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innovative spa classes
By: Dena Braun
If you’re looking for a spa that offers great treatments coupled with innovative treatments, look into The WELL Spa at the Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells, CA.
Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) is a cardio workout that blends martial arts, dance and healing arts to develop strength, balance and flexibility. This low-impact workout is perfect for FitGlobetrotters of any age or ability.
While most spas offer a basic yoga class, The WELL Spa kicks it up a notch with its Hydro Yo Chi offering. This class takes place in the spa’s 98 degree pool and combines yoga and tai chi.
For more information about the spa visit www.miramonteresort.com/well.
a new take on tea
By: Dena Braun
Afternoon tea has always been an indulgence, but with all the health benefits that tea offers, there’s no reason this decadent snack can’t be reinvented.
And that’s just what the Golden Door Spa at the Boulders Resort in Arizona has done. Instead of a fussy, formal, calorie-laden event, tea at the boulders is haute spa cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Served in the spa café, guests are encouraged to come in their robes and slippers to enjoy a variety of herbal tea and spa made-over treats like sun dried strawberry scones with lemon curd; chick pea mash with avocado, lime and cilantro and rosewater apricot cake.
The spa tea is served every Friday and Saturday between 3-5 pm.
www.theboulders.com
Mr and Mrs. B Go To the spa
By: John and Dena Braun
Dena: I admit it, no matter where I am in the world and no matter all the museums, historic attractions or famous sites to see, I inevitably will get just as excited for a day at a spa as a look see at the Mona Lisa.
John: To be fair, the Mona Lisa was kind of anticlimactic. But, I digress…this is about spa treatments. You know, the kneading of flesh, the application of all manner of sticky, stinky and slippery goo, and even techniques involving hot stones that I’m sure have origins in medieval torture chambers.
Dena: In other words, a whole manner of things many people will pay hundreds of dollars to enjoy, especially at a brand new spa like Spa Qualia, which had just opened when we visited Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island, Australia last November. We were signed up for a 90-minute couples treatment. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that anyone wouldn’t enjoy a total body rubdown with some of that “slippery goo.”
John: Yes, I’m man enough to admit that I’ve had some pleasant treatments. However, I’m not adventurous in this area. I prefer a good old-fashioned massage. Not to come off as chauvinistic, but I prefer a woman (to the two professional male massage therapists who’ve treated me, no offense) to massage me. After all, if I’m going to strip down completely naked and get under a sheet…
Dena: Throw him out of a plane, harness him to a zip line or send him rafting down Class V rapids and he’s fine, threaten him with a sugar scrub followed by an herbal wrap and he’ll turn weak in the knees. Go figure…and by the way, I always request a female therapist for him. I’m such a good wife…
John: Sugar goes in coffee. Herbs belong in the kitchen. But, I recognize that these treatments are increasingly popular with a huge number of people, and I really can’t argue with that. At the end of the day, it’s how the person feels after the treatment. I know it works when I see Dena after a treatment (whether it involves seaweed, rocks, herbs, citrus or any other different and unique flavor of the earth), and she’s as calm as early morning lake water. The treatment at Qualia brought her to new levels of calm. They were good!
Dena: Yes, it was immensely good. Despite the number of crazy spa treatments I’ve done, it’s pretty rare that I’m actually relaxed enough to fall asleep on the table and that definitely happened here. After the massage the therapists told us we had about 20 minutes to enjoy the bath (with herbs, poor John) before they would come back to put lotion all over us.
John: And, they didn’t tell me about the lotion. My therapist had hands of silken gold. She was good. So, when they finished, and asked us to soak in the bath that they drew for us, I didn’t realize the treatment wasn’t done. Following the bath, they had us get back on the table. I thought we were in for a double header, and I was game.
Dena: John likes lotion the way Superman likes kryptonite so I was laughing hard when they came back to rub him down. Poor boy was going to get moisturized whether he liked it or not.
John: I was in kind of a vulnerable position…lying naked under a sheet. So, what could I really do when I realized what was happening this time around? I did what any man in my position would do. I kept my mouth shut, and enjoyed it.
Dena: Slowly but surely I knew I’d win him over to the spa way of life.
John: Win me over? Not quite, but I do know when best to go with the flow (of the sticky, stinky, slippery goo).
Dena: Baby steps, baby steps.
the gold standard
By: Dena Braun
You can just imagine Cleopatra going to the spa for a 24-karat gold facial. Now UMO brings the 24 Karat facial to the masses.
Throughout history gold was used to maintain youthful skin, in fact historians believe Cleopatra really did sleep in a gold mask every night. Gold was used in ancient Roman beauty products and the Chinese felt the element was a key to youthfulness.
Despite its usefulness for the skin, gold is hard to use for skin treatments because it is difficult to dissolve and penetrate the skin. UMO uses several propriatery techniques to get the gold into the skin. The facial is designed to lift and firm, reduce wrinkles and fine lines and lighten and brighten the skin.
