Spas

Aman Resorts Debuts Latest Spa at the Phillipines' Amanpulo

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Aman Resorts are known by A-listers around the globe as some of the world's most prestigious getaways. Amanpulo, the chain's private island retreat set in the turquoise waters of the Philippines' Sulu Sea, is already an ideal beach getaway.

But even great things can get better ... in this case with the addition of its Aman Spa.This new facility includes six spa treatment rooms in three pavilions, a yoga and meditation pavilion, a Pilates studio, a gymnasium and a finishing salon for hair, hand and foot treatments. Two steam rooms with cold plunge pools will open in March.

Gallery: Amanpulo Spa

Tags: aman, aman resorts, amanpulo, destination spa, manila, phillipines, spa resorts, spas

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McLean Robbins' Five Favorite Spa Trends of 2010

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Salt Room, CastaDiva Resort, Lake Como Italy

This Luxist writer has spent more than her fair share of time in the spa - working hard to provide readers with the best information possible, naturally. A combination of exploration and research (plus a week at the International Spa Association's annual conference) has yielded the following favorite five spa trends of 2010:

Mini Treatments Rule
Spa-goers are busy and budget conscious. Booking mini-treatments, whether in "sample packs" of several different experiences or single-service models, allow visitors to experience a variety of services without blowing their budget. Since many spas offer extra amenities, like steam rooms, saunas and relaxation areas, a single service can often allow visitors to spa "all day" at a low base cost. These quick treatments have also become popular lunchtime breaks, where working women (and men) can escape for a pick-me-up facial, Botox treatment or shoulder massage and get back into the workday without missing a beat.

Green Genes
Natural, eco-friendly and "green" treatments are growing increasingly popular among consumers. After all, they already shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joes, recycle, and drive hybrid cars -- why shouldn't the environmental consciousness translate into their spa routine? Paraben-free and organic products have exploded in the marketplace. Salt-based treatments, either in the form of scrubs or ultra-modern detox rooms made of salt blocks have also risen strongly in popularity.

Tags: luxury spas, spa trends, spas

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Sheraton Rolls Out Shine For Sheraton Spa Concept

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has announced their new spa concept. Shine for Sheraton will debut in new properties worldwide and as a new spa solution for existing properties; it will be in 17 hotels by 2011. Germaine de Capuccini, a leading global spa and skincare brand, has been designated as the preferred product partner for Shine spas. According to a press release Sheraton has spent $6 billion in a "brand revitalization effort."

The spa offers five signature treatments: a massage, facial, body treatment, manicure/pedicure and a treatment for two. The brand's signature new spa offering is currently available at select hotels in China, Vietnam, the Maldives (shown above) and the Slovak Republic. The global roll out of Shine for Sheraton will continue with 12 openings scheduled over the next 15 months including the Sheraton Shanghai Hong Kou, the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng and the Sheraton Yantai Golden Beach Resort followed by further expansion in North and Latin America. The spas will be decorated in warm creams, browns and burnished gold with accents of cobalt blue, tourmaline and coral using materials such as marble, onyx, mahogany, polished metal and glass.

Tags: maldives, sheraton, Sheraton Hotel, SheratonHotels, shine for sheraton, spas

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.

Source

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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3 New Ways to Luxuriate in Tasmania

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Tasmania, Australia's southernmost island state, is positioning itself for a luxury tourism boom -- at least judging by the number of new projects in the works.

I've already told you about two of Tassie's most prominent new projects: Saffire, a new boutique hotel and resort on the Freycinet Peninsula, and MONA, a new art museum that will be the largest private art collection in the southern hemisphere.

Another newcomer to put on your radar: Harmony Hill, a spa that's opening in Margate, which is just about 15 miles south of Hobart. Harmony Hill aims to be a wellness spa with a distinctive Asian flair. (Amie Nakamura, the owner is Japanese.) The spa relies exclusively on organic products, manufactured by Nakamura, and its eco-foot print will be small -- it uses solar energy, rain water, recycles grey water, and so on.

