One of the treatments I did while visiting the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, is Kuyam (Koo-Yahm). Whenever I visit a spa, I try to select services and treatments that are unique to that spa and not likely to be found anywhere else. I usually always get a massage as my basis of comparison from spa to spa. But, its the unique treatments and services where I really get to experience the new and different things. Which benefits you, because you get to find out if a service is for you, and what it is like before you book it and spend your money on it. So, Kuyam is one of those unique experiences, and the Ojai Valley Inn Spa is the only place you will find this treatment.
What is Kuyam Anyway?
Kuyam is a Chumash Native American Indian word which means “a place to rest together.” And that is essentially the set up for this treatment. The room is unique with Moroccan-style tile chaise lounges. The treatment essentially is “resting together” with fellow participants in cleansing desert clays infused with essential oils. These clays and oils, combined with the intense dry heat and inhalation therapy are the core of the treatment. It is accompanied by a traditional Chumash narrative.
Its Hot in Here!
My friend Kim and I wanted to try this service, but we opted to book a private session for just us. The other option would have been to book a communal option. At treatment time, Kim and I were met by our attendant and shown to the Kuyam. Prior to that, when we arrived at the spa, we were given terry cloth wraps to put on under our spa robes. These wraps are specifically for the Kuyam treatment. In the Kuyam space, our chaise lounges have already been prepared with towels, and next to each lounge was a pitcher of ice water (with cup, of course) and a bowl of mud.
The room was HOT! Normally I prefer the wet heat of steam rooms to dry sauna heat. But in the Kuyam, it is intense dry heat emitted from a heater in the middle of the room. Did I mention the heat?
Step 1 – Clay
Next, we were instructed by our attendant to work with the three different types of clay. The first clay is for the inhalation therapy with eucalyptus oils. We applied that clay to the throat and chest area. Second, is a clay with essential oils that relieve muscle aches. We applied that clay anywhere that was sore or achy. The final clay is just a general all over clay to be applied anywhere that didn’t already have clay. So yes, by this time my wrap is completely off, and I there I am, laying on this tile lounger, naked, covered from neck to toe in clay. And SWEATING! Clearly, toxins had to be leaving me and the clay doing its work.
Step 2 – Resting Together
A guided meditation plays as part of the experience. About mid-way, the attendant came back with fresh iced washcloths, and sprayed cool water on each of us. It was a welcome break! This experience is definitely not for those who can’t stand the heat! But for those who can, it’s definitely worth trying, the deeply cleansing heat and clay make for a unique treatment and experience. The intense heat is probably only for about 30ish minutes. The treatment time runs about 50 minutes total and there is time to apply the clay, and then to rinse off.
Step 3 – To Finish
The final 10 minutes is time to wash off the clay. Just adjacent to the room, there is a hallway of with shower heads. Although, let’s be honest, by this point with all my sweat, it is technically not clay anymore, but mud – and I am covered in it!!!! 😉 The water is cold, and so refreshing after the heat!!! From this hallway, you enter a shower room. After making sure al the clay is removed, and believe me, its everywhere, we were back and freshly robed, and shown to a small private patio to relax and wait for our next treatment.
Pro-Tips:
A recommendation for booking is to follow the Kuyam with a massage. It was the perfect combination to relax. After the heat of the Kuyam, the muscles were really ready for some massage work. Besides, with two hour-long treatments back to back, it felt like a longer service when combined.
As mentioned, Kuyam can be done communal or as a private booking. Since, Kim and I did the private session, we could talk and laugh at our heat and clay predicaments – namely running naked out of the hot room to stand in the shower hallway to cool off! To do a communal session, you definitely can’t be shy about being naked with strangers, because you are pretty much just laying there, naked, covered in clay. However, if you do want to a private session, its best to book early so you can ensure you get the times and dates you want. Otherwise, you might only have communal options available.
Is it For You?
If you can stand the heat, I recommend the Kuyam experience. Comment below whether it is for you, or if you have tried it or plan to try it. Read about my other unique spa services , as well as lifestyle tips, spa reviews, product reviews and recipes, Get inspired for your next spa day by following me on Instagram, and be sure to sign up for the Newsletter to stay inspired for your next spa day. You know you are overdue for one!
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