Austria’s collection of fourteen of the most luxurious hotel retreats include specialist alpine spas, bubbling thermal spas and health-focused medical spas, each providing programmes to restore body and mind. Read on to find out which spa is the best for you…

The Austrian Experience

The Austrian experience is unlike any other. Not only are you indulging in sumptuous spa treatments which send you on a blissful journey to tranquility but Austria gives you an eye full of beautiful surroundings and breathtaking views as well as giving you clean mountainous air to inhale. To top it off many treatments that you will experience will consist of natural ingredients straight from the Alps to leave you feeling that extra bit invigorated. If however, you’re looking for something a bit more active then there are a number of activities to choose from including a game of tennis, a spot of golf, hiking the beautiful mountains as well as horse riding across the countryside or a relaxing session of yoga.

So, if you’re looking for that summer relaxing break, the picturesque environs of Austria may just be the answer you’re looking for. What’s more, Wahanda are offering you a free signature facial during your spa break at a selection of AUSTRIA’S FINEST Spa Hotels. All you have to do is simply quote Wahanda when booking.

Go on, don’t hold back, go get that summer break you deserve and kick-back in pamper paradise while you soak in the views.

Alpine spas

If you’re looking for natural revitalization alpine spas are ideal. The treatments used at alpine spas normally consist of natural ingredients found exclusively in the Alps. The Alpine Resort & Spa Übergossene Alm, for example, has treatments called ‘Alpienne’ which use traditional recipes which can contain local ingredients such as marmot oil and herbal compresses or the healing power of St. John’s Wort, which will warm and lift your spirits. Click here to see all of AUSTRIA’S FINEST alpine spas.

Medical Spas

A medical spa is a fusion between a medical clinic and a day spa, where highly trained doctors and therapists tailor each personal care programme to the needs of the individual guest. Medical spa menus often vary but you can usually receive treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and botox. Medical spas like the AlpenMedHotel Lamm carry out treatments such physiotherapy, breathing therapy, electro-therapy as well as cosmetic skin treatments. So, if you’re looking for a more specific treatment, medical spas may be right up your street. Click here to see all of AUSTRIA’S FINEST medical spas.

Thermal Spas

With the use of mineral-rich waters, thermal spas are perfect for gently easing away the strains of aching joints and solving your skin problems. They are also excellent for helping to heal common conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. The Thermal Spa Resort Ronacher boasts its own thermal spring water which leaves the ground at a natural temperature of 36 °C and is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, which is great for boosting blood circulation and the immune system. Click here to see all of AUSTRIA’S FINEST thermal spas.

Click here to win an Austrian spa break worth €2200, plus find out more about special offers at AUSTRIA’S FINEST Spa Hotels & Resorts.

What is Sweatox?
Sweatox is the name penned by the Harley Medical Group for anti-sweat botox treatments which have seen a dramatic increase in this unusual British heatwave.

This summer, the ‘Sweatox season’ has been brought forward because of the early and even unexpected summer heat. The Harley Medical Group has seen ‘Sweatox’ bookings outnumbering last year’s. Larger cities like London, Manchester and Chelmsford have seen the biggest increase in this new trend and people are flocking to get their pits and hands sweat free by using this famous treatment.

Sweatox can relieve sweat in the typically sweaty areas of the body, including:
•         Palms of the hands
•         Under arms
•         Chest
•         Soles of the feet

If you’d like to give this anti-sweat treatment a go why not take a look at where you can get your dose of botox. But, if  ‘Sweatox’ is not for you then check out Wahanda’s top ten tips to stay cool and stress free this summer.

