“ The vast majority of our Facebook fans are in the Colorado Springs area , with a sizable percentage located here in Manitou Springs .
This is logical given that we ’ ve only been open for a year and have focused on creating local awareness . In time , we ’ ll be branching out toward national and international markets but our main guests are locals or from surrounding towns in the Colorado Springs area .”
— KAT TUDOR n CO-OWNER n SUNWATER SPA n MANITOU SPRINGS , COLORADO
After a ceremonial cleansing of the spirit in the waters of the Ganges River , considered holy by many , Goede mentioned to Tudor that his hometown in Manitou Springs , Colorado , exudes similar spiritual energy as Rishikesh , minus the holy river . Tudor , in response , said that the mineral springs that flowed through the mountains of Colorado had the same healing properties as the Ganges River . Soon after this conversation , they launched a healing arts space called SunWater Spa , which revolved around the restorative waters of Manitou Springs .
Healing Traditions Historically , Manitou Springs was considered sacred by the Cheyenne , Mountain Ute and Arapaho tribes . The early settlers believed that the eruption of bubbles in the mineral waters was the
breath of the Great Spirit “ Manitou .” To celebrate these native beliefs and local culture , SunWater Spa incorporates local healing traditions into its core services . In fact , during its grand opening , which was named “ Spring Awakening ,” in August last year , the spa highlighted ceremonies , dance and music by the Ute Indians and the Mayans . The event was a major success in the local community , attracting more than 800 guests to the spa .
“ Just one year after our opening , we now offer more than 25 weekly movement , yoga and meditation classes such as Aqua Yoga , the energy-infused MELT , Beginner ’ s Mind : Intro Meditation , Cosmic Yoga and Yoga for Healing ,” says Tudor .
Aside from this , the spa also offers its popular indigenous and natural massage treatments , such as the
November 2016 ■ PULSE 17