Spa treatments

Gilding the Lily: 24K Gold Facial at Equinox

Filed under: Spas

Looking for a rock solid spa treatment? How about The Spa @ Equinox's new 24k Gold Facial?

"While our new gold mask is simply beautiful, its real benefits are a matter of complex chemistry and biology," said Nicole Vitale, senior director of The Spa @ Equinox. "Gold powder, when combined with the proper level of silk extract, blocks free radicals to help the skin regenerate quicker and fuller. After a single treatment, your face will look and feel firmer, fresher and vibrant."

Sure. But does it feel good? The answer is yes - the $165 treatment includes full signature spa facial, which includes a detailed skin analysis, custom facial and décolletage massage. The 24K Gold Collagen Mask caps off the treatment to moisturize, firm and whiten the skin.

The facial is currently being offered at Equinox spas in cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Dallas and DC.

Now that's what we call a gold standard.

Tags: equinox fitness, facial, gold facial, skin treatment, spa treatment, spa treatments, the spa at equinox

Ten Great Holiday Spa Treatments From Coast To Coast

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas, Holiday Guides

The holiday season kicks one's stress drives into high gear. Whether you're hosting a holiday with the immediate family or a soiree for you and 250 of your closest friends. Spa treatments - even those that aren't as luxurious as the ones we've selected below, have been shown to reduce stress, boost immunity and oh yeas - get you at least a few hours of much-needed peace and quiet.

Book one of these for yourself or a loved one (or spa together for a great holiday experience!). We've selected a variety of treatments offered coast to coast. Al of the treatments listed below are available through the holiday season, and many are also bookable into the spring.

Hot Toddy for the Body at L'Auberge de Sedona
Spa in the splendor of nature at Sedona resort L'Auberge when you book their special "Hot Toddy for the Body," a spirit-lifting holiday cocktail for the whole system. The treatment begins with a cornmeal body scrub rich with clove, organic orange and cinnamon with a warming body wrap of sweet soy, calendula and orange oil. $130

Peace, Joy and Harmony at Qua Baths & Spa
We could all use a little peace, joy and harmony this holiday season, and even better when those relaxing moments come at a spa. Try Atlantic City's Qua Baths & Spa holiday treatments for whichever feeling you hope to inspire. Joy comes in the form of a European facial featuring a frangipani sugar hand exfoliation and paraffin wax treatment. Find Peace in a back and foot ritual with a Ginger, Rosemary & Lemongrass foot exfoliation preceded by a pressure reflex point massage of your feet, followed by an Arnica & Shea Butter exfoliation of your back and a relaxing Marine Oil Swedish neck, shoulder & lower back massage. If it's Harmony you're after, balance your Chakras with a stone massage and exotic milk hair mask followed by the same Marine Oil massage. $180 each.

Bindi Rebirth at The Boulders
Want to enter 2011 looking and feeling like a new person? Book The Boulders' Bindi treatment. Based on the ancient Ayurvedic arts, this herbal exfoliation, aromatherapy massage and comforting body wrap is bound to make you feel fresh and new. $205.

Tags: camelback inn, Elysian Hotel, holiday spa treatment, lauberge de sedona, olive 8, qua baths and spa, ritz carlton naples, spa montage, spa treatments, sports clubla, The Boulders, the inn at camelback mountain, the spa of colonial williamsburg

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Start 2011 With the "Ultimate Healthy Beginning" at Canyon Ranch Miami

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

After all those rounds of holiday parties, we're sure you'll need a detox - after all, we certainly do. What better place to kick off your New Years Resolution than at Canyon Ranch Miami Beach, an industry leader in both spa and wellness? They've designed the Luxury of Wellness package, a series of three five-night programs that are customized to your specific needs.

Priced at a cool $45,000, this package is limited to those with fairly deep pockets, but it does offer a comprehensive vacation and wellness experience. Plus, who wouldn't want to spend three weeks a year in Miami?

The package includes a a pre-arrival interview to assess the guest's overall health; completely stress free travel with luggage delivery service, private airport pickup, and more. A host of comprehensive diagnostic tests are conducted to establish the ideal course of action. Private session options with in-resort practitioners (think acupuncture, energy healing, life style management, exercise physiology, etc.) are aimed at leaving the guest with all the tools necessary to take home to improve their health.

