Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Starwood Hotels Sell Off Bliss Spas]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/starwood-hotels-sell-off-bliss-spas/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/starwood-hotels-sell-off-bliss-spas/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/starwood-hotels-sell-off-bliss-spas/#commentsFiled under: ,

bliss spaW Hotels and Bliss Spas have been an unshakable combination for Starwood Hotels. But after a tough year for the travel and tourism industry Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has sold off the Bliss spa unit for $100 million to Steiner Leisure Limited. The Bliss and Remede brands will stay at the Starwood's W Hotels and St. Regis Hotels. Bloomberg News quotes Chief Executive Officer Frits Van Paasschen who said during a conference call in October that the company was looking at "assets that are non-core or that are so attractive that we can still get a good multiple."

The Bliss spa brand was founded in 1996 in New York City. The brand quickly grew and has become famous for its playful approach ot beauty and skin care treatments. The Bliss brand includes not just the Bliss and Remede spas but also branded products. Bliss products are also sold outside the spas through an e-commerce and catalog business and distribution in Sephora and many major department stores.

The brand is a natural fit for Steiner Leisure Limited which is a provider of spa services. The company operates spas and salons on 126 cruise ships and in 51 resort spas and two luxury day spas for brands that include Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Harrah's Entertainment, Hilton Hotels, Holland America Line, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels and many others. Steiner Leisure also owns and operates five schools that offer degree and non-degree programs in massage therapy and,skin care, training spa professionals for health and beauty positions at Steiner spas and salons.

LuxistStarwood Hotels Sell Off Bliss Spas originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bliss spasBlissSpashotel spaHotelSparemedespasst regisstarwoodstarwood hotelsStarwoodHotelssteiner leisureSteinerLeisureStRegisw hotelsWHotelsTue, 03 Nov 2009 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New Hampshire's Omni Mt. Washington Resort Marries Foliage and 5-Star]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/new-hampshires-omni-mt-washington-resort-marries-foliage-and-5/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/new-hampshires-omni-mt-washington-resort-marries-foliage-and-5/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/new-hampshires-omni-mt-washington-resort-marries-foliage-and-5/#commentsFiled under: ,

Snuggled in among the 800,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest, settled at the base of the 6,288-foot Mt. Washington, is the Omni Mt. Washington Resort. Although it sounds singular -- and in many ways it is -- the resort is actually a group of four properties: the epic Spanish Renaissance edifice and National Historic Landmark that houses the Mt. Washington Hotel, the 19th century Bretton Arms Inn, The Lodge, and The Townhomes.

Among them there are nearly 300 rooms in addition to the 80 townhomes. Even better: there's a ghost. Now, ghosts in New England aren't exactly uncommon -- departed souls apparently have a thing for clam chowder -- but this ghost is royalty, and has her own lounge. Princess Carolyn Stickney Faucigny-Lucinge was the widow of the Mt. Washington's owner, and word is she's not ready to let go of her castle.

If you hurry, you can sneak in for the resorts Fall Colors package, which offers fall views, daily breakfast, and a carriage ride but ends October 28. If you can't make it by then there is still plenty to do: fourteen places to eat means you'll never be hungry, and working off the kilojoules can be done with alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice climbing and snow tubing, sleigh rides, winter hiking trails, a Canopy Tour on 10 ziplines... or the 25,000 square foot spa, because nothing says workout like "all-day massage."

Nightcaps won't be a problem either, since the resort has enough drinking spots to justify its opening its own distillery if it chose. And apres-ski, if you do your best Balzac impression and arrive with 50 pairs of gloves -- we hear princesses really like them -- perhaps the Her Highness Faucigny-Lucinge will join you. If you don't want to wait for her, ask for room 314 -- it's her favorite... haunt.


Gallery: Omni Mt. Washington Resort

LuxistNew Hampshire's Omni Mt. Washington Resort Marries Foliage and 5-Star originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breton arms innBretonArmsInnhotel dealshoteldealsjourneysmt. washingtonmt. washington hotelMt.WashingtonMt.WashingtonHotelnew hampshireNewHampshireomni mt. washington resortOmniMt.WashingtonResortspaswinter-travel-awardsMon, 26 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Insider's Guide to Montreal: 12 Ways to Do the City Right]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/22/insiders-guide-to-montreal-12-ways-to-do-the-city-right/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/22/insiders-guide-to-montreal-12-ways-to-do-the-city-right/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/22/insiders-guide-to-montreal-12-ways-to-do-the-city-right/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

photo of lobby at Montreal's Place d'armes

Montreal is a fantastic destination, but like any city, it can be hard for a visitor to get to know. To that end, Tourisme Montreal has engaged five in-the-know locals to basically blanket social media from Facebook, to Twitter, to blogs, sharing all of their knowledge about their city -- and answering questions from travelers in town. Katerine Rollet is one of these insiders, and she recently selected these 12 can't-miss experiences in Montreal for Luxist.

