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Calistoga Ranch: Green Harmony in Napa Valley

Filed under: Spas


Many establishments tout their low impact on the environment, but Calistoga Ranch in California takes green to a new level. Its harmony with the Upper Napa Valley's pristine wilderness makes it an obvious choice for a nomination for a Readers' Choice Award in Luxist's best green spa category.

Founded in 2004, Calistoga is nestled in a secluded canyon a mere 90-minute from San Francisco by car. Set on 157 acres, the resort boasts 47 guest lodges and 27 owner lodges, all of which are designed to share the feel of a vintner's estate. The lodges were all built to ensure that the area's streams, lakes and ancient oak trees wouldn't be disturbed; each lodge features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that create a seamless flow into the resort's copious outdoor deck space.

Calistoga's spa is adorned with warm wood and encircled by trellised walkways. Relax in soaking pools shaded by mossy oaks above and graced by a babbling brook below or head inside to receive organic treatments in a private room. Afterwards, recline on deck chairs and gaze out into the expansive forest before you.

Try the spa's "Calistoga Cure" treatment, an exfoliating salt body scrub followed by a mineral bath in your own private outdoor tub, a polarity session, and a massage. Or check out the "Soul Soother," which begins with a yoga session in your own lodge and continues with an aromatherapy massage at the spa and ends with a lunch at the onsite Lake House restaurant – all without ever leaving your personal Napa paradise.

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

Rancho La Puerta: Siempre Mejor Means Always Better

Filed under: Spas


Rancho La Puerta
, founded by Edmond and Deborah Szekely in 1940, is the original destination fitness resort and spa and remains family-owned and operated. Today's guests enjoy the very best resort spa experience, shaped by expertise developed over 65 years. So it should come as no surprise that Rancho La Puerta is a nominee for a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best Extended-Stay Spa.

Each week, some 150 guests share 3,000 acres of mountains and meadows beneath 3,885' Mount Kuchumaa and where the meandering Kumeyaay Creek meets the Tecate River. The peak straddles the U.S.-Mexico border, and Native Americans consider its slopes and summit a sacred place - so much so that it was the first geographic feature in the U.S. to be named a National Historic Site by the Department of Interior based on spiritual significance.

Rancho La Puerta, which is located in Tecate, Mexico (a 45 minute drive southeast of San Diego) offers 32 acres of gardens, hiking trails, an organic farm, several pools, extensive spa and fitness facilities, a salon, individual casitas for guests, a large dining hall, gift shop, and an intimate library -- as well as numerous inviting lounges and conference rooms.

Daintree Ecolodge & Spa: Green in Australia

Filed under: Spas


Tucked away in a dense rain forest on the northwestern coast of Australia, Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa's location alone suggests harmony with the environment. Coupled with the resort's careful construction and natural relaxation therapies, it's an easy choice for a nomination in Luxist's best green spa category.

Just 90 minutes by car from the city of Cairns, Daintree is nestled in the middle of the world's oldest living rainforest, the Greater Daintree Rainforest, which has existed for some 110 million years. The family-owned and operated resort boasts 15 treehouse villas, bringing guests right into the thick of the primeval forest. The surrounding area is home to 430 recorded species of bird, 200 species of fish and 70 types of crustacean.

The lodge was created under the strictest guidelines of the World Wildlife Federation. All of Daintree's water is drawn from nearby natural springs, and the staff uses only biodegradable cleaning agents. The lodge's Julaymba restaurant serves locally-sourced food with seasonal specials, and many of the products used in the organic spa are grown on-site.

The spa itself offers a range of treatments, all of which have been approved by the elders of the aboriginal Kuku Yalanji tribe. Start with "Purely Bathing" ($80), a half-hour soak surrounded by essences of coconut and lime Continue with Daintree's signature treatment, the Walbul-Walbul ($295), a three-hour exfoliation where you'll be cocooned in warm mud, emulating the transition of caterpillar to butterfly.

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

Exhale Spa: An Urban Oasis

Filed under: Spas



Exhale
, a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best Day Spa is widely recognized for revolutionizing the day spa business.

Exhale is a brand synonymous with transformation and healing. In just six years, Exhale has earned a position as a leading lifestyle brand in the health and wellness space. Exhale's large and dedicated following is a result of its proprietary transformational programs and services, seasoned team of industry veterans, and hand selected healers dedicated to helping guests on their journey to inner and outer well-being.