1. Peak sun is a no no! Try to stay away from the sun between peak times 12-3 in the afternoon.
2. Spritz on the go. Carry a moisture spritz in your bag to give yourself a much needed cool down on the go or why not try out the Dove Detox offer that uses a body scrub containing cooling peppermint oil.
3. Hide your head. Hats are big in the fashion stakes this season and practical too, so hide your head in the sun and look stylish all at the same time.
4. Dress cool. Now, we don’t mean dressing by the Vogue fashion guidelines with your key pieces- wearing a heavy suit in this heat can be seriously uncomfortable so opt for light weight and loose fit clothing.
5. Pools are cool. Pop down to your local swimming pool to cool down either on your lunch break or after a hard day’s work.
6. Water, water, water. Carry water at all times to keep hydrated and cool.
7. Take time out. Take time to pamper yourself when the heat is on and stress levels are rising. Yoga is known to have a calming influence and keeps you fit too. Or keep calm with a relaxing massage.
8. Retreat to cooler climates. If you really cannot stand this heat then why not retreat to a relaxing spa in the coolest country Iceland. The Blue Lagoon offers a range of treatments from Mud baths to Swedish massage.
9. Spice is nice. A top tip for keeping cool is eating spicy foods. Spicy food stimulates your appetite, circulation and raises body temperature, making you sweat more therefore making you cooler.  Maybe that’s why in countries like Mexico and India their food is heavily influenced by hot spices.
10. Sexy for summer. Keeping fit and healthy will make you happier in the summer months when you’re able to wear your favourite bikini or favourite summer mini dress. There are plenty of things to try including an all over body work out doing pole dancing or if you’d rather not work so hard try one of Wahanda’s free sessions of Power Plate.

This delightful break includes a three night stay for two at the beautiful five star Posthotel Achenkirch Resort and Spa in the Tirol, the opportunity to indulge in two sumptuous spa treatments each, plus transfers and flights.   And its free to enter.

Why Austria?

“Why Austria?” I hear you ask. Well, if like Wahanda you love all things to do with spas and wellbeing, you will fall head over heels in love for Austria.  As a well established spa destination, Austria brings a unique, holistic experience with a breath of fresh air. Well-known for its exquisite alpine waters and soothing thermal pools, it’s sure to send you into a cultivating wellness experience like no other.

What’s more, the lavish five star Posthotel Achenkirch, selected by Tatler Magazine as one of the 101 best spas in the world, is a luxurious and tranquil mountain retreat offering saunas, a salt grotto, an ice fountain, a circular meditation room as well as 18 treatment rooms offering massages, wraps and facials.

The Posthotel Achenkirch offers an array of activities from indulging in deep relaxation therapies and taking calm soothing walks around Lake Achensee to galloping through the countryside on one of the hotel’s beautiful and distinctive white Lipizzaner horses, to a game of tennis. There’s something for every taste. Even when it comes to food, the hotel boasts eight different restaurants offering everything from formal gourmet dining to traditional dishes using local organic produce.

Here’s how you can win…
Don’t miss the opportunity to win this holistic journey of pure heavenly bliss. It’s quick and simple to enter. All you have to do is click on the Austria competition link, fill in the form provided with your details and answer the following question:  Near to which lake is the Posthotel located? Ensure you get your entry in before midnight on 19th July 2009 and watch this space to find out if you are the lucky winner. Good luck!

But fear not. Wahanda is always on the lookout for treatments to combat your every woe, from bad skin to bad fitness, bad hair to bad nails. We brought you the very latest in technology, with Destination Skin’s launch of Smooth Shapes, and now we’ve tried a more natural approach with the Firm and Tone treatment at the Six Senses Spa at Pan Peninsula, the first of the chain to open its doors in the UK.

The spa

A little tricky to find but worth the search, Six Senses Spa is based in the highest residential building in London, set in the heart of the city with views over Canary Wharf. Neutral colours and soothing soft music fills the airy space, with a gentle aroma of incense and scented candles in the air making the bustling capital below seem far, far away.

Six Senses Spa’s main attraction is the stunning Thermal Suite, including a chromotherapy steam cabin, crystal laconium, dry sauna, sensory shower and hydrotherapy pool. A perfect chance to relax prior to an indulgent treatment, we took a short yet calming dip in the pool, before our therapist let us know it’s five minutes until our treatment. So we hopped back into the plush changing rooms and swapped our swimsuits for robes, slippers and some very original spa pants – not the typical paper pair that does very little to put you at ease, but stretchy cotton-like mini shorts which were even quite flattering. It’s the little details that count, after all!

The treatment

Through to a quiet and tranquil treatment room, our therapist explained what the treatment involves, then held up the sheet to let us get comfortable on the soft bed, face down. Already the professional attitude and approach of the staff made us feel completely at ease, as the sheets were always covering us and were held up for when we turned over.

