Cherry Blossom Beauty
Every year at this time I try to pinpoint the best time to see the cherry blossoms when the Tidal Basin is not teeming with tourists who’ve journeyed from afar to see the beautiful blooms. So far I’ve found early morning to be the optimal time for blossom viewing, although there’s no shortage of tourists even then! Of course, rising before the crack of dawn has its obvious drawbacks. Enjoying those ephemeral flowers can be surprisingly hard work, but fortunately I have a few tricks up my sleeve for getting over the resultant exhaustion.
Early mornings being jostled by tourists can create a strain on one’s system — just the thought of it makes me want to recline on my divan with a soothing tisane. To counter the effects of fatigue, I suggest taking advantage of the current cherry blossom specials going on about town.
A $350 Cherry Blossom and Hot Stone Massage at the Park Hyatt can ease your weary feet after walking around the tidal basin. (Photo: iStock)
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your tired, aching feet, book an appointment at the Park Hyatt spa, where they’re currently offering Cherry Blossom and Hot Stone Massage. This thoroughly indulgent treatment includes a 60 minute body massage, 30 minute hot stone therapy and a 30 minute foot bath and scrub. Your feet will feel fantastic after enjoying a soothing bubble bath followed by exfoliation with cherry blossom and honey scrub and a foot massage. This is followed by an aromatic hot stone treatment and massage with cherry blossom and honey gel, finishing with an application of moisturizing cherry kernel lotion.
For those who wish to create the spa experience at home, I recommend a quick jaunt to Eastern Market this weekend, where you’ll find the marvelous, fragrant creations of Kim Downes, the proprietor of Aurora Bath and Jewels. Try her Sakura line, which includes the company’s signature Capitol Cherry Blossom Soap. Made with pure shea butter and olive oil, this delicately-scented soap suits all skin types.
Capitol Cherry Blossom Soap is made with pure shea butter and olive oil and is good for all skin types. (Photo: Aurora Bath and Jewels)
Indulge in the entire line for a fabulously relaxing post-cherry blossom viewing home spa experience: soak away your aches and pains with the Capitol Cherry Blossom Dead Sea Bath Salts and restore your serenity with a cup of the Capitol Cherry Blossom Zen Tea, a blend of Japanese green tea, cherry and hibiscus. As Downes recommends, this is the perfect tea to sip while relaxing under the blossoms. And don’t forget to bring the scent of the cherry blossoms to your home with a scented candle, which will prolong the presence of the flowers in your mind, even after they’ve fallen from the trees.