1- Go for tea at the St. James Hotel. This chic boutique hotel is where the likes of the Rolling Stones and Madonna stay when they're in town, and the tea at newly renovated restaurant XO is a a great way to experience a proper British tea with a modern twist. UPDATED: The St. James no longer serves afternoon tea, but the new Salon XO is worth a visit.
2- Experience the spa at Place D'armes -- one of the best places in town for a mani-pedi, not to mention one of the few places in Montreal to experience a hammam, or Turkish bath. Wrap up with a drink on the terrace.
3- For men: at Québec's own Phillipe Dubuc -- the place for a man to fill his closet with stylish, business appropriate clothing with an edge.
4- For women: fill your suitcase at Montreal's achingly stylish, unfailingly feminine Marie Saint Pierre.
5- For everyone: visit Oglivy, a lovely shopping mall filled with charming boutiques, great book stores, stationary shops, international designers and more.
6- For the shopping-shy: Engage the style hounds at Les Effrontes to have your own guided tour of Montreal's up and coming designer's ateliers.
7- Dine at Joe Beef, on raw bar and steak in up-and-coming neighborhood Little Burgundy ("Petite Bourgogne") .
8- Or, hit Toque -- widely considered one of the best meals you can have in Montreal. Try the tasting menu.
9- Or reserve the chef's table at Europea, and dine in the kitchen of charismatic Chef Jérôme Ferrer. 10- After dinner drinks: check out Hotel St Paul's bar for cocktails with Montreal's chicest.
11- Sweet treats: visit Point G for waffles, artisanal ice cream, and most importantly, macarons.
12- Brunch the next day: La Cantine in the Plateau neighborhood, for a traditional Québec brunch revisited.

Gallery: Insider's Montreal

Hotel St. James Hotel St. James LobbyHotel St. James Executive SuitePlace d'armes LobbyPlace d'armes Rainspa

LuxistInsider's Guide to Montreal: 12 Ways to Do the City Right originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diningfashionhotelsmacaronsmontrealwintertravel-pediaThu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Escape The Thanksgiving Drama In St. Barths]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/04/escape-the-thanksgiving-drama-in-st-barths/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/04/escape-the-thanksgiving-drama-in-st-barths/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/04/escape-the-thanksgiving-drama-in-st-barths/#commentsFiled under: ,

hotel carl gustafThanksgiving with the family again this year. How about an escape to St. Barths instead? Hotel Carl Gustaf is offering the Thanksgiving Holiday Escape. The luxury hotel is perched atop a hill overlooking the capital city of Gustavia. Stay in one of the hotel's one-bedroom, 800 sq foot suites decorated with hand-carved wooden furniture and with its own private plunge pool, living room, a separate bedroom, kitchenette and a marble-floor bathroom with a multi-jet shower. The six-day, five-night stay in the one-bedroom suite includes a chilled bottle of wine served in your suite upon arrival, daily continental breakfast served in your suite, five -day car rental (excluding insurance and fuel), dinner for two at the Carl Gustaf Lounge, one-hour massage 'tete-a-tete" in the Boutique Spa by Carita and free access to the fitness center and hydrozone "Blue Spa." The Thanksgiving Holiday Escape starts at 2,525 Euros ($3,642) and must be booked by October 31, 2009.

LuxistEscape The Thanksgiving Drama In St. Barths originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I first mentioned way back in 2006 that the headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club in Glasgow, Scotland would become a hotel and it is finally ready to open in October. Blythswood Square will have 100 bedrooms including four suites and a top floor penthouse complete with rooftop hot tub. The hotel is also home to a luxury spa offering indigenous Scottish treatments, a restaurant, bars, a private screening room and event facilities.

Scotland's Harris Tweed is a major design component of the hotel. The classic textile is being incorporated into the furniture, curtains and even restaurant menus. The Royal Scottish Automobile Club's ballroom has been transformed into a restaurant and cocktail bar. Harris Tweed shows up again in the design of the private screening room.

The Spa at Blythswood Square offers a Seaweed Bath chamber filled with healing organic seaweed sourced from the Hebrides. The marble Heat Suite offers a range of hot and cold experiences including a large hydrotherapy pool. The relaxation pool leads to the Dark Pool where guests can float under a crystal chandelier. The spa also houses a Rasul, relaxation rooms and nine treatment rooms including a double suite.

LuxistGlasgow's New Spa Hotel Blythswood Square Set To Open originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Shops at The Plaza
Like my colleagues Annie and Alison, I braved Fashion Week, in particular, Fashion's Night Out on September 10. But I was fortunate to be in one serene place, The Shops at The Plaza. Entering at One East 58th Street, right near Central Park, The Shops at The Plaza immediately gives you a feeling of luxury shopping, but in a much more open environment than a small boutique because The Shops is 160,000 square feet on six levels.