The Firm and Tone treatment is designed to combat cellulite, by eliminating toxins and toning the skin for a fresher appearance – which sounds good to us. Starting with a dry body brushing, the therapist used sweeping strokes  towards the heart all over our legs to give the skin a boost, leaving us feeling invigorated yet relaxed.

Once we were exfoliated and super soft, the therapist then began to apply the Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel, an energising toning gel which felt cool to the touch but soothing as it was massaged in to the backs of the legs with a firm pressure. With ingredients such as juniper, pink grapefruit and rosemary, it not only smelt divine but the essential oils can help to improve skin texture and appearance of cellulite with regular use. To complement the gel’s toning properties, we were then smothered in Revive Evening Bath and Shower Oil to leave our skin silky soft, and the Six Senses mud was applied and our legs wrapped up for some toxin-busting treatment. While the mud got to work, the same treatment was performed on our tummy, which was a strange feeling particularly as the massaging movements became stronger but enjoyable nonetheless.

The result

Not only was the whole experience utterly relaxing and soothing, with great attention to detail and a brief explanation of the products throughout, but our skin felt super smooth and refreshed. Of course, one treatment won’t banish cellulite in the short but wonderful fifty minutes – if only – but a course of six treatments is recommended to see a difference. Already our skin was glowing, hydrated and revived, and the treatment was rounded off with a sit down in the relaxation suite with a cup of herbal Six Senses tea and fruit. A pleasure from start to finish, Six Senses Spa pay attention to your every need.

If you fancy trying the reviving Firm and Tone treatment at Six Senses Spa, you can purchase a spa voucher from Wahanda. Enjoy!

What’s more, this week Wahanda are celebrating Men’s Health Week, which is yet another reason why we have put together some exceptional FREE fitness deals to encourage men to get into the feel-good fitness spirit.

Get involved now and request your free fitness session of anything from a Power Plates class to a session at Beautcamp Pilates or a one-to-one golf training session and kick-start your journey to health and happiness. Read on to find out more about each FREE session…

FREE Beautcamp Pilates session
It’s no ordinary Pilates – it’s Beautcamp Pilates. Imported straight from LA to London, this revolutionary technique uses traditional therapeutic Pilates exercise techniques and incorporates the famous Systeme Dinamique. Now you can have a go for free as Wahanda has teamed up with Beautcamp Studios in Bayswater and City of London to offer a 55 minute introductory session, worth £25 completely for free. Request your free session now and get that toned, taut Hurley-esque physique.

FREE Power Plates session
It’s been dubbed the latest fitness craze, it’s the easiest way to get fit and it’s the perfect way to achieve great results quick. If you didn’t already guess it, we’re talking about Power Plates and lucky for you, with this great get fit for free offer, you can now request a free session worth £20 at any one of the four Powertone Studios including Mayfair, Fulham, Battersea and Chelsea. The workouts are fast, fun and friendly and last only 25-minutes, providing you with a full body toning experience, leaving you to feel fit and fab.

FREE One-to-One Golf Training Session
Wahanda has also teamed up with Movers and Shapers to offer a full one-to-one golf fitness training session worth £25 completely for FREE. Improve your golf handicap as well as your joint movement, muscle flexibility and control of balance. So go on, get set to strike the ball further and request your free training session now at any one of the four Movers and Shapers studios including Barnes, Stanmore, Stratford-upon-Avon and Winchester. It’s the perfect way to get fit and have fun.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now to a free fitness session and get set to hit the road to health and happiness this summer. We don’t want to hear any excuses!

The brand new Personalized Body Programme is the ultimate in bespoke beauty treatments to target any areas of concern. Designed to firm, tone, detox or simply for pure relaxation, the powerful new Body Programmes are divided into three categories. You can either experience the ultra-effective ‘Silhouette’ programme for firm beach body confidence or try the super cleansing Detox programme if your body skipped its annual spring clean. Or if you’re just looking for some stress-free indulgence, try four weeks of the Serenity programme to rediscover your inner peace.