The treatment starts with a deep facial cleansing follwed by a lympho-drainage facial massage using Gamma PGA, an extremely hydrating compound. A Nano Mist delivers more Gamma PGA and prepares the skin to receive the 24 Karat gold sheets that are applied and molded to the face. A second Nano Mist application is done and then the gold is massaged into the skin. UMO silk gel seals the treatment.
A Walk on the Wild Side
By: Dena Braun
It used to be that active travelers would be thrilled with a deep tissue massage after a day of hiking, climbing or paddling. But today many Fit Globetrotters are a bit bored with the basic massage, and being adventurous souls, always on the lookout for a new way to soothe their tired muscles.
Allegria Spa at the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek, Colorado has just that unique balm for your aching back with their Ashiatsu Massage. What sets this treatment apart is that the therapist uses her feet. This barefoot technique has its roots in Asia and ancient Ayurvedic practice. It incorporates Swedish, Myofascial and compression techniques. In addition to using her feet, the therapist does some work by hand or with hot stones.
After a six-hour hike to Beaver Creek Lake, I was ready to work out some kinks in my neck and to simply relax. The Ashiatsu massage didn’t disappoint. The treatment was in a specially designed room that has bars that resemble men’s parallel bars mounted on the ceiling. This gives the therapist something to hold onto as she walks on your back and uses her feet as a massage tool. The massage started like a standard massage, with the therapist using long, sweeping strokes with her hands to warm up and relax the back. I was surprised that when she switched to using her feet, it didn’t feel much different than a massage done by hand. The pressure was similar to a deep tissue massage and not overbearing as one might imagine having someone standing on his or her back might be. It was one of the most relaxing deep tissue massages I’ve ever had. For FitGlobetrotters looking for a unique experience and a way to revive after the day’s adventure, an Ashiatsu massage can’t be beat.
The Skinny:
Allegria Spa
970 949 1234
http://beavercreek.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/
The kitchen and spa combine
By: Dena Braun
Now in addition to eating well on vacation, you can incorporate healthy culinary ingredients into your spa treatments. The spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego is launching two treatments that are the result of collaboration between the spa and kitchen staffs.
Using local organic ingredients, two special body treatments were crafted. Guests will also receive an amuse bouche using the same ingredients before their treatment and recipe cards to take with them for meals and at-home spa treatments.
From March through May the spa will offer an avocado and rosemary based treatment. The package includes an exfoliation with Dead Sea salt, fresh rosemary and rosemary essential oil, and olive oil, followed by a body mask and wrap with fresh avocado, yogurt, and honey, and more rosemary. While wrapped guests receive a facial acupressure point massage and rosemary scalp massage. Fresh avocado slices are placed under the eyes, which also helps reduce puffiness.
In summer the focus shifts to watermelon and cucumber. Guests will experience a body mask made from watermelon pulp. Watermelon is high in antioxidants, and its natural acids act as an exfoliate, as well as an astringent, helping cleanse and tighten the skin. While the mask is on, cucumber slices will be placed under the eyes. Additionally, a toner made from watermelon and cucumber is applied to the face and body, which helps refresh and moisturize the skin. At the end of the treatment, a handmade lotion of watermelon juice, milk, and mineral water leaves guests feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
To book your treatment visit www.ranchobernardoinn.com
Fusion Fitness
By: Dena Braun
Fusion cooking is popular on the culinary scene, and now fusion fitness classes are all the rage at spas. The Golden Door Spa at the Boulders in Arizona is on the forefront of this trend with its latest offering, Spinyolates, a mix of spinning, yoga and Pilates crammed into one 50-minute class.
Last week I drove up to the spa to check out this new workout. The class begins with, and really focuses on, the spinning. Reebok Master Trainer, Vera Bond, led our class of four in a series of moves designed for interval training and to add interest to an otherwise monotonous activity. We started off slowly with Bond incorporating upper body and leg stretches into the cycling. We practiced hill climbs before embarking on a pretend outdoor ride where we each were instructed to cycle a certain way depending on where we were in the pack. Divided into teams of two riders we competed against each other in sprints.
For the last 15-minutes we took it to the mat and used a Pilates ring to engage in a series of stretches. I didn’t really feel the class incorporated any yoga moves.
I don’t regularly take spinning or Pilate’s classes, but had no trouble keeping up in this class. If you’re looking for a new twist for your exercise routine I’d recommend checking out a fusion class at the Boulders or wherever your travels take you.
www.theboulders.com
A Neighborhood day spa in Malaysia
By: Dena Braun
The spa industry is booming with spas springing up in the most unlikely places. On a recent trip to Penang in Malaysia, I mentioned to my guide that I also wrote spa stories and the next day he surprised me with a trip to a local day spa.
Now Penang is very much still coming into the modern world, unlike the capital of Kuala Lumpur. But even here in this town where poverty is still evident, the winds of change are blowing. Case in point is Teratak Spa. Nestled into an unassuming neighborhood, it stands out for its freshly painted cheerful green exterior and care given to landscaping.
