soft to the touch! Even my elbows and ankles felt new. Sophie then applied a moisture because as she explained the exfoliant strips the protective layer of moisture from your skin, so I had to moisturise again after the body scrub. The body scrub is recommended once per month.

From the body scrub and moisturizing, Sophie went into the back massage. I remember Channa Cius, the manager of Windrose Spa telling me, “none of the massages are the same and typical because the therapists at Windrose, listen to your body and massage you based on your needs”. Sophie proved her oh so right! She identified knots in my back and shoulders and paid close attention to those areas. I became so relaxed, I fell asleep for a minute or two… or ten!

The massage went into the facial. You could smell the organic, au natural mix of plants used in the facial products. Sophie cleansed my face twice: once to removed my makeup, and a second time to cleanse my skin. She went through the facial steps of light steaming, exfoliating, and using a warm towel but my favourite part of the facial was when she applied tea tree mask with a brush. Tea tree purifies skin. Once again she removed the product with a warm towel and then moisturised my face.

“Alright, and you’re all done.”, Sophie said removing a soft headwrap that she had applied to protect my hair and keep my hair out of her way. I felt amazing after…. AH-mazing! And as I got dressed it hit me! I didn’t feel oily or sticky. The products used were lightweight and organic, leaving me feeling light, airy and rejuvenated.

Next was my pedicure! I love to see well-groomed feet, especially with a pretty polish! Sophie directed me to the polish racks showing me what was regular, gel or had a gel finish. Windrose Spa carries a lot of Essie polishes which is a plus for me because it’s my favourite polish brand and one I use a lot!

I couldn’t decide between three colours, a pink, an orange, and a greenish blue… in the end, I chose an orange colour which is Essie’s On the List from their new gel couture line. It’s a colour that screams summer.

Channa did my pedicure, and she was ever so gentle. We had a good conversation about skin care, Windrose’s product partners and the meaning of the name Windrose. A wind rose is actually the centre of the compass, and the Spa is actually in the centre of Compass Point as it sits between the restaurant and the resort. Clever isn’t it?

Channa wrapped up my pedicure and our conversation, with an even bigger surprise than the experience itself, “After your service, you’re allowed to have lunch at the restaurant or lounge by the pool and experience Compass Point itself a little bit” she said. This can also be your experience… trust me, I want it to be your experience! Everyone should live like this for at least one day in their life!

Channa Cius and her team at Windrose Spa truly know how to deliver a spa experience the island way! And after all, isn’t that what you came to the Bahamas for?! Whether you live here or visit it… you can truly appreciate a personal, detailed spa service from friendly staff and complimentary perks.

This summer, contact Windrose Spa to treat your family, friend or you and your significant other to a “Tour de Windrose Spa”. I can guarantee you, you won’t be disappointed… AND YOU WILL BE BACK!

See more of my day at Windrose Spa at Compass Point below:

Hello Beautiful!

If You’re reading this, it means I made it back home safely from my trip to Nashville, Tennessee, USA and I have lots to tell you!

So let’s get started…

I visited Nashville, Tennessee for the first time last month for 4 days and 3 nights. The primary reason for my trip was to attend one of my friends’ and high school classmate’s wedding.

My excitement mostly came from me knowing I was going to visit a new state for the first time. I love first times!

Once I got to Nashville I quickly found out one of the reasons they called it music city. There was a gentleman in the airport Lobby, singing and playing guitar. I knew right then Nashville had character and I loved it!

Shortly after, I hopped into my airport shuttle and headed to my home, away from home for the next 4 days. I stayed at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport – affordable, lots of perks, and good reviews!

There are a few hotels close by the airport in Nashville. If you’re thinking of visiting Nashville, I suggest you stay in one, as most offer free transportation to and from the airport and daily complimentary breakfast. That was two of the main reasons why I stayed at the Embassy Suites.

One thing I’ll say about staying in the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport hotel, the higher up the room, the better the view but the lower the floor, the better the wi-fi.

After I got all checked in and dropped off my luggage it was time to LYFT to the Mall. Comment below if you use LYFT in the USA. I want to hear about your experiences with the service.

It was another first for me using LYFT and I liked it a lot.

Nashville has a mall called Opry Mills, similar to the Sawgrass Mills in Broward and Franklin Mills in Philadelphia. I didn’t spend much time in the mall as this wasn’t a shopping trip but I would love to go back when I return again.

Later that night my friend and I went to UP, Rooftop Lounge. It’s a chic little spot that offers a nighttime view of Downtown Nashville, and an angle of the Nashville skyline which is so beautiful in the night.

