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Jul 24, 2008
Las Vegas Spas
As a somewhat compulsive gambler, I've avoided Las Vegas. Until now. I'm counting on the city's fine offering of spas to keep me out of trouble.
For my birthday last week, my children got me (and my husband by default) a late August trip to Las Vegas. Overwhelmed, I imagined myself as Julie Hagerty in the classic Vacation movie….where she loses all their savings in one night at the tables. I’ve been known to sort of go nuts within an hour at our local casino. A 3-day outing only meant trouble.
Speculating on what else we could do in Sin City, I read over the itinerary provided by Travelocity. I happily discovered we have a two for one pass at the hotel’s spa. So:
1) I’ll have a chance to unwind and relax, which should abate my usual affliction, which is to regard money as something gotten from a monopoly game.
2) My nervous and immune systems can recover from the onslaught of bright lights and screeching alarms. Serenity will prevail.
Although this is my first trip to Las Vegas, I’ve found refuge in many spas. The tension and stress of harried flight connections, eating junk, and spending too much invariably tighten my neck muscles.
Massages, like acupuncture raise endorphins. The high I’m expecting, but rarely find at the video poker machines awaits me at the spa. As a backup I’ve been making a list of spa specials at other hotels. Between the spas and Cirque du Soleil, I might not have much time to gamble.
As a test, we spent the past Saturday night in a local gambling town. The room featured a white marble whirlpool and a basket of spa products. All it lacked were a few white candles.
About midnight, my husband said he'd had it, but I could stay out since it was my birthday outing. I envsioned that whirlpool. I headed to the room. There's hope.
May 6, 2008
Mother's Day Spa Gifts
Check with your local spa for Mother's Day Specials. This year's specials include bonus exfoliation treatments, mother-daughter specials, complimentary robes and more.
Mother's Day is May 11th. Surprise your mother this year with a spa gift. Many mothers, myself included, report that spa gift certificates top the list of perfect presents.
Spa SpecialsBe sure to inquire about Mother's Day Specials at your local spasor favorite spa destination. Also, check whether special packages can be used on weekends and find out when they expire. If you’re purchasing a specific service, such as a day of beauty, find out if it can be exchanged for other services such as several massage sessions.
New York City Spas are offering a wide assortment of
Mother’s Day Specials with something for everyone. The LePetite Day Spa in Los Angeles has a
Mother’s Day Special Event. In Atlanta, Georgia's Massage-Flow, special
Mother’s Day massage packages are available.
Through May 15th, the
Vida Spa with locations in Vancouver, Whistler, and Seattle is offering a free invigorating body exfoliation treatment with a $150 spa purchase. At the Blue Water Spa in Raleigh, NC, this year’s
Mother’s Day Special includes a complimentary plush robe with a massage.
Mom and Daughter Spa packages are available at the
Anushka Spa and Sanctuary with locations in New York City, Boca Raton Florida, and Palm Beach Florida. The Anushka is also offering a special 4-hour Mom’s Delight Package. A Mother and Daughter Day of Beauty is also available at the
Frank Anthony Spa in Chester, New Jersey. At
Ultrabeauty in Philadelphia, Mother’s Day Specials include packages for Mom, Moms and Daughters, and also Moms-to-Be.
Apr 21, 2008
My Husband's First Spa Visit
Our visit to the Entebello Spa in Atlanta was a complete success, especially the spa week special price.
The
Entebello Spa and Apothecary in the Buckhead section of Atlanta turned out to be the perfect choice for my husband’s first massage. The Entebello offers a complete menu of specific services tailored specifically for men and women. With the generous discount prices available during spa week, we both managed to get hour-long massages at half price at one of the area’s toniest spas.
We were both ready for some pampering. After two days of pounding the pavement sightseeing in Charleston, South Carolina, and a 5-hour drive back to Atlanta, we were plagued by lower back pain. Our timing was perfect. Our massages alleviated our back pain and stiff neck muscles. We walked out feeling limber, spry, relaxed, and incredibly pampered.
After our massages we checked out the men’s skin care products. My husband seemed to be astonished by the wide range of services and products offered exclusively to male clients. Although I’m not sure he’d sit still for a facial or a brow tint, he didn’t object when I picked out several products for him to try.
