Spas of Life | Healthy Living + Travel

Spas of America’s Top 35 Health Spas

2016-01-04T17:38:00.000-08:00

Shankara Ayurveda Spa, Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, North Carolina

The New Year is often a time of personal reflection on where we are now and we want to be in 2016.

If your goals include getting healthy, getting fit and getting inspired to improve your overall well-being, spa and wellness experiences may provide an ideal environment for pursuing them. Destination spas, or health spas, are dedicated to educating people about the benefits of physical activity, nutritious eating, mind-body connections and therapeutic advantages of massage and body treatments. From stays of a few days to multi-week journeys, these leading health spas of North America can help further your pursuit of better mind, body and spirit in 2016.

Spas of America’s Top 35 Health Spas

Michigan Marvelous: The Spa Grand Traverse

2015-02-13T08:17:00.002-08:00

Complete with a 7,000 square-foot spa, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is one of the Midwest’s finest full-service, year-round destinations for spa enthusiasts. The 900-acre property, located along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan’s East Grand Traverse Bay, is designed to showcase the surrounding area’s stunning beauty with relaxing and invigorating amenities.

Inspired by the rejuvenating nature of Northern Michigan, Spa Grand Traverse occupies two floors, twenty-three treatment rooms, a salon and boutique. Whether you desire a few soothing hours or an all-embracing spa vacation, our northern Michigan setting stimulates renewal of the body, mind and spirit with massage therapies, skin care, and wellness treatments featuring natural products that focus on de-stressing, detoxifying and re-balancing. Resort guests, club members and locals alike can savor the Spa’s signature cherry infused services featuring locally made products which you will find in massage and nail care services. In addition to traditional treatments, Spa Grand Traverse has aligned with The Center for Skin Care at Copper Ridge to provide unique, new services in a tranquil spa setting. Board certified physicians Dr. Chris Jeffries, Dr. Steven Thomas and their professionally trained staff provide safe, non-invasive beauty treatments utilizing BroadBand Light technology.

Not to miss at the Spa is the Cherry Honey Glow. A fresh mix of northern Michigan cherry concentrate and sugar is applied to the body, exfoliating and polishing the skin. A relaxing and rhythmic rinse under the Vichy shower follows. Complete the experience with cherry hydrating lotion, leaves your skin feeling softer and younger.

One of the Midwest's finest full-service, year-round, golf, spa and vacation destinations, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers nearly 600 Hotel and Tower rooms, suites, and condominiums. The Resort features 54 holes of championship golf including The Bear, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, The Wolverine, by Gary Player and Spruce Run, the original Resort course. Additional features include a comprehensive tennis program with indoor and outdoor tennis courts, 100,000 square-foot Health Club with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 15,000-square foot Indoor Water Playground, children's center, plus a shopping gallery, diverse restaurants and lounges and year-round recreation.

The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has won numerous awards including: Traverse Magazine, Voted Red Hot Best Spa in Northern Michigan 2014; Conde Naste Traveller, Top 50 Mainland Destination; Family Circle Magazine, Family Resort of the Year Award; Golf Magazine, Silver Medal Resort; USA Today, 10 Great Places for Family Golf; and a Top 100 Spas of 2012, by Spas of America.

How to get there:
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is situated in the northwest corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Just six miles northeast of Traverse City, it is a ten-minute drive from Traverse City's Cherry Capital Airport (TVC). The Resort is 2.5 hours from Grand Rapids, 4 hours from Detroit and 6 hours from Chicago.

Visit the Spa Grand Traverse, Traverse City, Michigan

The Top 50 California Spas of 2014

2015-01-29T15:48:00.001-08:00

Ojai Resort & Spa, Ojai, California

The spa travel website Spas of America has released its inaugural ranking of the Top 50 California Spas of 2014 based on consumer behavior on its website.

“Since we launched Spas of America ten years ago, California has played the lead for North America’s spa and wellness industry,” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. “Long known for its warm sunshine and fresh-air attitude, California is our most searched region, and home to our largest audience of spa consumers.”

Spa travel has become an important driver for the state’s tourism industry as reported by Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “Spa and wellness experiences lure 31 million travelers to California each year with an abundance of luxury and relaxation options. Whether it’s on a sun-kissed beach, bustling urban center or a mountain retreat, our spa experiences, coupled with our boundless outdoor activities, attractions and culinary delights, makes the Golden State the ideal destination for those looking to indulge and unwind.”

Where does this passion for spa come from? Health and wellness is ingrained in the DNA of California according to hospitality and spa/lifestyle consultant Peter Anderson of Anderson & Associates. “Culturally, California is both iconoclastic and innovative, starting with the hippies of the 60s trending into the Silicon Valley of today,” he says. “We have a culture that pushes boundaries to help us have our ‘better lives.’”

California consumers are also expanding their spa and wellness palate, says Jessica Timberlake, former Southern California spa director, and founder at Found Details Photography. “As the Millennial generation gains strength in spending power, there is a noticeable trend shift in what the consumer wants. Spa goers are interested in not only a massage and facial, but a true wellness experience to balance out the stresses of a constantly connected life. California, as a known trendsetter both in consumerism and spa experiences, is sure to respond to this demand in new and innovative ways,” she says.

The Top 50 California Spas of 2014 consists of a kaleidoscope of hotels, resorts and destination spas from across the Golden State, including boutique wine spas, revitalizing mineral springs, entertaining casino spas, results-driven fitness spas and luxury spas. 

Spas of America’s Top 50 California Spas of 2014

Wine & Roses, Lodi
The Biggest Loser Resort, Malibu
Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, Napa
Oaks at Ojai, Ojai
Sunstone The Spa at Agua Caliente, Rancho Mirage
Pala Casino Spa & Resort, Pala
Southbridge Napa Valley, St. Helena
The Spring Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs
The Spa at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach
The Golden Door, San Marcos
Agua Serena Spa, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, Indian Wells
We Care Detox Spa, Desert Hot Springs
Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley
The Spa at The Grand Del Mar, San Diego
Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa, Desert Hot Springs
Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma
The Spa at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, Newport Beach
Blue Marble Spa, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego
The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, Half Moon Bay
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, San Luis Obispo
The Ashram Retreat, Calabasas
Spa at Equinox Century City, Los Angeles
Marilyn Monroe Spa, Hyatt Regency Monterey, Monterey
Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa, Corona
Indian Springs Resort & Spa, Calistoga
Miracle Springs Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs
Villagio Inn & Spa, Yountville
The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, Malibu
Post Ranch Inn & Spa, Big Sur
Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford
The Chopra Center Omni La Costa Resort, Carlsbad
The Spa at Rancho Valencia, Rancho Santa Fe
Spa Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
The Spa at Bardessono, Yountville
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara
Sage Spa, Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, Cabazon
La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Ojai
Healing Arts Center & Spa, Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert
The WELL Spa, Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
The Spa at Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes
Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa, Bodega Bay
The Auberge Spa at Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga
Spa Relaken, Miyako Hybrid Hotel, Torrance
Spa Montage Beverly Hills, Beverlly Hills
Spa Las Palmas at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage
Spa Gaucin, St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point
Sea Wellness Spa, Casa Del Mar, Santa Monica
The Spa at Paradise Point, San Diego