The Shops features a unique gathering of one-of-a-kind jewelry designers and coveted boutique brands, many of which have chosen to open their first U.S. outpost exclusively here. Examples of the stores you'll find are Krigler, a fifth-generation fragrance house with Russian roots and French savoir-faire; Anna Hu, a Christie's New York and Van Cleef & Arpels veteran who specializes in creating stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces; Qiviuk, which offers unusual, high-quality clothing for men and women made of the cashmere-like Qiviuk fiber; and a new store to The Shops, the flagship location of New York fashion designer Douglas Hannant. I had the chance to chat with representatives from each of these stores, so watch Luxist for more on these brands.

Other stores at The Shops are MCM, Ghurka, Vertu, Morgenthal Frederics, Seize Sur Vingt, LTJ Arthur, GOODFORTUNE TENTHOUSANDTHINGS, Kenneth Jay Lane, Iradj Moini, Maurice Fine Jewelry, Helen Yarmak, Peter Lik Fine Photography, and Francesco Fino. Plus, now reopened is The Plaza Boutique, the hotel's own store, which offers high-end leather goods, porcelain glasses, fashionable men's shirts, and luxurious gift items.

As for beauty, The Shops has that area covered as well. The Plaza Beauty by Warren-Tricomi is a beauty destination and contemporary boutique divided by category, offering a brow bar, men's bar, fragrance bar, and skincare. (See photo.) Drawing from the worlds of hair care, skincare, and fragrance, The Plaza Beauty provides a sampling of the most luxurious, internationally-renowned brands, as well as rare, emerging lines, all hand-picked by Joel Warren and Edward Tricomi.

All that shopping and beautification may make you in need of a respite, or at least a snack. Stop by the Demel café, Parisian bookseller Assouline, the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, Warren-Tricomi Salon, or the Fitness Center by Radu Physical Culture to refuel and recharge.

The Plaza has undergone a $400 million, three-year, lobby-to-roof renovation and restoration, and it's amazing. Designated a New York City Landmark in 1969, it is also the only New York City hotel to be designated as a National Historic Landmark.

LuxistThe Shops at The Plaza originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fashions Night OutFashionsNightOuthotelNew YorkNew York CityNewYorkNewYorkCityshoppingThe PlazaThePlazaFri, 25 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Loews' Voga Voyage Combines a Slice of Venice and a Slice of Heaven]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/24/loews-voga-voyage-combines-a-slice-of-venice-and-a-slice-of-hea/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/24/loews-voga-voyage-combines-a-slice-of-venice-and-a-slice-of-hea/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/24/loews-voga-voyage-combines-a-slice-of-venice-and-a-slice-of-hea/#commentsFiled under: ,



For the rates Venetian gondoliers charge you might expect a massage and a 3-course meal during your cruise of the canals. With the introduction of the Voga Voyage at Loews Coronado Bay Resort Gondola Company, you can at least check the massage off the list.

Your vessel for the journey among the Coronado Cays will be a softly wrapped, sun-warmed massage table. In turn, that table will ride upon an authentic 33-foot gondola that launches from the resort's private marina and then embarks on an hour-long cruise of Mediterranean-like waterways. Forty minutes of that will be occupied by masseurs tending to your physical needs, which includes the laying on of sunscreen before the more serious application of massaging hands. The last ten minutes of the trip will be given to sight-seeing, if you're in any mood for that, while you and your chère company feast on the gondola's supply of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Booking the $499 Voga Voyage also gets you a free night at the resort and its amenities, spread out on a secluded, 15-acre peninsula. And having saved on airfare to the Italian province, you just might have enough left over for the 3-course meal. It's certainly not what Iago meant when he mentioned "creating the beast with two backs," but this ride has a far less drama and a much happier ending...

Gallery: Loews Coronado Voga Voyage


LuxistLoews' Voga Voyage Combines a Slice of Venice and a Slice of Heaven originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacoronadofalsegondolahoteljourneyloewsloews coronado bay resortloews corploews hotelsLoewsCoronadoBayResortLoewsCorpLoewsHotelsresortsan diegoSanDiegospavenicevenice italyVeniceItalyvoga voyageVogaVoyageThu, 24 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[The St. Regis Introduces Itself to Bal Harbour]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/24/the-st-regis-introduces-itself-to-bal-harbour/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/24/the-st-regis-introduces-itself-to-bal-harbour/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/24/the-st-regis-introduces-itself-to-bal-harbour/#commentsFiled under: , ,

st regis bal harbour

The third tower of The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is expected to be finished next February, and the resort will open its heavy glass doors to early adopters in 2011. Sitting on 1,000 square feet of sable blanc at the north end of Miami Beach, the three 27-story towers will house 511 rooms in various sizes and flavors of sumptuousness. The move south, like a snowbird from that biggest of apples, is intended to be a relocation of the New England grandeur that Colonel John Jacob Astor IV inaugurated when he opened the first St. Regis in NYC in 1904.