And while I can’t see him scheduling spa services on his own, I’m sure he’ll be happy to accompany me for another massage the next time we plan a holiday. The Entebello Spa and Apothecary is located at 324 East Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta Georgia, 30305, phone 404 477-2933.
Apr 6, 2008
Booking a Spa Week Special
Fortunate to be visiting Atlanta during Spa Week, I booked massages before telling my senior citizen husband. Amazingly, he agreed to go.
Spa Week is coming April 14-20th. Although we don’t have a participating spa close to where I live, I’m fortunate in that I’ll be traveling to Atlanta that week. Finding a participating in the Atlanta area spa was easy.
The Spa Week website provides links to participating spas by state, city or zip code and describes the special services offered by each spa. A quick click on the Georgia link brought me to several Atlanta locations. Entebello Apothecary and Spa sounded intriguing so I booked massages there. This will be my husband’s first visit to a spa, and I’ll admit I was surprised that he agreed to it.
While checking out the Spa Week website, I took the opportunity to register for all of the giveaways and sweepstakes. The trip for two to Antigua is my top choice, but I’ll be happy to win anything. Surfing the website, I also learned about Borba Skin Balance Water and other facets of nutrition. Another first, I heard of the Jane Iredale skin line. Coincidentally, later that day I read in Natural Health that Jane’s lip color/plumper was rated as one of the top products in 2008.
I also read Josh Dorfman’s article on healthy cleaning products and discovered I could easily make some healthy changes at home. I also benefited from Josh’s tips on nail care and making natural moisturizers from lemons.
Even if a visit to a participating spa isn’t in your future, spending a few minutes at the Spa Week website can offer motivation and help you discover a few more steps on your road to good health. I'll describe my husband's first spa visit in an upcoming blog. It should be interesting.
Apr 6, 2008
Thalassotherapy
Thalassotherapy is an ancient therapy based on the principle that the mineral content of the sea is physiologically similar to the mineral content of the blood.
Thalassotherapy is an ancient seawater therapy used at luxury and medical spas to relieve stress and inflammation and hydrate skin. Discovered in Brittany, France in the 19th century, thalassotherapy relies on Dead Sea salts, sea algae, or seawater. Performed near the sea, for instance in the Greek Islands, Brittany or the Dead Sea, thalassotherapy therapies are considered by traditionalists to be the most authentic.
In the 1960’s thalassotherapy's use was revived by the Tour de France cyclist, Louison Bobet, who was injured and healed by the seawater of his native Brittany. He was so impressed that he promoted this healing art. Consequently, there are now fifty thalassotherapy centers lining coastal France. At modern spas worldwide, thalassotherapy is offered in body wraps, mud and seaweed baths and saltwater soaks.
Medical BenefitsAccording to J. Paul DeVierville, PhD, a professor at St. Philip’s College and Spa Director at the Alamo Plaza Spa at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, during seawater therapies, the skin absorbs hydrating and replenishing salts, minerals and trace elements. These nutrients reduce inflammation, redness, and rough skin.
The principles of thalassotherapy are based on the premise that blood plasma is physiologically similar to seawater. It’s believed that warming seawater to body temperature activates negative ions that penetrate the body and nourish organs. Thalassotherapy is considered especially effective in restoring elasticity to sagging skin due to aging or sudden weight loss, or following pregnancy.
Home TreatmentsThalassotherapy treatments are also available for home use. Soaking in a bath rich in
Epsom salts is a simple form of thalassotherapy. Other products used for home treatments include:
Shea Terra Organics Lavender of the Khoisan Indigenous Shea Butter Dead Seal Salt Scrub, Phytomer Oligomarin Remineralizing Marine Bath, and
Zia Fresh Cleansing Gel with Sea Algae.
Resources:Thalassotherapy,
Natural Health, April 2008.
Mar 17, 2008
Spa Etiquette
New and old spa visitors are often unsure of what's expected of them. Avoid uncertainty by keeping up with the basic rules of spa etiquette.
Spa etiquette includes rules that show courtesy for the spa facility, staff and other clients. Practicing spa smarts also ensures that your spa visit will be a safe, healthy, and relaxing experience.
- Always shower before entering hot tubs, baths, and other forms of hydrotherapy; shower afterwards to remove chlorine and protect skin.
- Keep your voice low if you must talk. Follow your therapist’s lead when it comes to conversation.