I pick up a spa brochure and see a special package consisting of a floral footbath, passion fruit body scrub and a back massage for the unreal price of under $30 USD. At Teratak you won’t get all the frills of a resort spa, or the polish of a therapist who has worked at the best spas in the world, but you will get a lot of bang for your buck and leave more relaxed than you arrived.
Owner Norliza Orthman is passionate about the spa industry and is an astute marketer who knows that her spa must look good and offer new innovative treatments. To that end the spa’s signature treatment is the Kaffir Lime Scalp Massage. The treatment is designed to promote circulation and increase hair growth. It’s about a 20-minute treatment focusing on your head, face and upper back. The therapist’s touch was a bit rough and I enjoyed the new Sarsi Bath treatment more. This treatment utilizes herbs and strands of sassafras wood in the bath. Orthman says it’s very good for people with dry skin, eczema and bug bites (a common occurrence in Malaysia). Other interesting offerings include body wraps done with banana leaves and Balinese massage.
Orthman is hoping to grow the spa industry as a whole in Malaysia and even offers a school to teach aspiring wellness practitioner. For more information email teratakspa@yahoo.com.
Do they offer a treatment with Guinness?
By: Dena Braun
The times they are a changing in Ireland. Long regarded as a country
of jovial natives and killer pints of Guinness, the Ireland of the 21st
Century is a far richer land. Thanks to an explosive economy, the
Emerald Island of today is redefining itself as a diverse destination
complete with luxury resorts and world-class spas.
Be among the first to get a
taste of this new trend in Irish tourism with a visit to Ireland’s
biggest (and best?) spa. The Farnham Estate Healthspa, opened at the
end of 2006, is housed in the updated historic Farnham Estates
property. For the first time in three centuries, this 1300-acre rural
retreat is open to the public. Nestled in Ireland’s stunning Lakeland
region, the Radisson SAS property is an easy (and gorgeous) two-hour
drive from Dublin or Belfast.
Recently renovated, the
resort seamlessly blends the design of the 400-year-old Farnham House
with a sleek, contemporary extension housing stylish suites, eclectic
dining, a wine grotto and the mind-blowing 40,000 square foot spa.
The spa, done in soothing
neutrals and greens, beckons weary travelers to chill out immediately
in a large relaxation room outfitted with ergonomically correct
lounging daybeds. From standard facials and massages to Thalassobath
treatments and the signature Farnham Estate Cure that incorporates
Thalasso therapy, massage and a facial, the spa has an extensive menu
that will appeal to both men and women. While the treatments are
wonderful, the highlight of this spa is its unique Water Mint Theramal
Suite. All spa-goers are invited to experience the mix of hot and cold
experiences designed to improve circulation, stimulate energy flow and
relax the body and mind. Different rooms in the water suite include;
Aroma Steam Bath, Amethyst Salt Inhalation Room, Snail Showers,
Laconium, Reflexology Foot Basin, Finnish Sauna and for the very brave,
an ice fountain.
The spa is complemented by an
indoor/outdoor infinity pool, fitness center, spa restaurant and trails
mapping out several guided walks on the beautiful grounds. In 2008,
golfers will be able to hit the links on a Jeff Howes designed
championship course.
For more information on the Farnham Estate Spa, visit http://www.farnhamestate.ie/healthspa.html
spa news
- Conde Nast Traveler just rated Rancho Bernardo tied for one of the best spas for setting, number 3 for the programs it offers and number three for service http://www.ranchobernardoinn.com/ In the same survey The Lake Austin Spa Resort was named top desitnation spa www.lakeaustin.com and Cunard was named best cruise ship spa www.cunard.com
- Need a spa fix at the airport? check out www.xpresspa.com to find out which airports have spas located inside.
- Cruise West is offering a California Wine Country Spa Package with its
2008 California cruises. It's 3 and 4 night cruises can now be paired
with a 2 night stay and spa treatments at the Huntington Hotel in San
Francisco. www.cruisewest.com
- Get
the fifth night of your stay at Miravel for free! Call 1-800-232-3969 to book now through
April 24. Use booking code Sweek5
- Nearly
20 percent of US Spas now offer healthy cooking classes
- Teens
are starting to use the spa, over four million have been to a spa and 34
percent of spas offer teen packages
- Look
for more luxury brands to expand into the spa world—Think Bulgari spas.
- The
Lake Austin Spa Resort has six new Mother/Daughter retreats scheduled for
2008. www.lakeaustin.com
- Sedona's
Mii Amo Spa, ranked the best destination spa by Travel & Leisure,
plans to open a second location in Punta Mita, Mexico. Scheduled for a
2010 opening it will feature 30 guest rooms, 25 residential condos and
the spa within a master planned community located about 45 minutes from
Puerto Vallarta. www.miiamo.com
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