Think: mirrors. Lots of them. The Yabu Pushelberg interior scheme (from the firm that has lent a helping hand to Prada, Tiffany, the Mandarin Oriental, and so on) will naturally focus on textures and materials: Movingui hardwood walls, marble and travertine flooring, and etched plaster walls will abound upon entry. Guests and residents are no less looked after, with spa-like bathrooms, enclosed walk-in showers, and overflow soaking tubs. Granite makes its necessary appearance for the kitchen countertops, and the cutlery drawers will even be pre-slotted, so you'll never mistake your butcher for your cleaver.

Residences come in one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom sizes, range from 1,777 to 6,868 square feet, and start at $1.9 million. If you need more convincing -- and proof that that this St. Regis has left behind most of its New York City roots -- the balconies alone start at 455 square feet, larger than a fair number of Manhattan apartments. Amenities will include white-glove butlers, 24-hour room service, a 12,000 square foot spa, and someone to do your grocery shopping for you. Because, you know, you'll be hungry when you finally roll in from Nikki Beach...


Gallery: St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

LuxistThe St. Regis Introduces Itself to Bal Harbour originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Borghese cosmetics line is expanding in a new direction, with a line of bedding and accessories to be introduced under the Villa Di Borghese brand name. The Borghese tagline, "The Elements of Life" is the inspiration for the line. The bedding, created by United Feather & Down, will be packaged with samples of Borghese skin care products and is scheduled to launch nationwide through Bloomingdale's next month. The new line includes pillows, a comforter, spa body wrap and more in a 300-thread-count Italian Tile Dobby Cotton in either white or ivory and finished with a natural aloe vera treatment and embroidered with the Villa Di Borghese crest. Bloomingdale's has expanded their Borghese spa options and plans to use the Borghese textiles to pamper guests during treatments.

LuxistBorghese Gets Into The Bedding Business originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beddingbloomingdalesborgheseThu, 24 Sep 2009 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Stay At The Wynn, Play In The Sky]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/09/stay-at-the-wynn-play-in-the-sky/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/09/stay-at-the-wynn-play-in-the-sky/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/09/stay-at-the-wynn-play-in-the-sky/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Wynn Las Vegas And Zero Gravity have created a new getaway package that combines two different experiences, a spa weekend and a weightless flight on September 19. Guests will enjoy spa treatments at the Wynn Las Vegas and then go up on Zero-G's G Force One specially modified Boeing 727-200 aircraft for the experience of weightless flight. The package includes a two-night stay at Wynn Las Vegas, complimentary upgrade to Tower Suite Room and a choice of either one Custom Massage or one Classic Facial.

The Zero G flight leaves from McCarran airport. Once in the zero gravity zone, you can fly, flip and play in the safety of a padded cabin while video cameras capture your every move. The ZERO-G Spa Experience with Wynn Las Vegas is offered at a price of $5,746 per seat plus tax (based on double occupancy). The next Las Vegas flight from Zero G isn't until next year but other flights including a Halloween flight from Miami (time to break out the Superman costume?) are available.

LuxistStay At The Wynn, Play In The Sky originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sometimes it's better to start at the bottom and work your way up. But what if, at the same time, you could start at the bottom and be at the top? lebua Hotel offers just that at its Lake Okareka Lodge, set on a private estate in New Zealand. And when we say private, we mean private -- the extent of the accommodations is three luxury suites that can house, all together, nine people. Total. Maximum. When you book, even if there is just your lonesome, you get the whole thing to yourself -- "yourself" being you, your private chef, and the attendants waiting to fulfill your wishes.

Each of the suites gets lake views, private balconies, Bvlgari amenities, and the services of the estate's private chef. Should you commandeer the executive suite, you'll step up to your own lounge, spa bath, private office and walk-in wardrobe. As for things to do, the suites are set in the countryside, next to a lake, on the North Island of what is arguably one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. Should you tire of the fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, hiking, or simply being, the lodge maintains a piano room, a fantastically stocked wine cellar, and a 24-hour concierge for those urgent, 3 a.m. requests.

lebua Hotel Bangkok has quarters for more guests, but the numbers don't spoil the treatment. Each room in the all-suite hotel in the State Tower, Silom district has views of the Chao Phraya River. Naturally, all-suite does not mean all the suites have been created equal: ranging from 66 to 266 square meters, opt for the premium digs and you'll sup on multi-course meals prepared by your own chef for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and that liquid meal known as "cocktails."