- Some traditional bathhouses segregate male and female clients. Also, bathing suits are required in some bathhouses and banned in others. Check the rules.
- After hydrotherapy treatments scheduled before massages or facials, remove wet clothing, shower, and enter the massage room in the robes provided by the spa. If you prefer to wear underwear ask the therapist if this would be all right or inquire when scheduling your appointment so you know what to expect.
- Spas provide lockers. Stow your possessions, including your cell phone. If you must carry your cell phone or beeper, set your device to vibrate.
- If you’re having a facial, avoid wearing excessive makeup and pull back long hair.
- If you have pre-existing conditions or are pregnant, check with your doctor before scheduling spa sessions. If you have a physical condition that requires special attention inform your therapist.
- Drink plenty of water after spa treatments, and return any glasses or plates to designated areas.
- Hot tubs and saunas can make you lightheaded. Take care when rising from a seated or supine position.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before spa treatments.
- Arrive for scheduled treatments early leaving time to shower and change before your appointment.
- After your treatment, don’t rush off. Allow your body a chance to relax.
- Leave tips for your therapists at the end of the session when paying your bill. Customary tips are 15 to 20 percent depending on the quality of the service provided.
Mar 17, 2008
The Plaisir des sens Facial
Introduced in Paris in 2003, the Plaisir des sens facial helps the body heal itself with an aromatic massage/facial rooted in hot stone and chakra therapies.
Plaisir des sens is a term referring to pleasure of the senses. Select spas offer Plaisir des sens facials that combine massage with essential oils and principles of aromatherapy.
Paris’s Yon-ka (800-966-5255) salons, world pioneer of esthetic aromatherapy and phytotherapy introduced Plaisir des sens facials in 2003. These 70-75 facials, which cost $95-$175 depending on the salon location combine:
- sensory therapy to improve skin texture by using essential oils;
- volcanic stone therapy, which oxygenates the skin and stimulates the circulation using Yang (warm) massage techniques;
- aqua jade pebble therapy, which provides a constrictive action for an immediate firming effect using cooling Yin massage techniques;
- color gem therapy with positive healing energies that tap into the body’s natural self-curing abilities;
- chakra therapy, which rebalances the seven Chakra points from the bottom of the spine to the crown.
At Philadelphia’s Terme Di Aroma salon (215-829-9769, termediaroma.com) Plaisir des sens facials begin with a half-hour back massage utilizing hot chakra-balancing stones. Clients then receive a cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing facial, followed by warm stones chosen to improve the skin’s condition. Volcanic stone is used to oxygenate the skin, while cool aqua jade pebbles are rubbed over puffy eyes to reduce swelling. In addition, seven different semiprecious gems are place on facial tender points, which are intended to help the body heal itself.
At Central Oregon’s Sage Springs Spa in the Sunriver Resort (541-593-7891), the 90-minute Plaisir des sens stone facial touches on all five senses to impart a deep and total feeling of wellbeing. Precise techniques follow the original Yonka procedure, which utilizes warm, smooth basalt stone therapy to relax tense, tired muscles of the back and facial area. While rebalancing the energies of the body, the complexion is left fresh, dewy and radiant.
Resource:
Featured Facials Austin
Mar 2, 2008
The Love Handler Treatment
The Love Handler Treatment available at Bliss Spas targets and tones the core abdominal area leaving impressive cosmetic results.
The Love Handler treatment at the Bliss Spa is tops when it comes to
body wraps. I recently had this service at the Soho Bliss Spa in New York City. The Love Handler is also available at other Manhattan, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, and London Bliss locations.
Expecting temporary improvement, I was pleased to see dramatic results lasting for several weeks. Several years ago I had a thigh treatment at Bliss, a service since discontinued, that only caused minimal results lasting a day. To be fair, at the time the esthetitician recommended I forego the treatment, noting the effects were limited, but, imagining how nice toned, tanned thighs free of dimples would look, I had to find this out the hard way.
On my recent Bliss visit, I asked what I might expect. The esthetitician said that results varied with age, general health, exercise level, and nutrition. She advised that results would last longer if I avoided carbohydrates and saturated fats and followed an exercise program. She also recommended that I schedule 6 treatments at 2-4 week intervals if possible. And I would if I could. Alas, the next treatment must wait until my next trip to New York.