Click here for a complete list of California Spas:

Spas of America’s Top 50 California Spas of 2014 are ranked by unique page views generated by customers visiting the website throughout the year. Spas of America’s global audience is 70% women; 80% USA/Canada; age 25 to 65 (median age 39); $75k–$250k household income; leisure and business travellers; and health, wellness and lifestyle oriented.

Source: Google Analytics, January 1–December 31, 2014

Spas of America's Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014

2015-01-13T18:10:00.000-08:00

100 Fountain Spa, Pillar and Post

Spas of America has announced their annual ranking of the Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014, based on consumer behavior on our website.

“2014 was a strong year for the Canadian spa and wellness industry,” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. “British Columbia has the most spas on the Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014 with 18, but Ontario took the top three spots: Miraj Spa by Caudalie Paris at Shangri-La Toronto, Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, and the #1 spa in the Canada - Niagara-on-the-Lake’s 100 Fountain Spa.”

100 Fountain Spa, Pillar & Post general manager, Paul MacIntyre, graciously accepts the recognition bestowed on the world-class spa. “As general manager, I applaud my team for their efforts to always go above and beyond to exceed our guest expectations. My team values this top 50 recognition just as much as I do.”

The Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014 lists spas from across the country, including 18 spas from British Columbia, 15 from Ontario, eight from Alberta, five from Quebec, two from Saskatchewan, and one each from Manitoba and Newfoundland.

Spas of America’s Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014

100 Fountain Spa, Pillar & Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Ste. Anne's Spa, Grafton, Ontario
Miraj Spa by Caudalie Paris, Shangri-La Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan
Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta
The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Blue Mountains, Ontario
White Oaks Resort, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Drift Spa, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Ucluelet, British Columbia
Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia
Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Serenity Spa by the Falls, Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Five Lakes Spa, DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa, Niagara Falls, Ontario
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
The Spa, InterContinental Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
The Hills Health Ranch, 108 Mile House, British Columbia
Temple Gardens Resort & Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Balnea Spa, Bromont-sur-le-lac, Quebec
Clinic at KurSpa, Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon, British Columbia
eforea: spa at Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham, Markham, Ontario
Hastings House Country House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Scandinave Spa Whistler, Whistler, British Columbia
CHI the Spa at Shangri-La Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta
Mountain Trek Retreat, Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia
Amerispa, Sheraton Laval, Laval, Quebec
Haven Spa, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, Sidney, British Columbia
Healing Springs Spa, Harrison Hot Springs Resort, Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
Santé Spa Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
The Couples Resort and Algonquin Spa, Whitney, Ontario
Miette Hot Springs, Jasper, Alberta
Grail Springs, Bancroft, Ontario
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau, Quais du vieux-port de Montréal, Quebec
Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia
Banff Upper Hot Springs, Banff, Alberta
Santé Spa Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
Santé Spa Calgary, at Hôtel Le Germain, Calgary, Alberta
Au Naturel Spa, Brookstreet, Ottawa, Ontario
Elements Spa Salon at the Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls, Ontario
The L Spa & Wellness Centre, Grand Prairie, Alberta
Amerispa, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie, Quebec
Willow Stream Spa,Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, British Columbia
Euro-Spa Wellness Resort, St-Ignace-de-standbridge, Quebec
Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Boathouse Spa and Baths, Victoria, British Columbia
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia
Radium Hot Springs, Radium, British Columbia
Monastery Spa and Suites, St. John’s, Newfoundland
Susurrus Spa at Poets Cove Resort, South Pender Island, British Columbia

Spas of America’s Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014 are ranked by unique page views generated by customers visiting the website throughout the year. Spas of America’s global audience is 70% women; 80% USA/Canada; age 25 to 65 (median age 39); $75k–$250k household income; leisure and business travellers; and health, wellness and lifestyle oriented.

Source: Google Analytics, January 1–December 31, 2014

View a complete list of Canada Spas.

Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2014

2015-01-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

New Life Hiking Spa, Mendon/Killington, Vermont

The spa travel website Spas of America has released their annual ranking of the Top 100 Spas of 2014, based on consumer behavior on their website.

“2014 was a very strong year for the spa and wellness industry with record visits and revenue for the North American spa and wellness industry” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver.

An ISPA 2014 U.S. Spa Industry Study commissioned by the ISPA Foundation and undertaken by PwC International Survey Unit, reported an increase of 2.5% in spa visits to 164 million, and a revenue growth of 5.1% to $14.7 billion.

“This year we saw growth in three areas of spa travel” says Oliver, “Destination Spas - with their focus on health, fitness and weight-loss; Mineral Spas - and their emphasis on the healing attributes of mineral hot springs; and a return to Luxury Spas at resorts and urban centers."

2014's list of the The Top 100 Spas includes 69 spas from the United States, 30 spas from Canada, and one from Mexico.

Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2014

New Life Hiking Spa, Mendon/Killington, Vermont
Biggest Loser Chicago, Itasca, Illinois
Biggest Loser Niagara, Java Center, New York
100 Fountain Spa, Pillar & Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Relâche Spa, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee
Wine & Roses, Lodi, California
Biggest Loser Resort, Amelia Island, Florida
The Naples Grande Spa, Naples, Florida
Fitness Ridge, Ivins, Utah
Abhasa Spa, The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Ste. Anne's Spa, Grafton, Ontario
Evensong Spa, Heidel House Resort, Green Lake, Wisconsin
Miraj Spa by Caudalie Paris, Shangri-La Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Biggest Loser Resort Malibu, Malibu, California
Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan
Skana, The Spa at Turning Stone Resort, Verona, New York
Spa Terra, Meritage Resort at Napa, Napa, California
Aqua Spa, The Delano, Miami Beach, Florida
Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, California
Turtle Cove Spa, Mountain Harbor Resort, Mount Ida, Arkansas
Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
The Spa at the Omni Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia
Sunstone The Spa at Agua Caliente, Rancho Mirage, California
Spa Khakara, Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta
The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Blue Mountains, Ontario
White Oaks Resort, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Crystal Springs Resort, Vernon, New Jersey
Drift Spa, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Ucluelet, British Columbia
Aspira Spa, The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Relâche Spa, Gaylord National Resort, National Harbour, Maryland
Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia
Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Serenity Spa by the Falls, Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Five Lakes Spa, DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Pala Casino Spa & Resort, Pala, California
Southbridge Napa Valley, St. Helena, California
The Cloister Spa, Sea Island Resorts, Sea Island, Georgia
Crystal Spa, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
The Spring Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California
The Spa, InterContinental Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
ESPA, Acqualina Resort, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
The Hills Health Ranch, 108 Mile House, British Columbia
Temple Gardens Resort & Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
eforea spa, Hilton Short Hills, Short Hills, New Jersey
The Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina
Balnea Spa, Bromont-sur-le-lac, Quebec
Halele‘a Spa, The St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai, Hawaii
CostaBaja Resort & Spa, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Clinic at KurSpa, Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon, British Columbia
eforea: spa at Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham, Markham, Ontario
Hastings House Country House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
ZaSpa Dallas, Hotel ZaZa, Dallas, Texas
Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The Spa Internazionale on Fisher Island, Miami, Florida
The Spa at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach, California
Scandinave Spa Whistler, Whistler, British Columbia
Mii amo, a Destination Spa at Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
Relâche Spa, Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, Texas
CHI the Spa at Shangri-La Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks, Alaska
The Sagestone Spa at Red Mountain Resort, St. George, Utah
Amara Resort and Spa, Sedona, Arizona
Eau Spa, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Manalapan, Florida
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta
Awaken Whole Life Center, Unity Village, Missouri
Mountain Trek Retreat, Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia
Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Seven Inlets Spa, Little Creek Casino Resort, Shelton, Washington
Narande Spa, Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes, Tempe, Arizona
Canyon Ranch Tucson, Tucson, Arizona
Carson Hot Mineral Springs Resort, Carson City, Nevada
Amerispa, Sheraton Laval, Laval, Quebec
Waldorf Astoria Spa at the Boulders, Carefree, Arizona
Glade Spring Spa, Suncadia Resort, Cle Elum, Washington
Golden Door, San Marcos, California
Haven Spa, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, Sidney, British Columbia
Healing Springs Spa, Harrison Hot Springs Resort, Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
W Hoboken, Bliss Spa, Hoboken, New Jersey
We Care Detox Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California
Agua Serena Spa, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, Indian Wells, California
Santé Spa Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
The Couples Resort and Algonquin Spa, Whitney, Ontario
Regency Health Resort and Spa, Hallandale, Florida
Alvadora Spa, Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona
The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Miette Hot Springs, Jasper, Alberta
Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow, Vermont
The Wellhouse at Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, Arizona
Poseidon Spa, Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia
Grail Springs, Bancroft, Ontario
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau, Quais du vieux-port de Montréal, Quebec
SpaTerre, Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley, California
Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia

Learn more at www.spasofamerica.com.

Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2014 are ranked by unique page views generated by customers visiting the website throughout the year. Spas of America’s global audience is 70% women; 80% USA/Canada; age 25 to 65 (median age 39); $75k–$250k household income; leisure and business travellers; and health, wellness and lifestyle oriented.

Source: Google Analytics, January 1–December 31, 2014

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain's 12 Days of Christmas Contest

2014-12-04T10:29:00.001-08:00

Ontario's Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain is running a 12 Days of Christmas Contest, starting December 1st. There is over $7,500 in gifts to be given out this year!

Visit Scandinave Spa's Facebook Page for more information and to enter the contest. Be sure to like them on Facebook so you can follow along and watch the gifts grow.

Good luck!

Wisconsin's Evensong Spa launches January Wellness Month with Mammogram Testing

2014-12-04T09:39:00.001-08:00

Marshfield Clinic’s Mobile Health Screening Unit will travel to Green Lake to provide mammograms at Evensong Spa on Saturday, January 10, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of the spa’s Wellness Month programming.

The 40-foot-screening van has provided digital mammography services to thousands of patients since 2007. All screening services completed in the mobile unit are done in a private space just as they would be at a clinic. Women 18 years and older can receive mammograms in the mobile health screening unit. For this event, women are encouraged to schedule a mammogram well in advance of Jan. 10 to ensure availability.

According to Marshfield Clinic, the recommended frequency of mammograms varies with age:

• All women over 20 years of age are encouraged to perform monthly breast self-exams.
• Women age 40 to 49 are advised to have a mammogram every one to two years based on
risk factors.
• Women over 50 years are advised to have a mammogram every year.
• Women over 75 should discuss the frequency of mammograms with their health care
provider.

“Screening mammography is important because it’s the first line of defense in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is the key to successful treatment,” said Myron Gadke, mobile services manager. “Marshfield Clinic believes it’s important to provide mobile mammography services because many women we see would not have access to mammograms close to home.”

Mammogram costs will be billed to health insurance providers for patients with health insurance or Medicare. Patients should check with their insurance to make sure Marshfield Clinic is a network provider. Financial assistance may be available to those that qualify. Call the Marshfield Clinic Patient Assistance staff at 715.389.4475 to see if this is an option.

“Health and wellness of our guests and community is important to us at Evensong Spa,” said spa director Druellen Kosti. “Therefore, it makes sense for us to provide a convenient opportunity for women to receive mammograms, since it can often take months to get an appointment elsewhere.”

Evensong Spa, managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, has scheduled the mammogram bus as part of the spa’s Wellness Month. During January, Evensong Spa will feature health and wellness programming on Saturdays.

Evensong Spa's January Wellness events include hypnosis and lifestyle coaching by John Ahrens, “Life is a Balancing Act” workshop with Debbie Lessin, skincare by Kerstin Florian and Eminence, reflexology by Erin Withun, hoop fitness and $50 services Sunday through Thursday. Guests are encouraged to book the midweek specials well in advance to ensure availability; time slots as these services fill quickly. Additional details of Wellness Month will come as it gets closer.