If you must go out, the bar and five restaurants under The Dome will reward you for the slipper-shod trek: Sirocco, 63 stories up, is the world's highest open air restaurant; the tables at Breeze sit on jutting balconies, where you can dine on modern Asian fare while descrying views of modern Asia; the Mezzaluna specializes in Italian and amore -- every proposal made there has been accepted; Café Mozu mashes up a DJ, a pool, and Italian, Lebanese, and Indian courses; and Distil is where you go to wash it all down... in moderation, of course.

What could be better than 5-star suites and food? Why, a party to celebrate their opening. lebua will be hosting a gala launch of the New Zealand property and the Tower Club addition to its Bangkok location in, of all places, Sydney, Australia. The soiree goes down in November, on a private yacht that will be moored in front of the Opera House, where lebua chefs will be on hand to tempt you to make the trip to those other points distant.

If one were tempted to wonder about flying to Australia to have a party for resorts in lands at least five hours away by plane, we must remember that ours is not to question why. Ours is only to ask, "Why not?" And then make reservations...


Gallery: lebua Hotel at Lake Okareka NZ and Bangkok

Luxistlebua Hotel Introduces The Even Suite-r Life to New Zealand and Bangkok originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The stress of working and living under tough economic conditions is enough to trigger the urge for a trip to the spa. Unfortunately, there just isn't enough cash around to lay out for that perfect facial or relaxing massage. Rather than give up, however, most Americans are compromising. Shorter treatments are becoming more common, as many realize that something is better than nothing.

In June this year, the International SPA Association found that treatments lasting 30 minutes or less grew in popularity. Forty-six percent of the ISPA's 3,200 members reported an increase in these shorter services ... and close to have saw the amount spent per visit fall year-over-year.

Interestingly, there is a changing of the guard afoot among spa visitors. In the past, Baby Boomers were the most frequent spa-goers, but Generations X and Y are starting to see the benefits of relaxation, according to a study by SpaFinder. For many spas, this may require a change in design and treatment menus, as younger guests may not be soothed in the same ways their parents were.

Continue reading Get Used to Shorter Spa Treatments (for Now)

LuxistGet Used to Shorter Spa Treatments (for Now) originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aginganti agingAntiAgingbaby boomersBabyBoomersfacialgen xgen xersgen ygeneration xgeneration yGenerationXGenerationYGenXGenXersGenYmassageresortresortsspaspa retreatspa treatmentsSpaRetreatspasSpaTreatmentsMon, 07 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Loew's Santa Monica Eco-friendly Spa has Soothing Rewards for Guests and Locals]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/28/loews-santa-monica-eco-friendly-spa-has-soothing-rewards-for-gu/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/28/loews-santa-monica-eco-friendly-spa-has-soothing-rewards-for-gu/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/28/loews-santa-monica-eco-friendly-spa-has-soothing-rewards-for-gu/#commentsFiled under: ,

spa treatment

The 7,000-square-foot Ocean Spa & Fitness has just reopened at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, and now provides a relaxing dose of eco-friendliness to go with its revamped facilities and salty air. Plus One Health Management oversaw the redesign and manages the spa, which means you're probably in good hands -- the same company has spent 13 years creating such oases for Merrill Lynch, Trump, and Google.

The greenness comes courtesy of the gym rebuilt with Ecoresin panels made from 40-percent post-industrial recycled resin, Armstrong sustainable ceiling tiles, Mondo recycled rubber floors, and Shaw carpet with Cradle to Cradle Certification. Even the furnishings do their part, coming from reclaimed wood.

As for the spa itself, the treatments have also gone into the revamp shop and come out more verdure. Essential oils from Red Flower are certified organic and come in numerous scents, from Indian jasmine to Icelandic moonflower. Skincare is provided by Pevonia Botanica, all of whose products are paraben- and chemical-free. Our favorite is the Beachcomber, with heated tiger clam shells used to knead away any ill you might have brought in with you. It's the best use of a clam since, well, chowder.

The extensive spa menu is filled out with the usual suspects: manicures, pedicures, a full-service hair salon with cutting, coloring and styling services, dry saunas, and eucalyptus steam rooms. But if you're committed to things of iron and muscles of steel, the gym's cardio equipment comes from Technogym, networked Expresso bikes allow for side-by-side "racing," and the group fitness studio is a playpen for adults that offers all of the c'est necessaire twisty-bendy classes.

And you don't need to be a hotel guest to take advantage; locals can join sign up for memberships, with terms as short as three months. Once you do, you'll get discounts on spa services and restaurant visits, and you can avail yourself of the guests-and-members-only pool deck whenever you wish. Put that all together -- a masseur's hands, poolside cocktails, and ocean air -- and it doesn't get more environmentally friendly than that, does it?


