Spa Magazine

Enlarge Photo

Photo by: Trinette Reed and Chris Gramly

• Photo Gallery: See more photos of Veronica's time at Mii amo.
• The Story: Read Veronica's winning entry.
• Calendar: See Veronica's Schedule at Mii amo.
• Behind the Scenes: An insider's look at our Mii amo photo shoot

In January, we introduced our first Dream Spa Makeover giveaway. Partnering with Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment, we offered a seven-day retreat to Sedona, Arizona, that included airfare, food, accommodations, and 14 spa treatments. Contestants were asked to choose one of Mii amo’s themed "Journeys" (Healthy Body in Balance; De-Stress Mind, Body & Spirit; Spiritual Exploration; or Rites of Passage) and submit a brief essay on why they wanted to win. Nearly 1,400 entries were submitted, and in February we announced Veronica Lynch, of Richlands, North Carolina, as our winner. 

Veronica’s Experience (in her own words)

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this spa trip, but I decided to trust the process and be open to the experience. I certainly was not prepared for the level of service and genuine compassion that I experienced at Mii amo.

In reflecting back, it’s difficult to select only a few high points; the entire week was amazing, and it seemed like every treatment or activity blended in to make it perfect just for me. I will say, though, that the incredible food; amazingly caring and gifted therapists; and breathtaking, comforting scenery really set Mii amo apart.

It was at the welcome dinner that I first realized Mii amo was a special place. Typically, when you go on a trip alone, most folks keep to themselves. Mii amo is not like that. While privacy is definitely respected, the welcome dinner allows those who are open to get acquainted.

I enjoyed dinner so much I was almost late to my first treatment. I have always wanted to try lymphatic massage, but having had all the lymph nodes under my right arm removed, I was hesitant. My therapist, Lynette, suggested incorporating dry brushing and showed me how to do it at home, explaining that it’s an easy way to stimulate the lymph system. Not only was the massage great, but Lynette was incredibly intelligent, caring, and compassionate. She gave me a hug when I left and was so genuine in her best wishes for me.

Rituals & Treatments

I started my first full day at Mii amo by attending the Morning Ritual, which takes place each day in the Crystal Grotto—an igloo-shaped structure in the center of the spa where light shines through an opening in the ceiling onto a large crystal. The ritual is led by staff members, who smudge the guests with smoke from burning sage and sweetgrass and invite them to set their own intention for the day. I decided at the first Morning Ritual that I needed to find a way to incorporate something like that into my life. 

That afternoon I had the Journey Spa treatment with Colette—a magical experience. First we talked about how my job as a paralegal exposes me to a lot of conflict and how it’s difficult for me to remember that the world is not all like that. We also talked about my shifting role as a mother as my son grows older and learning to be apart from my husband (who I thought was my soul mate) now that we are separated. Colette suggested that I write down these identities and expectations and burn them to set myself free. Then she guided me to breathe while she did energy work. I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know what to expect, but the two-hour treatment felt like 15 minutes. I could have sworn that at one point I was floating.

Next: Veronica stays busy at Mii amo.