I ordered a fruity Sangria with red wine, and some Nashville Hot Chicken tacos with ranch dressing. The waiter raved that their tacos were rated #3 in the city of Nashville, and I quickly tasted why! They were very spicy, filling and delicious.

The next day was my friend’s wedding, and even though it rained hard in Nashville that day, it was a beautiful ceremony and reception! It was held at this cabin style auditorium that was different from anything I’ve ever seen in the islands. As if the actual auditorium wasn’t handsome enough and the location in the woods such a beauty, you should’ve seen the bride and groom and their bridal party! So beautiful, so stylish!

The night ended with a peach spritzer, lots of dancing and a dead cellphone. Hence why, I don’t have a lot of pictures of the fun.

Now, we’re on the third day! Day 3 was the adventure day and I was ready! But this day turned out to be more of an adventure than I expected.

In preparation for Nashville, I googled “things to do in Nashville” and Instagram searched “Nashville Attractions”. So when I got to Nashville, I already had 3 things I wanted to see and do in mind!

BlqRze’s Nashville Must See List:

Kelsey Montague Wings
Statue of the Greek Goddess Athena & the Parthenon Replica
The Nashville Zoo

The only thing I didn’t accomplish on this list was visiting the Zoo. But that’s okay because it was replaced with quality time with old and new friends, and I did something I always wanted to do but never thought I would… RIDE A MECHANICAL BULL!

My travel buddy and I got a LYFT to the Nashville Gulch area. Our driver dropped us off opposite a lifestyle merchandise store called “Two Old Hippies”. Don’t you like the sound of that? Nashville has a hippie vibe to it. Very free-spirited.

Two Old Hippies is on the corner of 12th and Pine in the Nashville Gulch Area, and its made of red clay brick, as is a lot of buildings in Nashville. The brick wall made for an awesome back drop and right there I had a photo shoot (lol).

Not far from there was the Kelsey Montague Wings #WhatLiftsYou Wall Mural, and I was in all my glory! However, we weren’t the only ones there to get lifted. There was a line to take pictures in front of the wings, and we humbly waited our turn.

This day was a beautiful day in Nashville! The sun actually shined that day and the weather was pretty consistent.

One thing about Nashville, the weather is bi-polar. Its hot, then cold, then rainy, then cloudy. One of our LYFT drivers said. “There’s a saying in Nashville. “If you don’t like the weather here right now, just wait 30 minutes.”” Oh, how true that saying really is!

After we left the Wings, we headed to the Parthenon on a $2.00 bus ride through Downtown, Nashville.

The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, Greece. It sits as the centrepiece in Nashville’s Centennial Park . Inside is the real treat though!

On the second floor of the museum is a 42-foot statue of the Greek Goddess Athena. She was a sight to see! The gold, the details, the artistry of her was something I will never forget.

Later, we caught up with our newly married friends for food. One of our friends is strictly Vegan, and took us to a really popular vegan spot in Nashville called The Wild Cow. Here’s where the real adventure came in.

I’m a picky eater and the complete opposite of vegan, but I opted to try it for my friend. Remember, I like first times… and this would be my first time eating Vegan. Let’s just say, it wasn’t my “taste” but the vegan wine was divine. I liked it!

By this time, everyone was tired but not too tired to experience some real honky-tonk underground bars, and in my case mechanical bull riding and karaoke.

Although I can’t remember the exact names of the bars we visited, I do believe we were in the Lower Broadway area in Down Town Nashville. I enjoyed the live Country Rock music, and as shy as I am, I got up on staged with my new friend and sang Patti Labelle’s Lady Marmalade karaoke style! Another first!

Lastly, I mounted the Mechanical Bull. It was bigger than I expected and a little uncomfortable at first. But once I got on good, it was time to ride! First time baby and I actually stayed on longer that I thought I would!

To see a short clip of me singing karaoke and riding the bull, head over to my Instagram page here, @242blqrze. Be sure to follow for more pictures and videos of my travels, and comment below to ask me any questions you may have about my experiences.

The next day it was time to go back home and I was sad to leave Nashville.

Honestly, I didn’t have Nashville on My Places to Go list, but I’m happy my friend gave me a good reason to visit and experience it.

I didn’t get to eat the famous Nashville Hot Chicken, nor visit the Zoo! So I will be back there soon. Maybe the next time I go, I’ll see you there!

See more pictures from My Nashville trip below: