W 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.

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.

Want to get the most from your massage? The American Massage Therapy Association suggests ten tips to achieve a positive experience.

1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.

2. Don't eat just before a massage session. Let your body digest first.

3. Be on time.

4. Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. Otherwise, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.

5. Communicate with your massage therapist before the session, providing accurate health information. Let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage. If you are allergic to any oils, lotions or powders, tell your massage therapist, who can choose a substitute. Report any discomfort and give feedback during the massage on the amount of pressure, speed of hand movement, etc.

6. Breathe normally. This helps facilitate relaxation.

7. Relax your muscles and your mind.

8. Drink extra water after your massage.

9. Don't get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you're dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session.

10. Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions, as massage has its greatest benefits over time.

To find a professional massage therapist, go to the Find a Massage Therapist Locator Service at www.findamassagetherapist.org.

Choosing the right massage technique for your needs is not as easy as it sounds. There are many different techniques, from deep tissue to Swedish and Shiatsu. The American Massage Therapy Association suggests clients speak with the massage therapist in advance to decide which technique will give them the results they want. Some massage therapists use a variety of massage techniques or types during a session to best achieve desired results. Be sure to discuss any allergies you might have to oils, lotions or powders that may be used.

Aromatherapy: This is a massage treatment that involves the application of scented "essential oils" such as lavender, that have relaxing, revitalizing, stress-reducing and balancing properties.

Deep Tissue: When slow, deep pressure and skillful hand movements target stressed muscles, unlocking tension and relieving pain.

Holistic: The human as a whole is considered, rather than a set of conditions.

Hot Stone: Heated smooth stones are placed along the spine and other points of the back, shoulders, hands and feet in order to relax tissues as well as warm and loosen tight muscles. The therapist applies gentle pressure with the stones.

Neuromuscular: This is a a deep tissue massage that can help release spasms and hyper contraction in the muscle and ligaments. It can also assist blood and lymphatic flow.

Reflexology: Specialized pressure techniques are applied to specific wellness-related reflex points on the feet to release blocked energy, relieve stress and boost circulation.

Shiatsu: Originating in Japan, there are several different kinds of Shiatsu techniques. Shiatsu typically involves a finger-pressure technique (sometimes palms and thumbs) that utilizes the traditional acupuncture points of Oriental healing. This type of massage concentrates on detecting and correcting the the flow of energy (or chi) while restoring balance throughout the body.

Sport: This kind of massage used before or after an athletic performance. It lessens fatigue and reduces the risk of injury, while decreasing swelling. It can improve flexibility and range of motion and also prevent injuries.

Swedish: A classic stress-relieving, medium pressure technique, using varied strokes of gliding and kneading to promote circulation and an overall sense of well-being.

Trigger Point: This employs compression at specific areas, also called "trigger points" of hypersensitivity in muscles, ligaments and tendons. These trigger points are distinguished by local pain, tightness, and tenderness.

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.

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?



[Source: Loews]

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.

Several months ago Ritz-Carlton finalized a $180 million transformation at its AAA Five-Diamond Kapalua, Hawaii, hotel with the opening of the 17,500-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua. The hotel, which has 463 fully-renovated guestrooms, including 107 Residential Suites, is located on the healing waters of Waihua, which the ancient Hawaiians believed was the most pure form of water.

The spa features 15 treatment rooms, with half opening to private outdoor shower gardens, and all with iPod docking stations with pre-programmed music selections and robe warmers. The spa also features two outdoor couples' hale (cabanas), men's and women's relaxation areas with the depiction of lava stone grotto areas, steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools, and the only coed indoor/outdoor relaxation area in Hawaii with a whirlpool.

The Waihua concept is evidenced by wood panels carved with images of taro leaves and the dry stone river bed design in the entry. The walls are curved, representing water movement, with water walls in select areas. Guests walk through groves of tall bamboo, and Hawaiian artwork is present throughout the public corridors. Basalt stone floors are found in the treatment rooms, and the lockers are made with mahogany wood. Raw natural ingredients of spa treatments, including Hawaiian sea salt, kukui nuts, awapuhi, and ginger, have been placed in alcoves.

The spa offers a range of Hawaiian-based spa treatments, including authentic Lomilomi massage and Hawaiian healing treatments based on relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests may honor Kupuna Kahiko (ancient elders) from the Honokahua burial site by presenting an offering outside their treatment room.

Many of the spa treatments incorporate natural ingredients in the spa products such as pineapple, papaya, kukui oil, coconut, pumpkin, and blueberry. The spa features a range of innovative facials using Murad products and the natural lines of Naturopathica and Eminence, along with Intraceuticals Oxygen Infusions treatments. The spa also offers pregnancy massage treatments using Mama Mio products. The salon offers a full range of hair, manicure, pedicure, and waxing services; treatments for younger guests, such as a Choco Holic Pedicure; and packages for teenagers, including the Bring a Friend Package, which includes a 50-minute Lomilomi Massage or a 50-minute Ritz-Carlton Signature Facial, side by side, followed by a Fabulous Feet Pedicure.

