eauty from the inside out. That’s the Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa’s philosophy. And at this spa, they live it, breath it—they even wear it. And as the signature spa of the South Seas Island Resort, it fits right into the overall vibe. Where sand meets sea, this resort is the place to experience the very essence of beauty in nature. Located on beautiful, serene Captiva Island, South Seas is situated on a 330-acre wildlife preserve that spans two and a half miles of shell-covered beaches—all framing the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico along Florida’s southwest coast.

When I checked into South Seas, I was encouraged to rent a bicycle to get from place to place, and, in fact, that’s exactly how I arrived for my spa appointment: a bicyclette.

I strolled into Kay Casperson’s 4000-square-foot, two-level spa and boutique on a sunny morning in October. My spa experience was scheduled to start with a personal fitness class (ballet fitness to be exact—how many of us didn’t dream of being a ballerina as little girls? Woo-hoo!), so I was in my shorts and a tank, not looking much like my usual beautified self. But the spa wasn’t an overly formal or pretentious venue. Boutique-wear displayed messages encouraging me to smile, laugh, be happy. Kay’s signature T-shirt bares the heart of this spa’s brand: “Inside I’m Gorgeous.”

Suddenly I felt it was all okay. Even in my shorts. And without a stitch of makeup on. Perfect.

So I started my experience with a one-on-one ballet fitness session with Kris Brown, personal trainer, yoga and fitness expert. Truthfully, I was worried about looking like an uncoordinated oaf. But the relaxed atmosphere and smiles and encouraging words made me feel like I could be that graceful ballerina I always wanted to be.

Next, the “spa” part began, which gave me the opportunity to take a quick shower before I donned the requisite robe and slippers for my massage. My plan for a quick rinse changed as soon as I saw that several of Kay’s full-sized skin and hair products were available to use in the changing room. Of course, I HAD to try them all–smelling, applying, rinsing–to give them a go. Then I took my wet head and sweet, smooth and refreshed skin over to the lounge for a snack and glass of water before part 2 of my Kay Casperson experience.

After relaxing for a few minutes, my massage therapist Tiffany greeted me and brought me back to the treatment room. I have to admit: I had my reservations. She was young. But in this case, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. She was the best set of hands I could have had, especially following that ballet fitness workout. She knew just how to rub, stretch and work the stress and tension from my neck down to the arches of my feet. This young lady was definitely well-schooled and even better practiced! After 50 minutes (and an almost nap), it was time for part 3: The Kay Casperson Signature Facial.

As soon as I walked out of the massage treatment room, I was escorted tnext door to tend to my face.

This was the perfect ending to my spa stint: An hour’s worth of attention to my face with Kay’s Bio Essentials skin care products to remove, refresh, repair, revitalize, replenish, renew, refine and resurface my skin. Literally. Kay’s signature skin care line is composed of eight products by the aforementioned names. So not only do you experience the beauty of her signature facial in the spa, but you also get to take it home with you. And in line with her philosophy, beauty inside out, each of these daily products includes directions for inner beauty meditation while you use them to beautify the outside.

Kay Casperson says it best herself (meeting her was the proverbial icing on the cake!): “We believe in emphasizing your inner beauty first, then enhancing the outer.”

Contact Information: Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa 14830 Captiva Drive Captiva Island, FL 239.579.1470 www.kaycasperson.com

Contact Information:
Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa
14830 Captiva Drive Captiva Island, FL
239.579.1470
www.kaycasperson.com