Gallery: Harmony Hill, New Day Spa in Tasmania

Tags: hotels, luxury real estate, spa, spas, tasmania

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Spa Treatments For Pregnant Moms-to-Be

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

There's something at the spa for everyone, and although some treatments are off limits during pregnancy (like the hot tub and sauna) many spas cater to expecting mothers with specials and packages created just for them. A great gift or self indulgence year round, a day at the spa also makes great Mother's Day gift for the mom-to-be in your circle.

Pregnancy massages are offered by most medical spas and are geared towards relieving unpleasant symptoms associated with being pregnant like swelling, bloating, aches, pains, and of course stress. Facials, manicures, pedicures, and many other spa treatments are considered safe during pregnancy but might be tailored to use mild or unscented products due to the sensitive skin and systems many pregnant women experience. Check with your spa to see what's available and what guidelines they may have (i.e. only available during certain trimesters), and of course consult your physician prior to receiving treatment. Here are some current offerings from around the country.

Custom Moms-to-Be Package at the Medical Spa at Nova in Ashburn, VA.
Includes a soothing pregnancy massage, a healing Body Contouring Wrap, a signature spa lunch, and a single long-stem rose at checkout.

Yummy Tummy Body Treatment at Edamame Maternity Day Spa in New York, NY.
Designed to increase circulation, gently exfoliate, and improve tonicity of the skin. Also relaxes with a lower leg and foot massage.

Pregnancy Jade Stone Massage at La Petite Retreat in Los Angeles, CA.
Their signature, the Jade Stone Massage uses hot and cool stones to relax muscles and reduce inflammation along with Swedish, Deep, Shiatsu and Thai massage techniques for long lasting therapeutic results.

Tags: pregnancy, pregnant, spa, spas, spas-pedia

A Visit to The Bardessono in California's Wine Country

by Zack O'Malley Greenburg (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

As with most resorts, the first thing you'll notice at Bardessono in Yountville, Calif., is the lobby. But this one's a bit different from the usual. Swaths of plants grow on strings running from the floor to the ceiling, nourished by nothing but the air. A sepia sculpture made from recycled newspaper hangs on a parallel wall. Those might be unusual touches at a normal hotel, but in the Napa Valley's premier eco-lodge, it's par for the course.

Founded in February of 2009, Bardessono, which was a Luxist Awards' nominee for best green spa in March, boasts the largest renewable power system of any hotel in North America. Over 900 photovoltaic panels convert the sun's energy into 260,000 kilowatt hours annually; unused output is sold back to the grid. The resort is heated and cooled by a network of 82 geothermal wells that stretch 300 feet below the grape vines out front. Motion sensors control lights and shades in each of the 62 rooms, ensuring that nearly nothing goes to waste. Along those lines, you won't find plastic bags in the hotel's wastepaper baskets, and filtered water is served in reusable glass jugs instead of bottles. Even the bathroom toiletries come in big, refillable bottles instead of the disposable (and easily pilfered) airline-safe containers.

Gallery: More from the Bardessono

Bardessono's dining room keeps with the resort's "deep green" mission statement. The delicious, heavily organic menu draws from local farms and fisheries; most of the wines hail from nearby vineyards as well. Like the guest rooms, which are free of the rugs, bedspreads and curtains deemed unnecessary by the green police, the dining room is somewhat spare. The only flourishes are a wispy, LED-lit chandelier and a magnificent long wood table made from a reclaimed tree trunk. A few paintings – or eco-friendly art installments – would be a welcome addition.

The resort's strongest point is its integrated spa services. Though there's a dedicated spa near the communal pool and hot tub, each guest room is designed to accommodate two massage tables and two masseurs. Call ahead to book a couple's massage and watch as your room is transformed into a miniature spa, complete with tea lights and soothing music piped in from Sirius Satellite Radio's unlikely spa channel. Bardessono's massage therapists will customize your treatment no matter how specific (they proved adept at soothing this writer's keyboard-addled wrists). When they're done, they'll leave you to luxuriate on the massage table as long as you like.