All you have to do to be in the chance of winning is click here to enter by submitting your email address and postcode - this will count as one entry and you’ll be signed up to the bargain-filled Wahanda newsletter. Plus, you can easily improve your chances of winning just by adding Dove Spa onto your Wahanda wishlist. Super-simple, just search for Dove Spas on the site, find the spa closest to you, and then click on the ‘Add to Wishlist’ button - this will then count as an additional entry bringing you one step closer to the prize.

To access your wishlist, you will need to be logged in, so if you haven’t already registered with Wahanda, it’s quick and easy to create an account.

Last month’s lucky winner of the Six Senses Spa competition Natasha May from London, was over the moon when we informed her that she had been randomly selected to be treated to a spatastic pamper package worth £550. She and her lucky friend will get to unwind in sumptuous spa surroundings where they will be treated to an oriental massage, a skin-soothing facial and a manicure. They will also have the opportunity to indulge in the state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, chromotherapy steam cabin, sauna, sensory shower and laconium. What’s more, she and her friend can end their pamper therapy day with a signature Six Senses tea in the Tranquility Lounge… pure bliss!

Also adding to our Wahanda wall of fame are lucky winners from our April competition, Patricia Martin from Gloucester and Carol Watson from London, who won a Personalised Skin Programme at Dove Spa. They have the opportunity to address specific areas of concern with top Skin Care Experts at Dove Spa and get up to ten tailored skin treatments worth a massive £500, so they’re sure to be glowing with happiness.

To be in the chance of winning this month’s competition, sign up now and watch this space as you could be our next lucky winner.

SmoothShapes is a new and innovative system designed to combat the stubborn rimple dimple appearance of cellulite. The machine, new at the DestinationSkin Clinic in the Westfield Shopping Centre in London is the second one in the UK and had been delivered straight in from the USA on the day of our wellness event. Naturally, Wahanda were thrilled to be invited as one of the first to try it out.

What is SmoothShapes?
Here comes the science bit. SmoothShapes is a pain free procedure using proprietary technology called photomology to tackle every woman’s arch enemy, cellulite. The photomology works by combining dynamic energy, in the form of laser and light, with mechanical manipulation, in the form of contoured rollers and vacuum.

The dynamic laser and light energy is used to liquefy fat in the enlarged cells and repair brittle collagen. The collagen is remodeled so skin is smoother and tighter and fat cells are restored. The contoured rollers and vacuum, which massages across the problem area, pushes out the liquefied fat through the lymphatic system leaving a smoother, tighter appearance.

Who can use SmoothShapes?
Nine in ten women suffer from cellulite - even the most beautiful, slim and envied women in Hollywood have been spotted sporting that cottage cheese skin condition, so  SmoothShapes has been designed to be used by anyone who suffers from the orange peel syndrome. However, if you are pregnant you may want to hold off until you have given birth – but it’s a great way to lose that baby weight.

What to expect?
The treatment feels like a deep tissue massage, it’s pain-free and feels rather soothing. You will experience a gentle warming of the skin and it may leave your skin slightly pink for up to two hours after the procedure; however there is no recovery time required, so you can get back to your daily routine as normal. After the first treatment you may notice a slightly tighter feel to your skin but a course of eight sessions over four weeks is recommended to really notice an improved difference.  But even after our first treatment, we at Wahanda left with a smile on our faces and a little less jiggle to our bottoms.

SmoothShapes treatment is available to purchase at DestinationSkin Clinic, London and at SkinGenesis Clinic, Cheshire– the only stockists in the UK.

On arrival, guests received a warm welcome, wonderful smiling faces as well as champagne, strawberries, pretty little cup cakes and a tray full of other tempting goodies. We were then seated in the reception area where we were asked to fill in a health form and questionnaire, before being whisked away by one of the friendly members of staff for our consultation. Based on the questionnaire each guest was given the chance to discuss with the consultant about their skin concerns and treatments they would be interested knowing more about.

Following the consultation, guests were placed before a machine for a skin analysis using the latest skin imaging system to detect the level of hydration, congestion, blood distribution and sun damage that the skin may have.

Based on the skin analysis, guests were then treated to a facial tailored to suit their skin type and were taken to a private treatment room. There are five treatment rooms, all with a clean, airy and contemporary feel to it.

The facial treatment consisted of a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells and open pores, followed by a fruit acid exfoliation which was left on for about 5 minutes and lastly a hydrating moisturiser was massaged over the face and neck for a soft and supple finish.