My wrap consisted of a firming seaweed blend, sealed in cellophane. This was followed by a vacuum-assisted massage with bloat-bursting essential oils and a generous application of liquid Love Handler, a Bliss product that targets cellulite, sluggish fat cells, and lazy lymph fluid. Toned and two pounds lighter, I bought a bottle of Love Handler, a $36 investment, to tide me over until my next Bliss visit. I highly recommend the Love Handler for anyone whose abs are in need of serious toning. Knowing that results are possible is also a good motivator for keeping up an exercise routine.
Feb 18, 2008
Exfoliation Treatments
Skin naturally sheds dead cells through a process of exfoliation, which declines with aging. Cosmetic exfoliation speeds up the process and leaves a healthy glow.
Skin exfoliation is a natural ongoing process in which skin cells are shed and replaced with new healthy cells from the skin's deeper layers. As a cosmetic treatment, exfoliation refers to procedures that accelerate exfoliation. Methods of exfoliation range from dry brushing to peels, wraps, and microdermabrasion.
Benefits
Exfoliation lifts new healthy cells to the outer surface where they’re able to absorb nutrients from the air, water, and skin treatments. Nutrients are then transported to the skin’s deeper levels, improving circulation.
Skin is the body’s largest organ. To understand the skin’s role in general health, consider that fatalities have occurred from coating the skin with metallic paint. Unable to breathe, the skin's cells couldn’t absorb oxygen and other nutrients or release toxins and carbon dioxide.
Exfoliation Methods
Mechanical Exfoliation: uses an abrasive compound, such as dead sea salts, rice polishes, pumice stones, or brushes or via bathing, hydrotherapy, massage or microdermabrasion.
Chemical Exfoliation: uses products containing enzymes or acids, such as alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BAHAs) to loosen skin cells. After chemical treatments, wraps, and peels, surface cells are rinsed away.
Exfoliants vary in strength. The strongest products are only available through licensed professionals. Polishes and scrubs for the body should never be used on facial skin.
Facial Exfoliation
Skin type determines how often you can exfoliate and what products work best. Thin, translucent skin is more sensitive and requires milder exfoliating agents. Thicker skin responds best to stronger preparations. Your spa’s esthetician can help you choose the best type of exfoliant.
Facial exfoliation lifts impurities to the surface. This can cause temporary breakouts within the first 24 hours. It’s best to schedule exfoliation treatments several days before big events.
Your skin is your canvas. Exfoliation is the key that keeps it young and glowing.
Feb 4, 2008
The Sagamore Spa Resort
Situated in the Adirondack Mountains in Lake George, New York, the Sagamore Resort features year-round sports activities, such as sailing and golf, and a European Spa.
The Sagamore Resort and Spa, tucked into the Adirondack Mountains in
Lake George at
Bolting Landing, New York is a year-round resort and sports paradise with a full service European Spa.
Valentine’s Day SpecialOn February 14th, the Sagamore is offering a special package that includes one night’s accommodation in a Lodge Suite or in a Hotel Gardenview Suite, Dinner for two, Chocolate amenity upon arrival, and 25 percent off on spa treatments on Thursday and Friday.
Rates start at $239 per couple in a Lodge Site and $339 per couple in a Hotel Gardenview Suite based on double occupancy, plus tax and service charge. This special is only valid for new reservations to the Sagamore and is subject to availability.
Women’s Wellness Weekend April 11-13, 2008
Natural Health Magazine is hosting its 8th Annual Women’s Wellness Weekend at the Sagamore. Here, editors and experts in the health and wellness field join guests for a weekend-long celebration of health, wellness, and fitness. Participants will learn the tools needed to uplift the mind and energize the body.
Through seminars, presentations and exhibits, guests will indulge and relax while focusing on their own wellbeing and they’ll learn how to express their intentions and stay true to their choices. Guests will have the opportunity to pamper and heal themselves with nurturing beauty treatments and learn fun ways to stay fit. For rates and reservations, contact the Sagamore or
Natural Health Magazine.
The Sagamore SpaThe European style spa at the Sagamore offers a variety of services including Massage Therapy, Skin Wellness Treatments, Body treatments, Mind, Body, Spirit Programs, Salon Services, and Day Spa Services.
Contact InformationContact
here for information on the Valentine’s Day Special, the 8th Annual Natural Health Women’s Wellness Conference or weekend getaways. Or call (800) 358-3585.
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