Bardessono guests don't have to worry about staying sober enough to drive – the resort is less than ten minutes by foot from fine restaurants including the French Laundry, the only establishment in the area to earn Michelin's coveted three star rating. Don't forget to check out one of the nearby tasting rooms, especially the new and funky Ma(i)sonry. Bardessono also offers a bike shop where guests can rent cycles for free.

As a Napa Valley connoisseur might say, Bardessono is a little young. Barely a year old, there are still trees that need to grow taller and walls that perhaps need more adornment. But the amenities and design elements are there – like a fine wine, Bardessono will only get better with age. In the meantime, guests can enjoy a fine spa and resort on a clean environmental conscience.

Tags: Bardessono, eco-friendly, hotels, luxist-awards, luxury hotels, napa valley, spa, spas, yountville

Local Luxury: Top Luxury Day Spas in San Francisco, CA

by Keeley Mitchell (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

San Francisco has always done things its own way. Whether it was entertainment or politics, San Francisco always puts its own spin on things. The luxury day spas in San Francisco are no different. San Francisco's best luxury day spas are found off the beaten path and not in the ritzy hotels as one would expect.

International Orange Spa
Address: 2044 Fillmore Street, 2nd Floor (Pacific Heights)
Phone: 415-563-5000
Website: www.internationalorange.com
Hours: Monday thru Friday 11-9; Saturday and Sunday 9-7

Established by three Bay Area women, International Orange adds a twist to the archetypal spa. Customers can attend yoga classes before and after massages, facials and other treatments. The trendy spa offers ingenious services, such as rhythmic sequence of acupressure and holistic face lifts. The beautiful decor of milky white walls and cherry wood floors provides a serene ambiance that reinforces International Orange's therapeutic approach.

Kabuki Springs & Spa
Address: 1750 Geary Boulevard (Japantown)
Phone: 415-922-6000
Website: www.kabukisprings.com
Hours: Open Daily From 10am to 9:45pm

Located in San Francisco's vibrant Japantown, this Japanese paradise releases your inner empress through exotic rice exfoliations and massages. Along with a beautiful Japanese communal bath, customers can enjoy private candlelit baths while sipping on tea. Kabuki's focus is on nurturing harmony within the soul and relaxation through water and touch therapy.

Tags: bodywraps, dayspa, facials, local luxury, luxury, manicure, massages, pedicure, salon, sanfrancisco, spas

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Markus for Men Wins Readers' Choice Award for Best Men's Spa

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Markus for men Wins Best Men's Spa Award

Should you find yourself in Buenos Aires looking for a spa that caters to gentlemen, look no farther than Markus Day Spa For Men. There, you can chose from an array of treatments for face, body, hair, hands and feet – all of which have earned Markus the title of "El Primer Spa Masculino." Markus Day Spa For Men is also the winner of the Luxist Award Readers' Choice Award for Best Men's Spa.

Founded in 2005, Markus was designed to create an atmosphere of harmony and tranquility. Water fountains and fish tanks abound; dim lighting and wood accents pervade the establishment. Check into the Aqua Room and relax with up to eight friends or business partners in a large marble Jacuzzi. Sip tea or champagne while receiving reflexology treatment on your feet. Enjoy the "Adore Me" treatment – three hours of bliss including a face and body scrub, tantric massage, and even a tea serving.

Gallery: Markus for Men

Markus offers more than just relaxation. With a trained medical staff on call, the spa doubles as a tranquil place to receive aesthetic medicine. Botox injections and refill are available on demand, as are peelings, hair implants and plastic surgery. Best of all, the prices are much cheaper than similar procedures stateside.

Outings to Markus can be purchased individually or in bulk. A range of corporate packages are available at discounted rates and include a combination of hair cut, shave, facial and deep tissue massage. Sorry, ladies, Markus is only for caballeros.