“With such a variety of events planned, there should be something of interest for everyone,” said Kosti. “Our hope, then, is that these classes will educate our guests and inspire a lifelong commitment to healthy living.”

For more information on the Marshfield Clinic Mobile Health Screening Unit or to book a mammogram appointment, call Marshfield Clinic at 715.221.6086.

For more information on other Wellness Month programming or to make a spa appointment, callEvensong Spa at 920.294.3347 or visit Evensong Spa.

Leading Spas of Canada Announces 2014 Spa Industry Awards

2014-10-08T05:45:00.002-07:00

Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Resort

Spa Industry Association of Canada (SIAC), Canada’s only national spa association, has announced its 2014 Canadian Spa Industry Award recipients. SIAC presents annual awards to leading spa industry members in recognition of their exceptional contribution to advancing the spa industry in Canada.

The Spa Industry Association of Canada is proud to acknowledge the following Canadian spa industry award recipients:

President’s Award - Diane Sparrow, Riverstone Spa, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Past Chair of the SIAC Board of Directors. Diane has been a SIAC board member since 2005. As a member of the Standard and Practices committee, she helped to pioneer the Association’s Quality Assurance program

Outstanding Service Award - Leslie Lyon, Spas2b Inc., Waterloo, Ontario. The Outstanding Service Award recognizes the efforts of an individual who in the past year, has worked hard for the good of the Association, the spa industry and/or community. The 2014 recipient is Leslie Lyon, Founder and President of Spas2b Inc. Leslie has been involved in the Spa industry for over 30 years. Today she enjoys her profession as an international educator, writer and speaker.

Education Award - Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara, Parksville, British Columbia. The Education Award recognizes outstanding contribution to the education of the spa profession in Canada. This year the recipient is The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara located in Parksville, Vancouver Island, BC. Paulina Alexander, Spa Director says, "At the Grotto Spa, we are proud of our commitment to training and education. We feel the Spa Industry is BEST industry to work in and we are honoured to be the recipient of this award."

Sustainability Award - Éminence Organic Skin Care, Vancouver, BC. The Sustainability Award recognizes the efforts of a member who is committed to sustainable and environmentally sage practices and is awarded to a member who has managed to balance competitive business strategies with sustainable development. This year's recipient is Éminence Organic Skin Care, long time leaders in this field, and celebrating over 50 years of supporting beautiful skin care.

Quality Assurance Award - The Spa Ritual, Calgary Alberta. The Spa Ritual in Calgary is this year’s winner of the Quality Assurance Award for the second year running. The award recognizes a member who has both practiced and promoted the highest standard of quality and safety in the spa industry. The Spa Ritual focuses on therapies and spa treatments based on authentic, holistic rituals inspired by ancient practices of health and wellness from Southeast Asia - specifically designed to enhance your path to personal revitalization.

For more information contact Leading Spas of Canada

Vermont's New Life Hiking Spa Relocates to the Cortina Inn & Resort

2014-09-26T07:19:00.002-07:00

New Life Hiking Spa, long regarded as one of the top ten destination spa and wellness retreats in the country, is moving to the Cortina Inn & Resort in Mendon, Vermont.

The Cortina Inn & Resort, which has recently completed a three million dollar renovation, is located on 33 acres in the Mendon/Killington area of Central Vermont. The ideal location of the Inn will enable New Life Hiking Spa to retain its employees and continue with the usual hikes and indoor pool classes. Its location will also allow for new hikes to be added and some of the guest’s favorite hikes to be accessed directly from the property.

New Life Hiking Spa is open each year from mid-May through the end of September and will keep the same schedule with the new location. The 2015 season is from May 14 – September 28. However, groups and corporate wellness retreats, usually only offered while New Life Hiking Spa is operating, will now be offered year-round.

“This is a big move for New Life Hiking Spa”, stated Jimmy LeSage, the founder and director of New Life. “I started New Life in Stratton, Vermont, where we stayed for 12 years and then moved to Killington, where we stayed for 24 years. With this next move to Mendon, it will allow New Life Hiking Spa to continue to grow and give our guests an exceptional destination spa experience while offering the best hiking in the country. We plan to continue to stay in the same affordable price range. We have a 40% return guest ratio and we have listened to what they want and expect from New Life. We are thrilled to be offering the same product, with many improvements, at the same affordable price,” he went on to say.

New Life Hiking Spa caters to approximately 600 guests a season from all over the world. Regular prices range from $229-$259 per night and include a deluxe room with a private bath, three healthy and freshly prepared meals per day, fruits and vegetables as snacks, three levels of guided hikes offered each day, all fitness and yoga classes, one massage or spa service for every three night stay, evening lectures and cooking demos.

For more information, visit New Life Hiking Spa.

Ontario's Ste. Anne's Spa Adds Three Spa Cottages

2014-09-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

Ste. Anne's Spa has opened the doors to three new cottage accommodations, offering guests more options than ever. This announcement heralds one more step in the growth of Ste. Anne's, which began as a country inn and has evolved into a spa village in Northumberland County.

Casa Del Sol is the largest of the new facilities, a ranch-style cottage with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, located just 100 metres from the main inn. It comfortably accommodates up to ten people who are seeking a luxurious, private retreat. Guests can relax on the wrap-around porch or laze in the private hot tub, while enjoying the beautiful sunsets that inspired the name of this cottage, Spanish for "House of the Sun".

Vista Lago sits atop a hill with gorgeous views of the rolling countryside and Lake Ontario. There are four bedrooms as well as a private hot tub and deck, and it is suitable for up to eight people. This cottage, located 1.5 km from the main inn, can also serve as a perfect setting for groups seeking a meeting space. It has a table that can seat 12 people boardroom-style. The conference management team at Ste. Anne's will provide equipment free of charge, such as smartboards, flipcharts or conference phones.

Casa Del Sol and Vista Lago have gas fireplaces, full kitchens and beautifully appointed living and dining rooms.

Maison Sante Nook, a short walk from the main inn, is ideal for guests who want the privacy of their own space with the convenience of a well appointed fitness facility, hot tub, dry sauna and an outdoor endless pool right next door. The nook features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large kitchen and living room with a gas fireplace.

Ste. Anne's offers a free shuttle service between the main inn and all its facilities. In addition, guests at Casa Del Sol and Vista Lago may take advantage of Culinary Classes or a Private Chef Experience in their cottage.