My sister, Gina, and I were lucky enough to receive a basket with samples of some of the wonderful products used at the spa. To read our reviews, click on the continued link. Better yet, visit the spa! Make reservations for the hotel here.

Many spas on the Las Vegas Strip are tucked inside the big hotels but the new ElevenSpa Vegas is a 20,000 square-foot spa located in the Town Square area on the Las Vegas Strip. The spa, which is part of a Florida-based brand of spas, has announced a partnership with celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves. Paves, perhaps best known for his friendship (and hair extension line) with Jessica Simpson will open the 'Ken Paves Salon at Eleven' and will also operate the hair salon at Eleven's Palm Beach location. The brand also has a clothing and accessories boutique and the ElevenSkin, organic skincare line.

ElevenSpa Vegas is designed to have "old Hollywood" meets a modern, chic feel. There will be a pool area with crystal chandeliers dripping into the water, 28 treatment rooms, six makeup stations, a signature brow bar, the ElevenBoutique and the ElevenSkin line. A grand opening party is planned for January 2009.

Regular Luxist readers will already be familiar with the luxurious, oversized books put out by German publisher teNeues. Not all of their top-drawer coffee table titles are the size of actual coffee tables, however. The travel sized "Cool Hotels" series has all the appeal of the deluxe editions with the added bonus that you can actually take them with you on your journey. They've just released three new additions to the stable in time for summer: Cool Hotels Italy, Cool Hotels Spain, and Cool Hotels Spa & Wellness. At $24.95 apiece, they're considerably less expensive as well. Pictured on the cover of the Italy edition above is the incredibly chic Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista in Verona, run by the Byblos fashion empire. See the gallery for more stylish vacation spots.

I've seen a heart-shaped tub before but the new love tub from Dimension One Spas is a s a limited-edition, candy apple-red, $20,000, state-of-the-art Amoré Bay hot tub. The company is making just 100 of these spas which have "strategically placed" water jets, mood lighting, a "playground" area, an i-Pod friendly stereo and cup holders. The six-person spa has an eco-friendly gray exterior made out of recycled plastic milk jugs with a new black-etched Palm tree design panel in front. The company is offering one tub filled with candy hearts and the person who guesses the number of candied hearts inside wins the tub. Contestants can enter online between now and February 29, 2008 at www.d1spas.com.

[via Born Rich]

The name La-Z-Boy is already associated with relaxation now they are providing a new level of comfort with a line of La-Z-Boy spas. The furniture manufacturer has signed a licensing agreement with Florida-based Tatum Mfg. to produce a line of luxury portable spas. The La-Z-Boy Spas Premier Collection wiill be unveiled at the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, Jan. 29-31. A La-Z-Boy Limited spa is also available exclusively through Costco Wholesale in Canada. The La-Z-Boy spas will offer reclining seats, variable speed motors, 14 built-in jet massage patterns that replicate professional masseuse techniques and a bunch of high-end consumer electronics including stereos, retractable flat screen television monitors, surround LED lighting and floating remote controls.

It might look scary (like a body bag that was too short for the victim) but this tinfoil-like sleeping bag has a lot going on that you might want to try. It's part of the Oxygen Detox System from 02 Planet, which claims to relax you, increase energy, and slow the signs of aging by detoxing and oxygenating your body. The system provides a steam sauna, water jets for massage, oxygen misting therapy, and this infrared sauna blanket. Gotta have the incredible O2 Planet Oxygen Detox System? Lucky you, it's on sale right now for just $4,595.

Via Gizmodo

This sounds just heavenly: the Cleopatra Classic Heated Lounge Chair. Cut from a single piece of high-density limestone, the entire chair emanates radiant heat for the ultimate "warmth therapy" experience. Ergonomically designed for comfort (yes, a large slab of stone can be comfortable), it can be used indoors or out and is easily cleaned just by wiping it down with a cloth. It also comes in a variety of colors, although I like the plain and natural stone pictured -- looks very "spa-like." $14,650


Via Gizmodo

Bird dropping facials and snake massages may sound like something straight out of an episode of Fear Factor, but they're really part of the growing list of strange options you might have at a luxury spa near you. An ancient Japanese secret often used by Geishas and available at Diamond Hawaii Resort and Spa in Maui is a facial that starts with Nightingale excrement, which is reportedly full of enzymes that help keep the skin smooth, clear, and white. Or maybe a Hakali massage is more your style at Apuane Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Minta, Mexico, where spine-free cactus paddles are used to rub in an alcohol called 'pulque,' which comes from the agave plant and is in the tequila family.

Other strange spa experiences that might trip your detox trigger include snake massages (exactly what they sound like -- snakes slithering up and down your back!), getting yourself covered head-to-toe in caviar, soaking in a huge tub of dark beer, and "cupping" -- a process where several cups are placed strategically along your back and then lit on fire to create suction.

Fear Factor or not, some of these sound awesome! (Some, not all...)