This wasn’t my first time indulging in the luxurious offerings at Aspira Spa, within The Osthoff Resort, but each visit feels like the first. If you’ve never been to this hidden gem, or even to Elkhart Lake, you’re missing out. The spa is an oasis of calm, and everyone at both Aspira and the Osthoff offer unparalleled hospitality. The service I experienced this time was the Hammam, a Turkish bath ritual that deeply cleanses the skin with hot steam and special soaps. Though I’ve had many treatments before, I wasn’t prepared for just how transformative this experience would be.
After changing into my robe, I was warmly greeted and led through Aspira’s serene hallways to a beautifully designed room that housed a massage table, steam room, wet room, and shower. It was the perfect sanctuary for privacy and peace. My therapist, Jhony, was fantastic—thorough, knowledgeable, and attentive. He explained each step of the Hammam process, starting with a visit to the steam room.
As I entered the steam room, I was enveloped by the heat and the scent of essential oils. For a moment, it was a sensory overload, as I couldn’t see beyond the glow of light overhead. But as I settled in, the steam worked its magic, relaxing every muscle and calming my mind. Just as I reached a meditative state, a gentle knock indicated it was time for the next part of the ritual.
Wrapped in a towel, I was guided to the wet room, where Jhony applied African black soap for a luxurious head-to-toe scrub. This wasn’t a harsh exfoliation but rather a soothing cleanse that left my skin soft and smooth, even my face, which felt remarkably refreshed. The water used to rinse the soap was perfectly warm, a comforting contrast to the steam.
Once the cleansing was complete, I was given privacy to prepare for the final phase—the massage. Wrapped in a fresh, warm towel, I entered the massage room, where the real magic happened. The massage was undoubtedly my favorite part of the Hammam. Jhony’s skillful hands worked out every knot and tension, leaving me in a state of total relaxation. As an added treat, I received a scalp quench, along with a hand and foot treatment. My skin felt rejuvenated, and my limbs were softer than ever.
By the end of the treatment, I was in a trance-like state. I drifted into the lounge and made my way to the sauna and hot tub area. After unwinding even further, I sat down to explore the Spa Café’s updated menu. Everything looked incredible, but I finally settled on the Caprese, which I devoured. The crab cakes and tuna poke nachos are definitely on my list for next time!
After such a rejuvenating experience, I could have easily taken the best nap of my life, but it was time to head home. Before leaving, I took advantage of the spacious showers in the locker room to rinse out the oils from my scalp quench, though I already felt cleaner than I’ve ever been.
If you’re considering trying the Hammam at Aspira Spa, don’t hesitate. This service is an absolute must at least once in your life. It was the perfect way to kick off my weekend, though I’d happily enjoy it any day of the week!
