Waters Bring Wellness at French Lick
By: Web Producer
Updated: January 16, 2008
Mineral Rich Waters Bring Wellness to the Forefront at The Spa at French Lick


Century old hotels develop spa services and products to showcase therapeutic benefits of world famous water
FRENCH LICK, IND. –Its benefits have been known for over 100 years and are, in fact, the very reason a resort town sprung up in French Lick, Ind. Now, the world-famous Pluto water is in the limelight, once, again, as The Spa at French Lick develops treatments and products to take advantage of the natural wellness powers of the local water. This shift to wellness-type treatments is an inspiration from the past. During the first half of the twentieth century, droves of people – including politicians, actors, socialites and mobsters – flocked to French Lick for its waters, which were thought to cure every malady from arthritis to malaria. Today, the spa is expanding beyond the traditional soaking tub treatment to offer clients a chance to experience the full benefits of the natural wonder. The spa is teaming with Malibu Wellness to develop a line of Pluto water products to compliment the menu of spa services. Products in development include facial, body and foot scrubs as well as sea clay. “People are drawn to the traditional mineral water,” said Kim Allen, spa director. “We are thrilled to be able to offer an array of services and products that bring wellness full circle.” In addition to the traditional tub treatments, the spa is developing new services such as therapeutic foot soaks, mineral mud wraps and salt glow rubs. With high concentrations of magnesium, sodium and potassium, the Pluto water is enriched with over 20 different minerals. Soaking mineral baths, available in the spa, offer many benefits, including stimulation of circulation, cell hydration and increased moisture retention. In addition, medical research shows soaking in the water detoxifies and eases muscle and joint tension to induce relaxation. For those looking for the same luxury at home, the spa offers take-home Pluto Bath treatments. The distilled minerals are currently available in a 32 oz. souvenir bottle and sold for $29.95. “The bath is a very easy way to pamper oneself at home,” said Allen. “All one need do is pour the minerals into a warm bath, allow them to dissolve and relax.” The minerals will also be available in an easy-to-carry muslin bag, making the recommended treatment of three times per week for six weeks very affordable. As with all of the treatments, both in the spa and at home, an after-bath vitamin gel is included and is to be applied to the body afterwards to remove any residual minerals. For more information on the new services and products at The Spa at French Lick, as well as information about French Lick Resort Casino, visit www.frenchlick.com or call 1-888-MyHideaway. Background: The mineral waters at French Lick were thought to have been discovered by George Rogers Clark in 1778, as the salty “lick” attracted animals to the area. After the State of Indiana made an unsuccessful attempt to mine salt from the area, 15,000 acres were sold to Dr. William Bowles, who opened the first French Lick Springs Hotel in 1845. In 1901, the French Lick Springs Hotel Co. named the waters Pluto, after the Roman god of the underworld and the mythical River Styx, because the waters sprang forth from the ground. Once known as “miracle waters” by the local residents who carried it home in jugs, sales of Pluto water topped $1 million in 1919 and continues to draw visitors to the area more than 100 years after its discovery.

