Destination Spa Vacations

2010 SPA TRENDS

Destination Spas pride themselves on not being "trendy", so it may seem odd that I'm posting something about spa trends. As I explored ISPA's list of spa trends for 2010, I discovered that Destination Spas may in fact be trendy....

First, I looked up the word trend in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary: to extend in a general direction. Sounds good.

Next, I read through the summary. ISPA's conclusion: Forecasts for the coming year prove one thing - a healthy lifestyle never goes out of style.  This definitely fits with Destination Spas so my curiosity was really peaked.

Lastly, I read through the findings. I found myself saying, "Destination Spas do that," to almost all of the bullet points. Check out my notes to see what trendy things Destination Spas are doing.

Spa trends for 2010:

Social Media- Destination Spa Vacations is on Facebook, Twitter @DestinationSpa,and of course this blog. You can see which spas are on Twitter here, and on Facebook by visiting our page here. Following Destination Spas in the social media is a great way to find out about special spa packages and events as well as Destination Spa lifestyle tips.

Customer Service - This has always been key at Destination Spas. Many have staff to guest ratios of 2:1, 3:1, and even 4:1 at Golden Door and Cal-a-Vie. Usually the person who checks you in at the front desk will remember your name and greet you each day - what other Resort or Hotel do you get that at?

Spa Sampling Menu- Just like ordering tapas at a Spanish restaurant, now you can order up a sampling of spa treatments to try out.  These mini services at lower price points are popular ways to get a taste of treatments.

Preventive Care - This is what a Destination Spa vacation is all about. The general Destination Spa program is designed to get you moving, eating healthier, resting well and being creative. And several spas offer more in-depth health programs, such as Canyon Ranch's signature Life Enhancement program. 

Spa Partnerships - Spas are becoming more accessible through partnerships with established franchises, hotels and local businesses. Fitness Ridge is probably the spa that comes to mind here. When there facility is full, they have offered rates through a local hotel in order to accommodate as many guests as possible. And then there is the latest and probably biggest partnership to hit the Destination Spa business -- The Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge. Not exactly what ISPA was referring to, but it certainly has brought the Destination Spa message to the masses.  

Cell Phone Applications-  Plan a spa vacation from anywhere with Tripology's app.  The Find a Spa app detects your location and displays search results for spas in your proximity. OK, maybe were not on this one yet.... But I'm sure it's coming soon. Note to self - check out Tripology's app.

Giving Back- Some spas are teaming up with local hospitals and providing wellness education to help educate consumers on the spa lifestyle. Several of the Destination Spas have partnerships with local hospitals and schools. You may remember a blog post about Chiva Som's school fitness program.The Oaks at Ojai is doing something similar with lunch programs at local schools. And this past year, The Hills Health Ranch and Spa Eastman offered Teacher specials to bring educators to the spa for some R&R.

The Millennials Take Over- This group now outnumbers the baby boomers, and they are flocking to the spa.  Yes, the average age of Destination Spa vacationers is starting to drop - a (good) sign of this trend!

Simplified Spa Menus - Everyone is cutting back and spa menus are no exception.  You'll notice fewer treatment options and less of the frilly treatments. Frankly, spa treatments have never been the focus of a Destination Spa vacation. Don't get me wrong - it is important - just not the primary piece as it is at a Day Spa or Resort Spa, so the menus aren't as excessive and haven't been pared down as much.

Beauty Rest- Catching some zzz's has never been harder in our sleep-deprived society.  The spa makes rest a priority by offering treatments targeted to get you some shut eye.  Rancho La Puerta, Canyon Ranch, Red Mountain Spa and Chiva Som offer treatments and complete programs to improve your sleeping habits.

My conclusion: Yes, Destination Spas are "trendy". At least for this year and according to this list:)

Zumba® MAKES EXERCISE FUN AGAIN

I don't have to tell any of you that exercising is not always all its cracked up to be. Sometimes, you just don't want to do it. To combat these "slacker" moments, fitness instructors are constantly trying to mix it up and make exercise fun. That is essentially how Zumba® came to be.

Zumba®(pronounced "zoom bah")is now mainstream and hotter than ever. If you haven't heard of it -- let me quote Zumba.com and say "Ditch the workout and join the party!". It's not an actual party of course, but it sure feels like one. To be fair, I should say it is a dance party. Over the course of an hour, a Zumba class will span a variety of dance rhythms, like mambo, cha-cha, cumbia, and merengue, with the occasional hip-hop or belly dancing move thrown in.

The popularity of Zumba may be due to the fact that many people say they don't realize that they are exercising. But they are... According to the Mayo Clinic, you can burn between 400 and 600 calories per hour doing Zumba. In fact, many people have lost weight thanks to regular Zumba exercising. Check out this Today Show segment featuring a mother of 4 from Ohio who lost 60#.