For the past eight years, Ste. Anne's has been voted "Canada's Favourite Spa". Located on more than 400 acres of scenic, rolling countryside, it offers guests more than 35 rejuvenating spa services, uniquely appointed accommodations, first-class amenities and, of course, delicious cuisine.

For more information visit Ste. Anne's

Vintage Hotels Welcomes BABOR Skincare

2013-12-04T06:59:00.002-08:00

Two of North America’s top spas,100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post and Secret Garden Spa at Prince of Wales in Niagara-on-the-Lake, have reaffirmed their commitment to excellence with an exciting new product line! Vintage Hotels is proud to announce the exclusive launch of BABOR skincare and spa treatments.

BABOR, the German beauty pioneer has been transforming the secrets of nature into natural, high-tech products for over 55 years. The brand name is now synonymous with natural beauty care and draws on the expertise of a team of leading scientists and dermatologists to develop innovative beauty products.

Vanessa Tierney, Director of Spa Operations at Vintage Hotels is enthusiastic about the addition. "BABOR is a perfect fit to our philosophy; modern innovation, rich in heritage. With BABOR's unique positioning, we are able to reach a broad market, offering a premium skin care line in treatments and home care. In addition to the core line, BABOR also includes a men’s series and organic options; which we have seen an increasing demand for."

"We have all seen trends of foraging in the food world and we see this transitioning into spa guest needs. Consumers are becoming more educated; they want to know where ingredients are sourced, they care about their health and they care about the environment. Being a leading brand for over 50 years, we feel good about offering BABOR in our Spas." says Vanessa. "Our team of high-quality professionals, coupled with a premium product and the support offered by BABOR is a winning formula."

The Vintage Hotels spa team invites clientele to discover the BABOR difference.

100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post

Secret Garden Spa at Prince of Wales Hotel

Naturally Inspired ~ The Spa at the Grand Del Mar

2013-11-19T15:13:00.001-08:00

Finding perfect harmony of both luxury and nature, the Spa at the Grand Del Mar earns its reputation as a five-star spa. Its Renaissance design is truly exquisite; housing eleven treatment rooms, four pools, two saunas, a fitness center and a movement studio that hosts complimentary fitness classes for guests. The spa is also home to one of the two Haim Ltd. Salons for professional hair and esthetic services. What truly sets the spa apart is its commitment to utilizing natural ingredients throughout the products, treatments and services it offers.

The spa is inspired by the resources of the area, namely the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve adjacent to the Grand Del Mar. The canyon contains the very same mud, stones, clay, minerals and flora that the spa derives for body therapies. Equally enticing is the organic, handmade product line for facials that is produced exclusively for the Grand Del Mar. The spa is dedicated to its vision of natural wellness, and offers daily fitness classes or a short hiking tour around the canyon as an addition to your spa experience.

From hair and makeup services to body wraps, classic massages and pedicures, one can easily spend an entire day restoring and pampering every part of the body. Breaking it up with a dip in the beautiful outdoor pool or a yoga class can ease you even further into a state of peaceful Zen. The unique menu combined with the use of natural elements in both design and treatments elevate the Spa at the Grand Del Mar to a level of elegant grandeur worthy of the high praise it receives.

The Spa at the Grand Del Mar  

~ Genevieve McAlevy, Spas of America. When not traveling, Genevieve is a writer and Social Media maven, and can usually be found running the Vancouver seawall.

October Yoga Retreats at Ste. Anne's Spa

2013-09-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ontario's Ste. Anne's Spa, voted one of Canada's leading Destination Spas, announced their first 2-Day Yoga Retreats this upcoming October 29th - 30th, 2013. During the retreat, participants - whether beginners or those more advanced - will experience four yoga wellness practices including: Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep), Yoga (vinyasana, asana, pranayama and sivanasana), Stretching (flexibility and range of motion) and Meditation (guided).

More than a spa experience, Ste. Anne's Spa Yoga Retreat will enable one to get in touch with their inner self and guide them in understanding the importance of a clear connection between body, mind and heart to live a truly healthy, sustainable and inspired life.

Featured Instructor - Jenn Hall

Jenn Hall is Ste. Annes' Wellness Coordinator and brings over 12 years experience in the health and fitness industry to our spa. Jenn is a certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Yoga Teacher, specializing in Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, and Gentle Yoga. Her personal teaching style is light-hearted, compassionate, full of options and fun, and encourages all students to explore their own bodies and needs as guided by their personal abilities. Jenn is thrilled to be offering Yoga Retreat packages at Ste. Anne's and hopes to provide an opportunity for guests to explore their own unique journey into yoga and meditation.

Ste. Anne's Yoga Retreats can now be booked for $795* per person and includes 2 nights deluxe accommodation, 3 group meals per day, snacks, 3 guided walks, $240 spa allowance, complete use of the facilities, reusable spa bag & slippers and use of Ste. Anne's signature robe. Yoga mats, blankets, yoga props, pillows and eye pillows will be provided for guests during the retreat's yoga classes.

* Plus HST based on double occupancy. Maximum number of participants per retreat is 15.

For more information on Ste. Anne's Yoga Retreat please visit:
http://www.spasofamerica.com/spas/ste_annes

or contact Wanda Hoehn at 905-349-3704 ext 2007 or by email at wanda.hoehn@steannes.com.

Win a One Night Stay at Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa!

2013-07-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Take in a massage treatment at the Spa-Essence of Life any weekday Monday through Thursday during the months of July & August and be entered to win a complimentary one night stay in a luxurious OceanSuite.

The winning draw includes, one night at Brentwood Bay Resort, breakfast in bed for two, a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, free parking, wifi, long distance calling throughout North America and fresh baked cookies in your suite. Each spa massage counts towards a ballot, so the more times you book a massge treatment this summer, the better chances to win.

Please call 1.250-544-5111 to book your spa experience. The lucky winner will be drawn September 1st.

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa

Unity Village, Missouri's Awaken Whole Life Center

2013-07-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Set to open in the Fall of 2013, in Unity Village, Missouri, the Awaken Whole Life Center is dedicated to gathering people from all walks of life to help improve their overall health and put them on the path to achieving optimal wellness.

The center will feature events and retreats, such as Yoga Rocks the Park, Creative Awakening Yoga Retreat, and Power Up Your Life/Twelve Powers Retreat. Guests who seek balance, harmony, and peace will experience restoration of the body, mind, and spirit, and learn how to connect with their deeper self.