Guests were then given the opportunity to sample the new cellulite busting machine, known as SmoothShapes. Wahanda reviewer Amily was one of the first lucky guests to try SmoothShapes saying:

“The new machine had only been unwrapped at the store earlier that day, and had come straight in from the USA. The treatment felt like a hoover sucking hard on the problem areas, but was not painful at all, and after a while became rather therapeutic!”

Before heading off home, the staff were more than happy to discuss any further treatments that guests may have wanted including laser hair removal, permanent make up and other facial treatments. They were also offering a great discount of 20% off any treatment that was booked that day, so lucky you can indulge in yet another pamper session.

All guests were also given the chance to win a £100 Wahanda voucher, simply by writing a review of their treatment on Wahanda.

If you didn’t make this event, don’t worry. You can still be involved, find out how you can be one of the first to be invited to all future Wellness Events.

Date: Thursday 21st May
Time: Appointments from 3pm – 9pm
Location: DestinationSkin, Westfield, London
Reserve your place: Click here

After the success of our previous Wellness Club event where you had to work hard, we decided it’s time to offer you some free pampering.

We’ve teamed up with skin experts DestinationSkin to offer you a FREE skin consultation worth £95 at their Westfield store. This event has been so ridiculously popular for the Wednesday session that we have pulled some strings to add another date just for you – Thursday 21st May.

Simply click here to request your place and join us on Thursday 21st May for your complimentary treatment.

Your free skin consultation will include:
•    Free personal consultation with a qualified skincare expert
•    Customised treatment and product prescription
•    Detailed skin analysis using a specialist skin scanner
•    Free prescription facial using the latest cosmeceutical products

Plus, make sure you come back to Wahanda and write a review of your personalised treatment – one lucky reviewer will win a £50 Wahanda voucher to spend at DestinationSkin. After our previous event at Powertone Studios in Fulham, community member Hemmysphere was selected as the winner, receiving a wonderful £50 Wahanda voucher to spend on even more fitness sessions at Powertone Studios!

Don’t miss out - if you can’t make this event, find out how you can be one of the first to be invited to all future Wellness Events.

Who is the Phytomer Muddy Stones treatment best for?
Anyone who loves indulging in body wraps but wants a little extra – as this includes some hot stone massage, it makes it more relaxing as well as detoxifying. It has been created solely for Chelsea Harbour Club by Alistair Johnson, Spa Development Manager from Phytomer, after researching treatments all over the world.

Why Phytomer?
Phytomer products are a 100% natural French brand containing seaweed and trace elements. Seaweed is great for the skin as it has a similar composition to our skin, which means the minerals are absorbed easier. However, anyone with Iodine intolerance cannot use it.

What are the minerals in the mud good for?
The mud softens and smoothes skin as well as remineralising it and is also detoxifying on the body.

What benefit do the hot stones in the treatment have?
Using the hot stones means it’s a more luxurious and effective treatment, as many people who have body wraps simply have to lay there while it gets to work. With the Phytomer Muddy Stones, clients get a massage as well so it’s a complete indulgent relaxation treatment. The heat of the stones and the massaging action increases blood circulation and means the therapist can work further into the muscle aiding and promoting the relaxation of the client and overall wellbeing.

Why is the treatment performed on a heated plinth?
For much the same reason as the hot stones – to help relax the body and the muscles.

Phytomer’s body and facial product range is available to purchase at Chelsea Harbour Club – the only stockist in Central London. Read our tried and tested write up of the Muddy Stones treatment for a sneaky peek of what’s involved. Wahanda customers also get a super special 20% off the exclusive treatment - who says you can’t buy happiness?

One to watch: Chelsea Harbour Club are launching even more skin-tingling treatments in June and July, including:

• Phytomer Take Thai ‘M’ Out Massage - a holistic massage combining lavender bolus’s and pressure point movements to release and relax the stress and strain on the body.

• Phytomer Marine Pearl Facial - rejuvenating and anti-ageing facial using anti-ageing facial massage movement as well as balls of pure seawater to plump and brighten the skin.

• Lava Shell Massage - the alternative to hot stone massage using lava tiger clams and a self heating saline solution, 100% eco-friendly.