Tags: ashiatsu massage, canyon ranch, canyon ranch miami, canyon ranch miami beach, fitness DVD, luxury of wellness, massage, spa package, spa packages, spa treatments

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Queen Mary 2's Canyon Ranch SpaClub: Pure Bliss on the Atlantic Ocean (with Video)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Perhaps the most decadent, and most relaxing experience one could ever imagine, is time spent at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub while crossing the Atlantic Ocean on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 ocean liner.

The Queen Mary 2 is equipped with a 22,000 square foot spa, which is one of the largest ship-based spas in the world. The spa facilities include 24 treatment rooms, a luxurious aqua-therapy facility and a beauty and hair salon. For those seeking exercise, there's a fully-equipped circuit gym with free weights as well as a large cardio facility that is outfitted with state-of-the-art elliptical trainers, stationary and recumbent bicycles, a variety of treadmills and stepping machines. Much of the equipment is equipped with individual televisions and iPod docks. Fitness trainers are available for individual sessions.

While the Canyon Ranch SpaClub isn't quite as elaborate as visiting the world-renowned Canyon Ranch destination locations in Tucson, Ariz. or Lenox, Mass. (and a Luxist Awards' Nominee for Best Extended-Stay Spa), it is extremely impressive nonetheless. And in some ways, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard the Queen Mary 2, which opened in 2004, is even better. Where else can you enjoy the historic and romantic experience of crossing the Atlantic on a beautiful ocean liner while experiencing the healthy lifestyle offered by Canyon Ranch?

Gallery: Canyon Ranch SpaClub on Cunard's Queen Mary 2

Canyon Ranch SpaClub on the Queen Mary 2

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Squeeze out the Stiffness from a Long Day of Teton Hiking

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

If you head out to Jackson Hole, still a playground for the wealthy, despite the lingering effects of the recession, a jaunt through the mountains is probably on your itinerary. The Grand Tetons are simultaneously challenging and inviting, and you need to respond to that call! After having scaled peaks or stumbled along trails, however, your body will need some relief. The Avanyu Spa at the Snake River Lodge & Spa is the perfect fit for rejuvenating your weary muscles.

I visited this spa on a recent getaway to Jackson Hole and can tell you the staff's talented hands are the perfect antidote to the strain and pain that comes with an active vacation. The Avanyu Spa offers 17,000 square feet of pure relaxation ... with the exception of the gym on the fifth floor. It's a great place to get in shape, but I just can't bring myself to compare exercise to bliss – it's just not my nature.

The range of treatments is fairly wide, and includes a variety of unique massages (e.g., Komodo Massage, Sleeping Indian Custom Massage and River Stone Massage), as well as desert salt exfoliation, several facials and other skin treatments.

The spa's layout was certainly interesting. The gym is on its uppermost floor, and the four below included treatment rooms, locker rooms and, on the first floor, an indoor pool and access to one outside. An elevator transports you from one to the next. At first, this seemed cumbersome, but that's probably because I'm constantly in a hurry. Quickly, I came to realize that the forced wait encouraged a bit of patience, moving me into the mindset that a spa visit encourages.

Gallery: Snake River Lodge & Spa

The lobby at the Snake River Lodge & Spa

Tags: grand tetons, jackson hole, Jackson Hole Wyoming, resort, resorts, RockResorts, snake river, spa, spa review, spa treatment, spa treatments, wyoming

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Locally Grown Spa Treatments The Latest Luxury Trend

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Traditionally in the world of spa and beauty treatments the most exotic treatments have been the most luxurious, but recently the local food craze has spread to the spa world and the demand for treatments using locally grown fruits and herbs has increased dramatically. The Ojai Valley Inn in California is a good example, it offers a Pixie Tangerine & Pomegranate Scrub for $145 that involves using locally grown tangerine halves to scrub the body with a sugar-based exfoliant mixture. "When they put this stuff on, I can smell fresh juice," said one guest.

It's that freshness, along with feelings of social responsibility and a love for unique experiences that's driving the trend. "People don't necessarily want to have the same experience in Florida as they have in New York as they have in California as they have in Dubai," says spa consultant Matt Wuttke. And because locally sourced spa treatments support nearby farmers and reduce the carbon footprints of transported goods there's even more warm fuzzies to be had from what is often considered a guilty indulgence. The only downside? In many parts of the country 'local' also means 'seasonal' so you're favorite Elderberry Facial ($190, Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake) probably isn't available year round.