Gallery: Loews Santa Monica Ocean Spa & Fitness Spa


[Source: Loews]

LuxistLoew's Santa Monica Eco-friendly Spa has Soothing Rewards for Guests and Locals originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Lodge at Woodloch Pines
We all know that spas don't tend to be man caves. There's nothing macho about walking around in a soft fluffy robe, about sipping water infused with cucumbers or citrus, or contemplating the condition of your pores. Spa cuisine is also not something that's designed to appeal to a strapping appetite -- you can't score any swagger points by eating steamed veggies. And that's before you get to yoga, meditation, and aerobics classes -- all wonderful activities, but not something a guy's guy is going to brag much about.

John and Ginny Lopis, owners of The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania and spa industry veterans, knew this too, and so when they opened their own spa, about 90 minutes from New York City, they decided to purposefully make it a place where a guy would feel comfortable. This comes through in the décor of the common areas, which, true to its name, is lodge-inspired, with a bit of a feel of a traditional study thrown in too -- there's lots of wood, metal and rich cozy upholstery. This also comes across in the range of activities available -- the spa is set on 75 wooded acres, and it has its own lake, so activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking -- and there's a golf course right across the street. What's more, the food that's served here is certainly in the genre of spa cuisine -- healthy, lower fat, calorie conscious -- but it's not about deprivation: there's a full wine list, for instance, desserts, chocolate and treats. Ginny Lopis jokes that they think of it as a five-star ashram.

When you walk through into the spa wing, you're in more familiar territory, but it's new-age light and bright, but still, nothing aggressively pink or feminine anywhere -- except maybe in the treatments, for instance, the Lavender Garden Dream, which is a polish, wrap and fully body massage or Chamomile Flowers, a body polish and moisturizer.

Even with all of this man-bait in place, the clientele is, as you'd expect, mostly women. When I visited a few weeks ago, I noticed many mother-daughter, girlfriend getaway types of spa-goers -- but I also spotted more than handful of men, holding up their half of a vacationing couple. The menfolk were a bit furtive, and not much evidence during the day, as I took a class called "Breathe and Change Your Life", stretched in yoga, and jogged in the woods. But early one morning, as I watched knots of women striding with great purpose on the spa's fitness trail, creating flashes of neon lime and bright pink power-walking through the trees, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted one guy, going off to fish in the lake, his pole over his shoulder.

Gallery: Man Spa: The Lodge at Woodloch

Living Room at the Lodge at WoodlochEntrance to Spa WingArchitectural Detail, Lodge at WoodlochLodge at Woodloch ExteriorLodge at Woodloch at Night

LuxistA Spa a Man Can Love? originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>menspaTue, 25 Aug 2009 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Milliken Creek Inn & Spa]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/22/milliken-creek-inn-and-spa/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/22/milliken-creek-inn-and-spa/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/22/milliken-creek-inn-and-spa/#commentsFiled under: ,


A recent article in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported that wine tourism in Napa Valley is down but that makes it a great time to visit, because it's less crowded. One place to get the complete Napa experience a bit off the beaten path is at the Milliken Creek Inn & Spa. The five-star luxury inn offers a tranquil retreat amidst redwood trees and Japanese maples, quiet courtyards, ponds, lush gardens, and a waterfall terrace. The property is located on the outskirts of Napa Valley and has romantic rooms with canopy beds and offers indlugent treats such as a riverside massage.

The inn serves a complimentary gourmet breakfast with guests' choice of several items prepared on property plus fresh pastries from Bouchon Bakery with coffees from Dean & DeLuca. Picnic lunches are available to eat on the property or take with you on your day's adventures. And best of all there is Magic Hour, a daily wine tasting for guests of the Inn. Wineries from across the valley come each night at sunset to share their latest offerings. Epicurean cheeses, artisan breads, and crudités are also served in the lobby of the Inn. Milliken has a strict "no-kids" policy and staffers can arrange for romantic adventures for couples including a hot air balloon ride.

Guestrooms include a 42" Plasma TV/DVD player, Bose Wave CD player, complimentary sodas and Voss water, king-size bed with down comforters and pillows, double spa therapy tub and gas fireplaces. The Milliken Vintners Vacation Package is named for a private tasting at Vintners Collective, where guests also sample anti pastas and cheeses carefully selected to enhance the flavors of each reserve. Vintners Collective brings together 18 winemakers into one beautiful tasting room in Napa's oldest stone building. The package starts at $320 per night.

Gallery: Milliken Creek Inn & Spa

LuxistMilliken Creek Inn & Spa originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>napanapa valleyNapaValleywine tourismwine vacationWineTourismWineVacationSat, 22 Aug 2009 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[StriVectin - Miracle or Marketing?]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/20/strivectin-miracle-or-marketing/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/20/strivectin-miracle-or-marketing/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/20/strivectin-miracle-or-marketing/#commentsFiled under:

StriVectin-SDStriVectin has a line of age-defying products which are being hailed all over the internet as miraculous for stretch marks and wrinkles. It's recently been picked up by Chrysallis, the management team who brought the Canyon Ranch products to fame.