I have a good friend, Margo, who is hooked on Zumba. She's been doing it for 2 1/2 years and goes at least twice a week. She often remarks in her Facebook status that she's bummed out when she has to her regular Zumba workouts. So I decided to ask her a couple of questions for some personal insight:

Q: Describe Zumba in your own words.
A: Zumba is "fun dancing".

Q: Is it your preferred exercise?
A: It is my preferred gym exercise (excluding soccer, which is not offered at a gym).

Q: What is it about Zumba that makes you keep coming back for more?
A: It's never boring, always new moves, new instructors bring different styles to class.

Q: Anything else we should know about Zumba?
A: You don't have to be a good dancer to do Zumba, as long as you keep moving. There is no "wrong way". You can put as much flare in the exercise routine as you want. Also, on days when you're less energetic, you can make it more mellow. It allows creativity. I LOVE it.

It may be another fitness fad - only time will tell - but it sure is a FUN way to exercise. At the very least, go out and try it once. Who knows, you might get roped into the party.To find a place to Zumba, you can visit the Zumba website. And of course, several of the Destination Spas offer it as a class as well.

• Green Mountain at Fox Run
• The Heartland Spa
• Lake Austin Spa Resort
• Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge
• Deerfield Spa
• Canyon Ranch in Lenox
• The Oaks at Ojai
• Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
• Golden Door (special weeks only)
• Rancho La Puerta (special weeks only)

Do you Zumba? I'd love to hear about your experience.

FITNESS HAPPENS

Fitness opportunities present themselves everyday – even when you least expect it.  “Fitness happens!” sometimes in the most unusual circumstances and under peculiar, or not so peculiar, circumstances. When you’re plugged into those opportunities, you can reap the benefits even when you least expect it!

 

Top 10 "Fitness Happens" Moments:

1. Strength training: When you decide to throw the empty laundry basket down the stairs instead of walking it down after finishing folding.
2. Building lung capacity: When your child is throwing a candy tantrum in your local grocery store and you take 10 deep breaths before you gently explain to them, “Because I said so.”
3. Stretching: When you are frantically reaching up to the top shelf in your kitchen to grab the Halloween candy that you had left over and had stashed way, way in the back.
4. Cardio: When you are late for work and start running around the house trying to find your car keys in “the place you put them so that you would never forget.”
5. Building muscular endurance: When you decide that one trip from the car and back with your hands full of groceries is better than multiple smaller trips.
6. Squats for leg strength: When you realize that your light walk in the woods is going to be interrupted by your bladder, and only trees are in sight.
7. Interval training: When you find out last minute that your mother is coming over to visit and you start dusting and organizing everything in sight (i.e., shoving everything that is laying around into the nearest hiding spot).
8. Building shin strength: When you are in rush hour traffic and see an opening in the lane next to you and accelerate to get into the lane only to find that every car is still passing you. Chest strengthening bonus -- if you shake your fists in the air after you realize that you are no better off now then you were in the first place!
9. Building core strength: Keeping your balance on the subway or bus, while holding on to a small slippery metal bar that is far too high for you to reach.
10. Endurance training: Hopping on and off the diet rollercoaster numerous times in hopes that “this time will be different.” This exercise is a lot like tap dancing, only a lot less fun and never a good idea.

You can thank Jennifer Ricupero, BS, MS, AFAA the Fitness and Recreation Manager at Green Mountain at Fox Run for the laughs!

DESTINATION SPAS ARE AWARD WINNING

The votes have been tallied "And the award goes to..."

In the spa travel world, Fall is Awards season, similar to Spring in the entertainment business (Think Grammy, Golden Globe, Academy, Emmy, Tony awards).The big players in the spa travel world - SpaFinder, Spa magazine, Travel & Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler - have all recently announced their award winners and Destination Spa Group members have been atop all the lists. And several other websites and publications have followed suit.

So if you want to know which spas are the Best of the Best, these awards give you an idea of what other people think. Because you know I'm biased :o)

The big highlights are ...

• Top 3 Destination Spas went to our members for Conde Nast Traveler 2009 Spa Awards.
• 7 of 10 spots for Favorite Destination Spa in Spa Magazine went to our members.
• Lake Austin Spa Resort was ranked #3 in Small Mainland US Resorts by Conde Nast Traveler.
• 6 of 10 spots for Favorite Destination Spa in Travel & Leisure went to our members.
• SpaFinder's Best Spa in North America went to Canyon Ranch in Tucson.
• SpaFinder's Best Spa in Mexico went to Rancho La Puerta.
• Seven spas were named Most Affordable spas by several different media outlets.

Here is a summary of all the awards...