For more information about Awaken Whole Life Center, visit:
www.spasofamerica.com/spas/awaken_whole_life_center

The Oaks at Ojai welcomes Peter Bowen as new GM

2013-07-15T14:41:00.001-07:00

The Oaks at Ojai has named Peter Bowen as general manager to oversee the daily operations, growth and success of the beloved destination spa. He comes to The Oaks from a 16-year tenure at the five-diamond Ojai Valley Inn where he held positions ranging from director of rooms, director of distribution and revenue and director of sales and marketing, and grew average daily rate and occupancy consistently.

Cathy Cluff, CEO and president of The Oaks at Ojai, states, “We are delighted to have Peter as part of The Oaks family. We have worked with him in the community for many years and his customer centric philosophy and passion for exceeding guest expectations are attributes that The Oaks values. He has enhanced every department he has led in his previous positions and that experience, in turn, will elevate the quality of The Oaks’ operation.”

Bowen, a resident of Ojai since 1995, and when notmoonlighting as an actor, is focused on making impactful and thoughtful changes to The Oaks, such as simplifying the reservations process, enhancing the arrival/departure experience and emphasizing The Oaks “Program” to ensure the guests’ goals are realized.

Bowen says, “With a relatively small staff, it’s so important for all of us to be working well together. The Oaks prides itself on being a family-run business and the personal attention that comes with being taken care of by a member of the family needs to be evident at every turn. My goal is to enhance that family environment for our staff and guests and introduce processes and standards that will allow the team to work efficiently and effectively in anticipating our guests’ needs. Identifying the goal of the guest at the time of reservation will help guide their experience and allow us to provide the best opportunity to achieve their desired result. There are a plethora of special programs at The Oaks at Ojai featured throughout the year: theme weeks, special events and guest speakers all designed to assist our guests in achieving their goals. We are also blessed to be located in the heart of the beautiful Ojai Valley which provides an ideal environment to enhance our health, wellness and nutrition."

The Oaks at Ojai

New Life Hiking Spa Offers 30% Off Labor Day Weekend

2013-07-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

Killington, Vermont's New Life Hiking Spa, one of North America’s top destination spas, is offering an all-inclusive Labor Day Weekend Special for two at a price of $999 a discount of $435 off regular rates.

New Life Hiking Spa is one of the oldest and most established destination spas in the country. Founded in 1978, New Life has been set in the Green Mountains for over three decades and is celebrating the 35th Anniversary this year.

Long regarded as one of the country’s most affordable destination spas, New Life is offering a tremendous value for Labor Day Weekend. The weekend starts with check-in on Friday afternoon, August 30th. The weekend includes three-nights’ accommodations for two, three healthy spa meals a day, healthy snacks, one massage for each guest, three professionally guided hikes, all fitness activities and evening lectures. The all-inclusive price for two is $999. Guests check out on Labor Day, September 2nd. Guests do not need to leave until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, so breakfast, a guided hike and lunch is included the day of check-out.

Additional summer and fall foliage discounts are available on many of the New Life Hiking Spa’s vacation packages and weight loss retreats for the remainder of the season and are listed on their website. New Life Hiking Spa is currently accepting reservations for the remainder of the 2013 season which runs until September 27, 2013.

New Life Hiking Spa

Niagara Wellness at The Spa at White Oaks, Ontario

2013-06-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Spa at White Oaks, a centerpiece of the spectacular White Oaks Conference Resort, is one of the largest spas in Southern Ontario, offering 17 treatment rooms including a luxurious and very popular couples suite, along with two tranquil relaxation rooms. The White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa is ideally situated for both Canadian and American visitors, only 90 minutes south from Toronto, Ontario and 30 minutes north of Buffalo, New York.

'Beyond pure indulgence' is the Spa at White Oaks' philosophy. Through the combination of their unique treatments, the four diamond customer service experience and tranquil spa setting, the spa provides guests an environment to achieve complete well-being. Prepare to be pampered yes, but open your mind and senses, be still and embark on your journey to complete wellness: body, mind and soul.

Not to be missed is the Priori CoffeeBerry, which will help you look and feel good naturally, while reducing tension and stress levels. This 85-minute relaxing yet intense anti-aging treatment, will treat areas that show signs of aging most; face, neck, décolletage, and hands. It leaves skin feeling firm, lifted, youthful, radiant and just like a yoga session, you leave feeling relaxed and recharged. Oh, and it smells great too!

The White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa, is a modern and stylish Niagara oasis with Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara Wine Country, Casino Niagara, Niagara Falls and more are all within easy reach. The 13-acre resort delivers luxury hotel service and truly outstanding amenities. The hotel offers 220 beautifully appointed rooms and suites have been newly designed within the last 5 years that feature: robe service and flat screen TVs, smart fridges and safes, fabulous duvet-covered beds – even phones and TVs in the bathrooms. Enjoy a coffee at Starbucks, a midday meal at the chic PLAY Urban Café, and dinner at the award-winning LIV restaurant (featuring award-winning Niagara Wines).

The resort Sport Club is one of the most complete fitness facilities you will ever experience. Staffed by fitness experts and racquet professionals, the Sport Club offers racquet sports, cardio and strength training, one-on-one and group personal training, yoga, pilates, swimming, and much more. There truly is something here for everyone – including a women’s only fitness studio, child care options, and customized training sessions for individuals or groups.

The Spa at White Oaks, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Midwest Wellness - The Biggest Loser Resort Chicago

2013-05-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

Set upon the beautiful AAA Four Diamond-rated Eaglewood Resort & Spa, The Biggest Loser Chicago will inspire you to relax through its back-to-nature landscape of oak forests and meandering walking paths. Located minutes from O'Hare International Airport, and 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, the resort is located in Itasca, Illinois.

The resort features the Eaglewood Spa, who's salon professionals are committed to helping you relax after your fitness activity. Unwind with a body massage or treat yourself to even more treatments. Your therapist will personalize your massage by combining a variety of techniques, all geared toward relieving tension and restoring energy, balance and focus.

Not to be missed is the Eaglewood Signature Pedicure. This 60-minute classic pedicure for women and men starts with a soothing soak in the whirlpool foot bath, followed by an exfoliating scrub and foot/ half leg massage with a luxurious body butter. It is finished off with detailed nail work and flawless polish for women, or buffed to shine for men.

The Biggest Loser Chicago helps guests achieve the energizing results of a healthy lifestyle with a structured program of fitness activity, calorie-controlled spa cuisine, and education. Enjoy fun and exhilarating activities in the dedicated fitness, aerobic and workout facilities; enhance your experience with personal training; learn more about your body through state of the art metabolic and fitness testing; and partake in nutrition counseling sessions.

