I traveled to Crystal Mountainlast week to do some skiing and to visit the new Crystal Spa which just opened on January 30th. The Crystal Spa is the only LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified spa in the Midwest and one of only six in the U.S. Let me just say that the spa is gorgeous! The "all natural" and refined, tasteful design of the spa is top notch. I was totally relaxed during my "Aromafusion" 50 minute massage by Christopher who expertly applied strong pressure on tight muscles and placed hot towels on my back and neck and arms. The friend that I traveled with wanted to experience the Signature Crystal Balance Massage where you select an energy stone of your choice that corresponds with a matching vibrational oil to be used in the massage. There's warm oil, and deep breathing techniques used with the massage along with basalt stones and a calming vibrational sound used to finalize the massage experience - This wasn't yet available until after February 14th so she went with the Aromafusion experience and loved it as well. The Signature treatments are very appealing and something to try next time we're there.

During our stay we were in one of the cottages at Water's Edge at the base of Crystal Mountain which was lovely. The new Bungalows are also open next to the Thistle Pub and Grill in Kinlochen. The Bungalow is beautifully appointed with a Mission Style decor and the latest in flat screen tv's and lovely bathrooms and bedrooms and expansive living area - 3 bedrooms in all.

All of Crystal Mountain's lodging sites are nice, however. We had a fabulous meal at the Thistle Pub and Grill where ingredients that comprise their menu items are locally sourced.

For a Great Winter Getaway try skiing at Crystal Mountain. They also offer snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating and more. The Snowsports Director, Ron Shepard will even set you up with a lesson that can include a video taped version of your progress so you can learn the sport visually.  Spring skiing at Crystal Mountain will be the place to be for Spring Break in Michigan.

More to come about this cool trip to Benzie County!