The highly lauded StriVectin-SD is $135 for a six ounce tube and is intended to be applied two to three times daily to "improve the appearance of indented surfaces, smooth surfaces, skin firmness, and irregularities in skin discoloration." There's a full money-back guarantee, and it boasts "significant, corroborated results seen by 93% of subjects tested."

That sounds pretty darn good to me. I don't have stretch marks (yet), so I can't fully "corroborate," but I did indeed try smoothing it all over my legs for a few days. It smells nice; somewhat pepperminty, and once my skin absorbed it, it felt very warm -- apparently this is normal. And here's some good news: while I don't have stretch marks, I do have my share of skin irregularities, especially scarring from rashes that food allergies give me. Did I see improvement? Yes! And far more improvement than with any other lotion I've used. Looks like they might be onto something ... I found other consumers (we hope) in online forums reporting the same issue with the improvement of scars. Also, a number claimed to be using it on their face with good results -- but it is such a thick formula, my oily skin would probably explode if I tried it. That's right. Explode. If you have dry skin, go for it -- the rep who sent it to me for review called it "a stretch mark turned wrinkle cream."

Continue reading StriVectin - Miracle or Marketing?

LuxistStriVectin - Miracle or Marketing? originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>skincarestrivectinstriVectin-SDThu, 20 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[InterContinental Hotels In China Offer Traditional Chinese Medicine Spa Experiences]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/08/intercontinental-hotels-in-china-offer-traditional-chinese-medic/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/08/intercontinental-hotels-in-china-offer-traditional-chinese-medic/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/08/intercontinental-hotels-in-china-offer-traditional-chinese-medic/#commentsFiled under: ,


Travelers in China looking to experience a bit of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can enjoy two Signature TCM spa treatments at the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in Greater China. The treatments were created by Eu Yan Sang, a leader in the TCM industry and are inspired by the basic TCM principles of Yin and Yang - complementary opposites within a greater whole, creating a dynamic balance of all things. Eu Yan Sang created a range of pre-packed herbs selected based on the principle of Yin and Yang for relaxing and energizing which the spa then mixes with either oil or water during its treatments.

The relaxing Yin ritual includes fragrances like geranium, lotus and peppermint. A body scrub is enhanced with herbs like wolfberry bark (di gu pi), coix seed (yi yi ren), ampelopsis (bai lian) and sea salt (hai yan). The oil for the relaxing massage includes geranium, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sweet almond and grape seed (Mi Die Xiang / Xun Yi Cao / Tian Xing Ren You /Ma Yu Lan / Pu Tao Zi You). A body wrap of lotus leaves and pearl powder helps release water retention and a relaxing tea caps off the experience.

The Yang ritual is designed for energy. It starts with an exfoliation with energizing herbs like garden balsam stem (tou gu cao), mulberry twig (sang zhi), acorus rhizome (shi chang pu) and clove (ding xiang). The body wrap uses salvia root (dan shen), atractylodes rhizome (cang zhu), sappan wood (su mu) and tangerine peel (chen pi) to boost circulation and improve the flow of energy. The massage oil for this ritual is full of invigorating herbs such as black pepper, lemongrass, rosemary, lemon, sweet almond and grape seed (Mi Die Xiang/ Ning Meng/ Hei Hu Jiao/ Tian Xing Ren you/ Ning Meng Xiang Cao/ Pu Tao Zi You). To complete the experience a tea that includes red ginseng root (hong shen xu), licorice root (gan cao) and dried ginger (gan jiang) and patchouli (huo xiang) powers up the system.

Both treatments can be found at a variety of Intercontinental Hotels in China.

LuxistInterContinental Hotels In China Offer Traditional Chinese Medicine Spa Experiences originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaintercontinentalintercontinental hotels groupIntercontinentalHotelsGroupspaspa experiencespa ritualSpaExperienceSpaRitualtraditional chinese medicineTraditionalChineseMedicineyangyinSat, 08 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New Croatian Radison Blu Offers 100,000 Sq. Ft. Spa]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/14/new-croatian-radison-blu-offers-100-000-sqft-spa/http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/14/new-croatian-radison-blu-offers-100-000-sqft-spa/http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/14/new-croatian-radison-blu-offers-100-000-sqft-spa/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Radisson Blu Resort and Spa Dubrovnik just became the largest resort on Croatia's Dalmatian coast. The new property, which is only 11 miles from Dubrovnik International Airport, boasts more than 100,000 square feet of spa, sports and wellness facilities with treatments such as hydrotherapy and salt saunas. This is the first Anne Semonin spa to open in Croatia, and to celebrate the milestone, several exclusive treatments have bee developed.