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Tags: local, local food, locavore, spa, spa treatments, spas

The Kuyam Treatment at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Most spas offer similar treatment menus that feature the same facials, body scrubs and massages. Spa lovers are hard pressed to find a one-of-a-kind treatment that is not to be missed. Look no further than the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, in Ojai, Ca., which is a sprawling 220-acre property with 308 newly refurbished guest rooms (including 72 suites) that is located about 90 miles north of Los Angeles (35 miles south of Santa Barbara). Ojai was a nominee for a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best Extended Stay Spa in March.

Ojai's spa offers a communal treatment that is not found anywhere else in the U.S. Called "Kuyam", this signature mud treatment combines the therapeutic effects of cleansing desert clay, dry heat and inhalation therapy, with a traditional Chumash-guided mediation. Pronounced "Koo-Yahm", Kuyam is a Chumash word which means "a place to rest together." The Chumash people were the Native Americans who originally inhabitated the Ojai Valley.

The Kuyam Chamber at Ojai is a private room that is beautifully tiled and offers built in seating, including chaise lounge chairs. The room can accommodate up to eight men or eight women per session, but Ojai will not group strangers together if a private session is requested. It is a wonderful treatment to do with a group of friends or family, as I did, sharing the experience with a group of female travel writers.

Tags: awards-main, Kuyam, luxist-awards, Ojai Valley Inn Spa, spa treatments, spas

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The Spa Givenchy at Le Mirador Kempinski

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

When visiting the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland, the first feelings you get are an overwhelming sense of relaxation and calmness. Surrounded by such gorgeous mountains and an expansive pristine lake, it's a feeling that can't quite be replicated anywhere else in the world. Taking advantage of this prime location, Le Mirador Kempinski has set up one of the world's leading tranquility centers, the Spa Givenchy to truly maximize their of their renown offerings of de-stressing and beautification. Facing a one-of-a-kind view of the Swiss Alps and Vaud coast, spa visitors are treated to a double dose of well-being.

The Givenchy Spa features a huge 90 square meter suite, as well as jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, and massage rooms, all accompanied by premier Givenchy treatments and products.

Tags: givenchy spa, Lake Geneva, le mirador kempinski, spa treatments, switzerland

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Claridge's Embraces 1930's Hollywood Glamour with New Spa Treatments

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

A view of a treatment room at the Spa at Claridge's in London

Claridge's, the iconic Art Deco landmark in Mayfair, has unveiled a selection of beauty treatment designed to recapture the timeless glamour of a bygone era.

Following in the footsteps of Hollywood's leading ladies and gentlemen, to many of whom Claridge's was a second home, the beauty therapists at the Spa at Claridge's have carefully created individual regimes, each with a particular icon in mind, with treatments such as "The Clark Gable" and "The Grace Kelly."

The treatment menu provides a form of nostalgic escapism, offering an immersive opportunity to experience pampering styles and grooming techniques inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Should guests crave 'alone-time', Claridge's beauty therapists will recommend "The Greta Garbo", inspired by the 1930's Swedish screen siren who was famously known for the line "I want to be alone." This restorative ritual includes a one hour Swedish massage, a one hour cellular La Prairie facial and a light lunch for one. The cost is £222 ($340).

Gallery: More from Claridge's

A treatment room at the Spa at Claridge's

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Spa Etiquette: What to Wear

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Going to the spa is supposed to be a relaxing experience, but if you spend too much time stressing about what to wear (or what not to wear, as the case may be) you won't get nearly the enjoyment out of it as you could. If it's your first time to a spa and you're not sure what the dress code/etiquette is the best thing for peace of mind is to simply call the spa ahead of time and ask. Most spas take a similar approach however so here are some basic guidelines.

Under your robe If you're given a robe and slippers to change into what you leave on underneath the robe is up to you based on your personal comfort level. Most people choose to strip down to their underwear, a swimsuit, or nothing at all, but if you want to leave a shirt and/or pants on under the robe you can certainly do that too -- most spas get all kinds. If they give you sandals or slippers do try to put them on however, as heavy heeled shoes clanking down the halls tends to disrupt the experience for everyone.