Tags: awards-main, best mens spa, luxist-awards, luxury, markus for men, mens spa, spa, spas, winners-spas

Vote Now for the Best in Spas

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Nominations have been received and vetted for the best-of-breed in day spas, green spas, extended stay spas, men's spas and international spa retreats. The Luxist Awards Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Spas will be awarded based on your voting.

Votes can be cast through March 31st. The Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Spas will be announced on April 1st.

Best Day Spa
The first nominee has 20 locations around the world, its own line of take-home products and an attitude almost as refreshing as its spa treatments while the second nominee is a luxurious spa ensconced in a sumptuous hotel located in one of the most splendid cities in the world. The third nominee is widely recognized for revolutionizing the day spa, while stepping into the fourth us reminiscent of a sixteenth century Mediterranean villa, albeit in San Diego. The final nominee offers body treatments and skincare with techniques borrowed from European and Asian tradition with sweeping views of the Hong Kong Harbor.

Bliss
Dior Institute at the Plaza Athénée
Exhale
The Spa at The Grand del Mar
Peninsula Spa by Espa

Best Green Spa
The first nominee is a Napa Valley retreat that opened a year ago while the second, also in the California wine country takes green to a whole new level. The third nominee is in Australia, nestled in the middle of the world's oldest living rain forest, while the fourth is located more than 500 miles off the coast of East Africa, making it one of the world's most exclusive and secluded spas. The final nominee is located in Hawaii and is powered almost entirely by the energy soaked up by solar panels that adorn the roofs of nearly all of its structures.

Bardessono
Calistoga Ranch
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
Frégate Island Private
Sullivan Estate & SPA Retreat

Best Extended Stay Spa
The first nominee is the recipient of countless awards and accolades for its innovative approach to health, wellness and holistic and integrative care while the second offers different site-specific perks at each of its five locations. The third nominee offers all-inclusive stays that include airfare and is located in the mountains of Arizona. The fourth nominee dates back over 80 years and is located in a charming historic town 35 miles south of Santa Barbara and the final nominee is the original destination fitness resort and spa.

Canyon Ranch
Golden Door Spas
Miraval
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Rancho La Puerta

Best Men's Spa

The first nominee offers the best of ancient Asian relaxation techniques while the second is "comfortable and stylish" and "reassuringly masculine." The third nominee has earned the title of "El Primer Spa Masculino" in its native Buenos Aires. The fourth nominee has styled itself as a destination for a new generation of men and the final nominee, which is based in Chicago, has a distinct masculine feel to it, thanks to exposed brick walls, rich wood trim and a beer-stocked refrigerator.

Chuan Body and Soul
Gentlemen's Tonic
Markus for Men
Nickel Spa
Sir Spa

Best International Spa

The first nominee offers results-oriented programs and is located on the island of Capri in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The second nominee was built in the 17th century by Ferdinando I de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in the Tuscan countryside while the third nominee is the only treetop spa in Polynesia. The fourth has long been a favorite retreat for Hollywood celebrities and savvy travelers alike since it originally opened in 1956. The final nominee is in Costa Rica amidst a lush rain forest setting complete with a thermal mineral river and a volcano.

Capri Palace Hotel & Spa
Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort
Marù Spa at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa
One&Only Palmilla
Tabacón Resort

Tags: best spas, day spas, extended stay spa, green spa, international spa, luxist-awards, spas

World's Best Spas

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Nominations have been received and vetted for the best-of-breed in day spas, green spas, extended stay spas, men's spas and international spa retreats. The Luxist Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Spas will be awarded based on your voting.

Vote for what you believe is the best of breed for each of these categories. The Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Spas will be announced on April 1st.