Exhale's active and multi-disciplinary approach combines fitness and movement with spa and healing therapies in a modern, tranquil day spa setting. Transformational group fitness classes include yoga and its proprietary Core Fusion®, Core Fusion® Sport, and Core Fusion® Yoga classes and personal training. Along with relaxing massages and restorative body therapies, results-oriented facials include a full range of body scrubs and massages using the latest technological advances, and healing services that include detox and cleansing programs, acupuncture, cupping, and nutrition. Grooming services, including waxing, nail care, eye care, workshops, and destination weekend retreats round out its unique service offerings.

Tabacón Resort: A Spendorous Natural Paradise

Filed under: Spas


Deep within the lush rain forest of Costa Rica, Tabacón Resort is a nominee for a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best International Spa. Tabacón Grand Spa & Thermal Resort is committed to sustainable tourism with a core mission that includes the protection and improvement of the environment.

Tabacón Resort is an oasis embedded in a primary rain forest, featuring twelve natural thermal spring pools and lagoons, waterfalls, exotic gardens and trails. Geologically, Tabacón Resort's hot springs are 97% rain-based and 3% magma-based. The resort is a three hour drive (150 km) north of the San José International Airport. The resort sits near the base of Arenal Volcano, and is surrounded by the wildly diverse flora and fauna of the tropical rain forest.

Capri Palace Hotel & Spa: Home to the Capri Beauty Farm

Filed under: Spas


Capri Palace Hotel & Spa
is an Italian nomination for a Readers' Choice Award for Best International Spa Retreat, located on the island of Capri in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Capri Palace, located in the exclusive Anacapri area, was built by the father of current owner and manager Tonino Cacace and recently underwent renovations to create a classic palazzo caprese and update its extraordinary amenities. Capri Palace boasts an art gallery, Capri's only restaurant with two Michelin stars (L'Olivo), a wine cellar of over 1,000 labels and 12,000 bottles, a heated outdoor pool with a view of the ocean, 50-65 foot yachts for excursions and a serviceable heliport -- all in addition to being home to the world-famous Capri Beauty Farm.


The Capri Beauty Farm offers results-oriented programs like The Leg School, for enhancing the appearance and health of the legs and "making them feel lighter." The Leg School includes a session on The Power Plate, which vibrates to tone your legs (sounds stimulating), a lymphatic drainage massage, pressing therapy, gymnastics in a thalassotherapeutic pool, and options like mud treatments, medicated bandaging and "Kneipp" vascular treatments (where they stick you in hot or cold water).

The Heart School incorporates massages and ecological walks, as well as medical procedures, into improving cardiovascular health and the Metabolic Response program diagnoses and treats metabolism issues to promote weight loss and optimum physical health. As one might expect, doctors, dieticians and cardiovascular specialists are on-hand to ensure your cutting-edge relaxation and regeneration are monitored with the latest western medical technology at the ready.

The Capri Beauty Farm also has a full range of innovative and rejuvenating treatments for the body and face, and any other part of you which needs attention -- if you're not sure, just ask them for the full range of Diagnostics. They can administer any number of diagnostic tests from blood tests and electrocardiograms to an anti-age test to determine your biological age and a food intolerance test to see if you are unknowingly suffering detrimental effects from something you're eating.

This high-tech, cosmopolitan destination also places tremendous importance on diet, and incorporates personalized plans into all packages with an emphasis on Mediterranean cuisine. You'll emerge from the Capri Beauty Farm eating well and looking and feeling renewed -- and ready to call your helicopter.

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

Markus for Men: Designed Exclusively for Men

Filed under: Spas


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."

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.

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.

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

The Dior Institut at the Plaza Athenee: Rejuvenate in the City of Lights

Filed under: Spas


The Dior Institut at the Plaza Athénée is a luxurious spa ensconced in a sumptuous hotel located in one of the most splendid cities in the world – Paris. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Institut is a nominee for a Luxist award in the best day spa category.

The connection between the Plaza Athénée and Christian Dior dates back to 1947, when the fashion house's namesake and founder chose the hotel as a place to photograph and showcase his models. Soon he began to invite his best customers there for lunch, or eat by himself in a private dining room. Dior even named a couple of his designs "Plaza" and "Athénée."