Tags: etiquette, spa, spa etiquette, spa guidelines, spa how to, spa treatments, spas, spas-pedia, what to wear at the spa

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Top 10 Best Spas in Vancouver

by celticmage (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Although Vancouver, BC is a three-hour drive from my home in Washington state, I venture up there every six weeks or so for hair care at Ian Daburn Salon and to indulge in one of my favorite day spas. Here are my top ten day spas (listed alphabetically) in the vibrant Canadian city of Vancouver. Divine, indeed!

1. Absolute Spa

Absolute Spa has two downtown locations: Century Plaza Hotel at 1015 Burrard St. and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver at 900 W. Georgia St. Call 604-248-2772 for appointments at both. The spa at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is Vancouver's "first spa for men," and features a 75-minute Gentleman's Facial ($125 CDN). But the spa is women friendly, too.

2. EvelineCharles Spa and Salon
EvelineCharles Spa and Salon, 1495 W. 11th, 604-678-566. This is a sleekly whitewashed second story haven located in the shopping-friendly South Granville Rise area. Get down and dirty with the Mud Slide ($245 CDN), a soothing treatment that includes a mud bath, mud wrap, massage and moisturizer. Mmmm!

3. Miraj Hammam Spa
Miraj Hammam Spa, 1495 W. 6th, 604-733-5151. Middle Eastern treatments are featured here, including the Hammam and Gommage, an exotic steam and exfoliation process, followed by a 30-minute massage ($125 CDN). Luxuriate afterwards In the Sultana Lounge with tea and sweet cakes.

4. Breathe Spa
Breathe Spa, 325 Howe St., Suite 501, 604-688-4769. This sanctuary is tucked away in the fifth floor of the Pacific Coast Building in the heart of the city. Indulge in the "Out of This World" package ($215 CDN) that includes a two-hour Breathe Facial followed by a two-hour Hot Stone Therapy Massage.

5. Skoah
Skoah, 1011 Hamilton Street, 604-642-0200. This is the spot to get the skinny on skin. Featuring its own product lines, the small menu of facials includes everything from a "quickie facial" ($30 CDN) to the more intense "face, peepers and pout" treatment ($100 CDN). Located in trendy Yaletown and just a few flip-flops away from the Opus Hotel, by far the hippest hotel in the 'hood.

Tags: spa, spa guide, spa treatments, SpaGuide, SpaTreatments, vancouver

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Spa Dangers You'd Never Suspect

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Treating yourself to a day or week at the spa can be one of life's most relaxing and rejuvenating experiences -- good for both body and soul. A good spa should be staffed with knowledgeable and licensed staff that can answer all your questions and responsibly recommend treatments based on your individual needs, but it never hurts to educate yourself in advance and take charge of your own well being. In addition to understanding what some spas won't tell you, it's also important to understand how different spa treatments and therapies can affect your health.

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Tags: health, spa treatments, spas-pedia, SpaTreatments

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Sweet Spa Experiences For Valentine's Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Valentine's Day tradition calls for flowers and chocolates but spa treatments incorporating sugar, chocolate and other sweets is another more modern option. A variety of spas and centers are offering very tempting options for extra luxurious pampering.

The Medical Spa at Nova in Ashburn, VA (just outside of D.C.) is featuring several exclusive spa packages for Valentine's Day including the "scrumptious" Sweet & Savory Body Scrub Package ($90). Nova's invigorating brown sugar body scrub includes Mediterranean lemon, mandarin, grapefruit, and lemon petigrain essential oils with brown sugar and a steam shower and sauna with chocolates and a rose on check out. The Girl's Best Friend Package offers a merlot bath, spa lunch, glass of champagne, a diamond radiance facial and a box of chocolate and a rose all for $250.

Check out more sweet spa experiences in the gallery below.

Gallery: Valentine's Day Sweet Spa Treatments

Tags: medical spa at nova, MedicalSpaAtNova, spa experiences, spa treatments, SpaExperiences, SpaTreatments, valentines day, ValentinesDay

Get Used to Shorter Spa Treatments (for Now)

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

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.

Source

Tags: aging, anti aging, AntiAging, baby boomers, BabyBoomers, facial, gen x, gen xers, gen y, generation x, generation y, GenerationX, GenerationY, GenX, GenXers, GenY, massage, resort, resorts, spa, spa retreat, spa treatments, SpaRetreat, spas, SpaTreatments

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New Croatian Radison Blu Offers 100,000 Sq. Ft. Spa

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

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.

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