Best Day Spa
The first nominee has 20 locations around the world, its own line of take-home products and an attitude almost as refreshing as its spa treatments while the second nominee is a luxurious spa ensconced in a sumptuous hotel located in one of the most splendid cities in the world. The third nominee is widely recognized for revolutionizing the day spa, while stepping into the fourth us reminiscent of a sixteenth century Mediterranean villa, albeit in San Diego. The final nominee offers body treatments and skincare with techniques borrowed from European and Asian tradition with sweeping views of the Hong Kong Harbor.

Bliss
Dior Institute at the Plaza Athénée
Exhale
The Spa at The Grand del Mar
Peninsula Spa by Espa

Best Green Spa
The first nominee is a Napa Valley retreat that opened a year ago while the second, also in the California wine country takes green to a whole new level. The third nominee is in Australia, nestled in the middle of the world's oldest living rain forest, while the fourth is located more than 500 miles off the coast of East Africa, making it one of the world's most exclusive and secluded spas. The final nominee is located in Hawaii and is powered almost entirely by the energy soaked up by solar panels that adorn the roofs of nearly all of its structures.

Bardessono
Calistoga Ranch
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
Frégate Island Private
Sullivan Estate & SPA Retreat

Best Extended Stay Spa
The first nominee is the recipient of countless awards and accolades for its innovative approach to health, wellness and holistic and integrative care while the second offers different site-specific perks at each of its five locations. The third nominee offers all-inclusive stays that include airfare and is located in the mountains of Arizona. The fourth nominee dates back over 80 years and is located in a charming historic town 35 miles south of Santa Barbara and the final nominee is the original destination fitness resort and spa.

Canyon Ranch
Golden Door Spas
Miraval
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Rancho La Puerta

Best International Spa

The first nominee offers results-oriented programs and is located on the island of Capri in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The second nominee was built in the 17th century by Ferdinando I de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in the Tuscan countryside while the third nominee is the only treetop spa in Polynesia. The fourth has long been a favorite retreat for Hollywood celebrities and savvy travelers alike since it originally opened in 1956. The final nominee is in Costa Rica amidst a lush rain forest setting complete with a thermal mineral river and a volcano.

Capri Palace Hotel & Spa
Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort
Marù Spa at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa
One&Only Palmilla
Tabacón Resort

The Luxist Awards Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Entertainment will be awarded based on your nominations and voting. We're currently seeking nominations for the best-of-breed in the following categories:

Best Brew Pub
Best Cocktail Lounge
Best Coffee House
Best Hotel Bar
Best Wine Bar

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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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Readers Choice Awards for Best Spas

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Is there an extended-stay spa with a program that changed your life for the better? Is there a great spa that caters to men with unique programs or treatments? Which international spa is really worth traveling to, even if it is thousands of miles away from home? Is there a luxurious day spa that you believe is the best one around? Which spa do you think offers the best green practices while also offering luxurious surroundings and state-of-the-art treatments? If you can recommend the best spas around the world, we want to hear from you!

The Luxist Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Spas will be awarded based on your nominations and voting. We're currently seeking nominations for the best-of-breed in the following categories:

Best Day Spa
Best Green Spa
Best Extended-Stay Spa
Best International Spa Retreat
Best Men's Spa

One nomination per category, please. Submissions can be filed until March 15, 2010. Winners will be announced on April 1, 2010.

Tags: best in spas, best spa, BestInSpas, BestSpa, luxist-awards, spas

What the Spa Won't Tell You

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Planning a trip to the spa might lead you to dream of pampering and relaxation, but what about what the shiny brochures don't tell you? Here are a few things that most spas won't mention unless you flat out ask.

Reserving a room doesn't guarantee you a spot in line for services. Some spas are better at managing crowds than others and you'd hate to spend all that money on travel and accommodations only to find you can't get an appointment for that massage you were drooling over in the brochure. Avoid frustration by talking to someone who's been there and by looking at important ratios like the spa's staff to client ratio (the best will be about 1:1) and the guest room to treatment room ratio

Source

Tags: luxist-awards, main-pedia, spa, spas, spas-awards, spas-pedia

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