The Dior Institut was established to promote Christian Dior's goal to make women "prettier and happier," with a focus on reversing the effects of aging. The spa boasts five individual treatment rooms, including a VIP couples' room. There is also a fitness center, a sauna and a steam bath on the premises for clients to relax in after receiving treatments.

The typical treatment at Dior begins with a "Lifting 3D" massage, designed to raise energy levels and transform the guest's posture. Next, micro-abrasion revitalizes tissues and skin. Finally, Dior's anti-aging potions are applied to stimulate, reoxygenate and decongest skin. What better way to prepare for a night on the town in the City of Lights?

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

Chuan Spa: Guided by the Pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Filed under: Spas


For the best of ancient Asian relaxation techniques, there are few places like Chuan Body and Soul. With a flagship location perched on the 41st floor of the Langham Palace Hotel in Hong Kong, the establishment really does take its clients to a place high above the daily grind – making it an easy choice for a Luxist nomination for best men's spa.

Founded in 2005, Chuan emphasizes the connection between Jing (life force), Qi (vital energy) and Shen (mind and spirit). The spa also carries on the teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, emphasizing the five Wu Xing elements whose harmony makes up the core of one's spiritual and physical health. Each session begins with a questionnaire aimed at determining which of the five elements are out of balance within an individual.

Once inside Chuan's sanctuary, choose from a wide range of relaxation options. There's the 1.5-hour Body Elements treatment, which starts with a harmony massage and ends with a facial hydration treatment. For something a little longer, try the Serenity Shen, which begins with a stone therapy massage and continues with a cool marine algae facial mask treatment and finally finishes with an indulgent foot treatment.

If you can't make it all the way to Hong Kong, never fear. Chuan boasts locations in Auckland, Melbourne, Koh Samui, Shanghai and Boston, with more locations planned for Bangkok, Beijing, Guangzhou, Phuket, Pune, London and Los Angeles. Unlike many of its compatriots in the Best Men's Spa category, Chuan is also open to women.

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

The Peninsula Spa by Espa: Techniques with both Asian and European Traditions

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas


From the windows of the spa at Hong Kong's Peninsula Hotel, guests can enjoy sweeping harbor views, a sauna, a peppermint vapor steam room and other perks – all before their treatments even begin. Small wonder The Peninsula Spa by Espa is a nominee for a Luxist award in the best day spa category.

Founded in 1928, The Peninsula was Hong Kong's first modern-day luxury hotel. The British briefly lost the enclave to Japanese forces in 1941, with the commanding officer issuing an official surrender in a room on The Peninsula's third floor, before regaining Hong Kong at the war's end. The middle of the century saw The Peninsula become one of the world's premier luxury destinations; in 1994, the hotel added a 30-story tower behind the original structure to meet growing demand. Shortly thereafter, The Peninsula Spa by Espa was installed high in the new tower.

Developed by industry giant ESPA, the spa offers body treatments and skincare with techniques borrowed from European and Asian tradition. The establishment's 14 rooms are adorned with reclaimed wood, green bamboo and indoor waterfalls; most offer views of the shimmering skyline on the other side of Victoria Harbor.

Treatments include "De-Stress," a massage with frankincense oils and a skin-specific facial (120 minutes: $250), as well as "Time Together," a couples' aromatherapy massage complete with full-body exfoliations and a steam bath (120 minutes: $650). If that's not enough relaxation, have afternoon tea in the lobby or dinner at iconic onsite restaurant Felix, which was designed by Philippe Starck.

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

Spa Montage Beverly Hills: A Modern Day Oasis

Filed under: Spas


Anyone lucky enough to find themselves in Beverly Hills and in need of a little TLC, should be sure to check out the Spa Montage, located within the Montage Beverly Hills. A majestic two-story 20,000 square –foot oasis, the spa is designed to evoke the ambiance and architecture of the Spanish Colonial revival.

At the heart of this exquisite two-story spa is a mosaic-tiled wall and co-ed mineral pool that is bathed in sunlight from generous skylights, where guests are invited to recline and relax at their leisure. The spa features 17 treatment rooms as well as men's and women's locker rooms that are outfitted with steam baths, saunas, whirlpools and Vichy showers. The spa focuses on holistic principles that considers the body, mind and spirit and offers a series of inventive, healing and restorative spa services.

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