Activities and amenities include: amazing hiking trails in the Illinois countryside; a 6-lane bowling alley and access to a stunning championship golf course. Enjoy chef-created, delicious and calorie-controlled spa cuisine. Licensed professionals teach how to approach meal planning and recognize habits such as emotional and intuitive eating. Then, relax with wonderful spa treatments. The resort offers casually elegant guest rooms with all the modern conveniences.

The Biggest Loser Resort Chicago

Spas of Slovakia

2013-05-21T17:43:00.004-07:00

With over 10 spa towns spread around Slovakia, the country’s historical wellness waters have quite a reputation.

Visitors come here not for their leisure only, but mainly for medical reasons. The facilities provide different treatments both therapeutic and medical professional depending on their agenda.

The medicinal springs have been well known since the Middle Ages. The most famous of these towns is Pieštany (pronounced pieshtany), located in the western region of the country and about an hour and half drive from the capital, Bratislava. It is the biggest spa town with some 40 hotels spread around the city.

Well-manicured grounds, mountains, the Vah River and dense forestry surround the town of Pieštany. Many thermal water facilities are spread throughout the grounds to provide a quaint and relaxing atmosphere for its visitors.

They come mainly from the EU and from Arab countries to enjoy the treatments this town can provide, and many visit Pieštany regularly.

The hotel staff members are trained practitioners of medical and physical therapy. Each spa resort specializes in the treatment of different medical conditions, or “indications.” Detailed brochures and pamphlets are available online to choose an appropriate treatment.

Each hotel has a typical European feel of simplicity to it. They are well equipped to provide a relaxing atmosphere while their spa schedules are designed to keep a visitor busy throughout the day.
At meal times an adequate diet is served, supervised by a dietician and recommended by the doctor at the hotel.

The “medicine spa” and the “preventive, relaxation and rehabilitation” stay are the most popular choices for visitors. The first aims to treat the musculoskeletal system and rheumatoid arthritis, prevention of osteoporosis, back pain problems, and cardiovascular diseases as well.

The second type of treatment is mostly nonmedical and focuses more on relaxation and ease of stress than anything else. There are anti-stress massage sessions, slimming treatments using heat therapies, massages and wraps targeted for patients that want to lose weight.

Many visitors that choose this type of spa retreat are diabetic or have weight issues that require a less invasive treatment than surgery.

Others hope to treat their state of health after injuries caused by accidents, disabilities after strokes, certain skin diseases and targeted muscle rehabilitation due to a medical condition.

Each stay requires a specific duration to insure effectiveness. Most treatments are between two to four weeks.

For over a century, Pieštany has developed proved methods to stimulate the body to achieve rapid pain reduction and early healing to many problems such as in the nervous system and post-injury conditions. The thermal water naturally springs from 2,000-meter-deep tectonic disruptions. Its temperature ranges from 67-69 °C at its source. The waters are mildly mineral, sodium disulfide, hypotonic and calcific. The thermal water and its natural mud are recognized for their healing effect on many mobility disorders and other ailments. The water is directly pumped into thermal baths or individual tubs (according to one’s preference) where it’s used for treatments. The mud is either applied to the body in the form of packs, or alternatively, build directly over the hot mud springs.
The waters are rich in minerals and warmed by the heat of the earth’s core to provide what is probably one of the most remarkable natural remedies known. Residents of the town and many other spa towns in Slovakia and Hungary visit the thermal baths on a weekly basis to unwind from the stresses and strains of modern life. It has become a habit for many and has become part of their tradition.

The usual minimum stay at one of the spa hotels is about a week, packages are provided according to the consultation of doctors at hand. Doctors at the spa conduct weekly checkups on the patients and initially record the progress of the treatments they suggested for sufficient results. Treatment plans are adjusted and are safe to follow as part of the spa services. Throughout the stay, doctors are always at hand to give necessary advice and guidance to ensure that the patient gets the most out of the facility.

At the end of each stay, the doctors conduct a final consultation to ensure that the treatments prescribed have gone according to plan. The doctors also give medical and lifestyle advice to help continue the improvement of health once the patient has left.

Thermia Palace Hotel located on Spa Island is one of the highest recommended. It is a historic Art Nouveau hotel of more than a 100 years old that accommodated many famous personalities. Together with the Irma Health Spa nearby, the hotel provides the ideal conditions for visitors to enjoy the accommodations throughout the year. The Balnea Esplanade Palace is also located on Spa Island and is associated with the Balneo rehabilitation center nearby where most of the curative treatments are held. Many more hotel spas are located around the town and can easily be found. All hotels provide many different international cuisines on the grounds as well as cafes and shopping passages for visitors to stroll along while enjoying the culture of Pieštany.

http://www.arabnews.com

Aloha Spa ~ The Na Ho'ola Spa, Waikiki Beach

2013-04-26T10:30:00.003-07:00

Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

With all the excitement Waikiki has to offer, I was surprised to learn the most relaxing place I found was also at the centre of it. Like the bronze statue of Duke Kahnamoku, the Na Ho'ola Spa at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa welcomes you with open arms.

This was my first visit to the spa, and I was surprised to learn it wasn’t created as an afterthought or hidden in a quiet or dark part of the hotel as many hotel spas are. The Na Ho’ola Spa is featured front and center of the resort. It’s three floors up from the street and bathed in the sunshine, with panoramic views of Waikiki Beach, the swaying palm trees, the cresting waves and, yes, the statue of the Duke below ... who almost seems to say, “Relax, enjoy, go with the wave ...”

Upon entering the Na Ho’ola Spa at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, I was greeted with a display of brilliance with a clean, bright design, wood flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows and an abundance of southern window light. (I don’t remember ever before wearing my sunglasses into a spa.)

Greeted warmly by the spa’s staff, I completing my intake form, and received instructions to the men’s change room, where I found everything well-organized, well-stocked and clean. I planned my visit a little early, so as to enjoy the fabulous sauna, and hydrate with a couple of glasses of water. After showering and feeling wonderfully relaxed, I ventured to the large relaxation room (again with the view) and laid back on a comfortable lounge bed. Soon I was met by my therapist and whisked away.