The spa itself occupies 37,000 square feet along the Croatian coastline, with seven individual treatment rooms and two more for couples. An outdoor hot tub sits at the center of this layout. The Thalassotherapy Therma Stone Experience, 100% Active Ice Therapy Facial and Black Sand Scrub & Ocean Massage Ritual were developed specifically for the Radisson Blu - I guess giving three more damned good reasons to get on a plane for Dubrovnik.

Another 75,000 square feet is dedicated to a sports and wellness center. The 60-foot lagoon pool, waterfall and underwater vitality jet lounges sound simply seductive, and there are additional treatments built around these decadent aquatic amenities.

Pass on the cliche European destinations this year, and head out to the Dalmatian coast. The spa experience will be a far cry from the usual.

LuxistNew Croatian Radison Blu Offers 100,000 Sq. Ft. Spa originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>croatiacroatiandalmatiandalmatiancoastdubrovnikfacialhydrotherapyjacuzzilagoonmassagemassagesradissonsaunasaunasspaspa therapyspa timespa treatmentspa treatmentsSpaTherapySpaTimeSpaTreatmentSpaTreatmentsTue, 14 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[AQUA in Cancun Put Stress Relief Within Reach]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/06/aqua-in-cancun-put-stress-relief-within-reach/http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/06/aqua-in-cancun-put-stress-relief-within-reach/http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/06/aqua-in-cancun-put-stress-relief-within-reach/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember the days when the only reason you needed to go to a spa was that you felt like it? Yeah, so do I, but it looks like they're behind us for a while. A tight economy makes even luxury decisions tough to execute, resulting in a similar tightness in necks and backs. When you need that deep-tissue rub most, it seems, it's hardest to reach. So, I'm pretty excited to see spas make it easier to pry open your wallet for a bit of bliss.

Spa AQUA is making it pretty easy for you to enjoy Cancun. The latest deal cuts 50 percent from the nightly room rate and lops dining and spa service by 25 percent. If you're looking for excuses to dust off your passport, this is about as good as it gets. Need to be seduced? Consider the adobe clay sauna and mandarin and rose aromatherapy pool. Yep, that's where I was hooked, too.

This destination bills itself as a "modern lifestyle resort," with a "sensory stay" philosophy. Call it what you want, but I'm drawn to anything that clears the tension from my mind, back and shoulders. Integrating Asian techniques into its spa therapies, you can enjoy rice wraps and a variety of massage treatments, including Shiatsu, Samuprai and (my favorite) Shinodarah. Western touches include milk wraps and diamond facials. Manicures, pedicures, fitness centers and the other spa stables are also offered.

The resort, of course, is just the beginning. Once you're in Cancun, walk along the beach, grab a filling meal and sip more than your share of tequila. Forget about home for a few days: you've earned it.

LuxistAQUA in Cancun Put Stress Relief Within Reach originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancunluxury travelLuxuryTravelmassagemassagesmexicoresortresortsshiatsuspastravelMon, 06 Jul 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Spa Luce Offers Calm In The Midst Of Chaos]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/04/spa-luce-offers-calm-in-the-midst-of-chaos/http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/04/spa-luce-offers-calm-in-the-midst-of-chaos/http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/04/spa-luce-offers-calm-in-the-midst-of-chaos/#commentsFiled under:


The Hollywood and Highland Center in Los Angeles doesn't exactly inspire thoughts of blissed-out spa moments but ascend from the parking lot and up to Level 5 of the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and the world falls away a bit. Spa Luce is a beautiful and tranquil place to grab a little peace in the middle of a bustling area. The decor is modern and spare and the treatments are designed to be holistic and recharge body and mind.

Spa Luce features skincare and body care products and treatments by Red Flower, Sonya Dakar and Somme Institute as well as a signature scent created for Spa Luce by Dr. Sharon, an aromatherapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor and masseuse. One of the most extensive experiences offered by the spa is the hammam ritual. The multi-step massage ritual includes a cleansing with Moroccan mint tea and silt, a vigorous scrub with coffee, olive stones and fresh lemons, and a wrap in rhassoul clay. Finally after all that preparation you surrender to a Turkish massage with essences of cardamom, jasmine, bergamot, amber and clove. The 80-minute experience costs $180.

You can extend your Spa Luce experience by taking ample time to enjoy the facilities. Treatments include access to the eucalyptus-infused steam rooms and rooftop pool. Spa lunches can also be ordered up and eaten in the relaxation area or next to the pool. And you can also buy products to take home. Dr. Sharon's Am I Dreaming aromatherapy kit, shown above, includes an aromatherapy oil, an aromatherapy candle, the Aromatin fragrance dispenser, and an instruction booklet. It sells for $48.

Gallery: Spa Luce

LuxistSpa Luce Offers Calm In The Midst Of Chaos originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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