A room with a view, Na Ho'ola Spa

Living in the Pacific Northwest, I’m not used to the Hawaiian sun (or much sun for that matter). Conscious of its effect on my face, I elected to have a Deluxe Lomi Lomi Facial - a Na Ho’ola signature treatment. My therapist took great care in talking to me about my skin, and helped select a blend of organic products designed to restore the essential elements of my skin. Nestled under the covers, I slowly began to drift off as my aesthetician went to work on me - cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing, including creating a customized mask. Icing the cake, my treatment was complemented by a wonderfully soothing neck and shoulder massage.

I was very impressed with my experience at the Na Ho'ola Spa. At over 10,000 square feet on two levels, including 16 treatment rooms, the spa is large, but not too big. Staff were friendly and professional, and the spa menu offers a wide variety of Hawaiian-inspired therapies. For your next visit to Oahu, the Na Ho’ola Spa, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa should be on your itinerary.

Na Ho’ola Spa, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

~ Craig Oliver, Editor-in-Chief, Spas of America

Taking the Waters at British Columbia's Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa

2013-04-19T13:07:00.002-07:00

My recent visit to Vancouver Island’s Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa surprised me. I knew this resort has a solid reputation and a loyal following from customers across Canada and the Pacific Northwest, but sometimes going in with high expectations can leave you disappointed. I wasn’t.

After a one-hour scenic drive north from Nanaimo, I arrived at the resort, which was nestled like a seagull, overlooking the ocean, fenced to the north and south by towering Douglas Fir trees. My first impression was that it looked modest and unpretentious. Driving in, I was reminded of a private club. At check-in I was met with warm smiles and the friendly faces of the Kingfisher’s staff.

Opening the door to my room, the Orca Suite, I was immediately greeted by the ocean in front of me. True to its name, the Orca Suite was spacious, with a separate bedroom, en suite bathroom, fully stocked kitchen, and living and dining area with a natural gas fireplace. With all this space, in such a beautiful setting, one wishes they weren’t alone. But the sounds of the waves hitting the beach in front of me reminded me I wasn’t.

I soon ventured to the spa, where I was to experience the Kingfisher’s signature Pacific Mist

Hydrotherapy. Dressed in my swimsuit, robe and sandals, I was greeted by Danielle, who would be my guide for the next hour. I followed her downstairs, where the Pacific Mist Hydrotherapy occupied the entire lower floor in soft lighting, gentle music and the rush of water. Danielle explained how this wellness journey offers the benefits of hydrotherapy, including remineralization, detoxification and relaxation, in a setting evoking Vancouver Island’s natural seaside elements.

The treatment follows eight unique elements: Swiss Shower, Mineral Massage Pool, Waterfall Massage, Steam Cave, Glacial Waterfall, River Walk, Sea Mineral Soak, Tidal Baths ... and finally the relaxation lounge. Here you’re encouraged to cool down, catch your breath and rehydrate while taking in gorgeous views of the ocean, mountains and nearby islands.

Pacific Mist Hydrotherapy is one of the most unique spa experiences I’ve had - a true “taking of the waters.” I enjoyed it because it was so different from drifting away on a massage table. I felt present and relaxed - away from all the interruptions of life. Danielle was nothing short of wonderful - answering all of my questions, checking in on me, and topping up my ever-dwindling glass of water (I must have consumed about a dozen).

Feeling energized and relaxed (and a little hungry) after my treatment, I made my way to the Kingfisher’s signature restaurant, The Breakwater. Staying true to my British Columbia spa experience, I enjoyed a delicious plate of Saltspring Island Mussels in red curry, coconut milk, lemongrass and cilantro, complemented by a glass of BC’s Wild Goose Riesling.

I highly recommend visiting the Kingfisher and its signature Pacific Mist Hydrotherapy - either on your own or with friends, family or a romantic partner. But given a choice, I'd suggest taking someone with you. Life is better shared.

Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa

~ Craig Oliver, Editor-in-Chief, Spas of America

Hilton's eforea spa brand opens in Canada

2013-04-09T09:35:00.001-07:00

Innovative global spa concept eforea: spa at Hilton expands into Canada at Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa. As the first location for eforea in the country and the fourth eforea spa in North America, the converted 5,000-square-foot spa features an exclusive treatment menu, innovative design features and carefully selected product partners appealing to today's global travelers.

"As the global expansion of eforea: spa at Hilton continues, we are delighted to bring this dynamic concept to Canada," said Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "eforea is proving to be a strong solution for owners and is well received by our guests with 14 spas currently open and more than 90 in development."

eforea: spa at Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham

Sunriver, Oregon's Sage Springs Club Spa

2013-04-01T14:59:00.002-07:00

Sage Springs Club Spa, Sunriver Resort, Oregon

A unique Northwest vacation destination for all seasons that creates togetherness and memories, Sunriver Resort provides unmatched activities and experiences in a serene, natural setting.

Set in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Sunriver, Oregon lies 15 miles south of the city of Bend, offering a dry and temperate climate and a myriad of outdoor activities. Enthusiasts enjoy world-class golf, skiing and snowboarding, water sports, fishing, cycling and rock-climbing. The resort even boasts its own private airport - the only private airstrip in the Pacific Northwest.

The Sunriver Resort offers 63 holes of world-class golf, and was awarded Golf Magazine coveted Gold Medal, identifying this as one of America's best golf resorts. Carefully designed to preserve the natural beauty of the area, each golf course at Sunriver has a character all its own.

Guests looking to relax can take refuge in the Sage Springs Club & Spa. Offering a full range of massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services, this Pacific Northwest spa is the refuge of choice for relaxation seekers. Guests at Sage Springs have access to state of the fitness and weight room facilities, over 40 group fitness classes per week, indoor and outdoor tennis complex, indoor lap pool, hydro pools, and full service locker and steam rooms.

Sage Springs Club Spa, Sunriver, Oregon

Art + Spa, Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort in Napa Valley

2013-03-20T15:58:00.001-07:00

The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, Calif. is launching its “Art of Relaxation” package. The packages invites guests not only to relax by enjoying the beautiful Napa Valley and two spa treatments at Spa Terra in the Estate Cave located directly behind the resort and under a hillside of vineyards, but gives them everything they need to paint their own “Meritage Masterpiece.” The package is being launched in coordination with Napa Valley’s Arts in April, but will be available beyond April as Napa is picturesque year round.

During the month of April guests can also book a three hour watercolor class with Jessel Miller, a local watercolor artist. The Saturday class (10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) is being offered to guests who book the package for $30 (standard price is $45).

Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort in Napa Valley