Favorite Destination Spas
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa - SPA magazine
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPA magazine, Conde Nast Traveler #5, T&L#7
Canyon Ranch in Lenox - Conde Nast Traveler #1, T&L #4
Golden Door - SPA magazine, T&L #8
Lake Austin Spa Resort  - SPA magazine, Conde Nast Traveler #2, T&L #5
The Oaks at Ojai - SPA magazine, T&L #9
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPA magazine, Conde Nast Traveler #3
Rancho La Puerta - SPA magazine, T&L #6

Best Spa in North America:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPAFINDER

Best Spa in Mexico:
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER

Best Small Resorts in Mainland USA:
Lake Austin Spa Resort - Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards

Affordable Spas:
The Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge - SPAFINDER
Green Mountain at Fox Run - SPAFINDER
New Life Hiking Spa - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine, MSNBC, Girlfriend Getaways
Red Mountain Spa - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine, MSNBC, Girlfriend Getaways
Spa Eastman - MSNBC, Girldfriend Getaways
Tennessee Fitness Spa - SPAFINDER

Boutique Spa:
Cal-a-Vie Spa - SPAFINDER

Cuisine & Cooking Classes:
Canyon Ranch, Lenox - SPAFINDER
Canyon Ranch, Tucson - SPAFINDER
Lake Austin Spa Resort - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPA magazine

Eco/Green Spas:
Rancho La Puerta - SPA magazine
Spa Eastman - SPAFINDER

Going Solo:
Canyon Ranch, Tucson - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine
Golden Door - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine
Green Mountain at Fox Run - SPAFINDER
Lake Austin Spa Resort - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER

Fitness Program:
Cal-a-Vie - SPAFINDER
Canyon Ranch, Lenox - SPAFINDER
Canyon Ranch, Tucson - SPAFINDER
Golden Door - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER

Hiking:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPAFINDER
The Biggest Loser @ Fitness Ridge - SPAFINDER
Golden Door - SPAFINDER
New Life Hiking Spa - SPAFINDER 
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER

Medical/Wellness Spa:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPA magazine, SPAFINDER

Mind-Body-Spirit:
Chiva-Som - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER

Weight Loss:
Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER
Green Mountain at Fox Run - SPAFINDER
New Life Hiking Spa - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Spa - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER
 
Winter Sports:
The Hills Health Spa & Guest Ranch - SPAFINDER

Yoga:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER

And so you can see, I'm not the only one who thinks Destination Spas really are the best of the best. They continue to dominate all the top awards and welcome many return guests year after year. If you want my biased opinion about any of them, contact me via e-mail or 888-772-4363.

IT'S SPA DAY (PHINEAS & FERB)

You know SPA is big when a song is written about it.

You know SPA is big when a video is made about it.

And you know SPA is really big when a cartoon features it...

All three in one. Check out this fun video from Phineas & Ferb titled "Spa Day". Trust me, you'll be singing it later on...

"It's Spa Day, a day to unwind. We'll walk on your spine, we'll be kind. It's Spa Day, P & F on the scene. Gonna slather you with mud and make you feel like a queen. It's Spa Day..."

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF6WLizNHfA&feature=player_embedded

SPAFINDER READERS NAME BEST SPAS

Once again, Destination Spas have topped the list of Reader Choice Awards for SpaFinder Inc. Not only did one of our members win Best in North America (Canyon Ranch) but Rancho La Puerta also took home the award for Best in Mexico. Given the economy, I think I should point out that 6 of our members were voted for Best in Affordability. Who says you can't afford a Destination Spa Vacation? Start packing, because you can!

Best Spa in North America:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson (Arizona, USA)

Best Spa in Mexico:
Rancho La Puerta (Baja Mexico, Mexico)

Best for Affordability:
The Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge (Utah, USA)
Green Mountain at Fox Run (Vermont, USA)
New Life Hiking Spa (Vermont, USA)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)
Red Mountain Spa (Utah, USA)
Tennessee Fitness Spa (Tennessee, USA)

Boutique Spa:
Cal-a-Vie Spa (California, USA)

Cooking Classe:
Canyon Ranch, Lenox (Massachusetts, USA)
Canyon Ranch, Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Lake Austin Spa Resort (Texas, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Cuisine:
Canyon Ranch, Lenox (Massachusetts, USA)
Canyon Ranch, Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Lake Austin Spa Resort (Texas, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Environmental Practices:
Spa Eastman (Quebec, CANADA)

Fitness Program:
Cal-a-Vie (California, USA)
Canyon Ranch, Lenox (Massachusetts, USA)
Canyon Ranch, Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Golden Door (California, USA)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)

Going Solo:
Canyon Ranch, Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Golden Door (California, USA)
Green Mountain at Fox Run (Vermont, USA)
Lake Austin Spa Resort (Texas, USA)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Hiking:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson (Arizona, USA)
The Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)
Golden Door (California, USA)
New Life Hiking Spa (Vermont, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Mind-Body-Spirit:
Chiva-Som (Thailand)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Weight Loss:
Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)
Green Mountain at Fox Run (Vermont, USA)
New Life Hiking Spa (Vermont, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Spa (Utah, USA)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)

Winter Sports:
The Hills Health Spa & Guest Ranch (British Columbia, Canada)

Yoga:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

There are several smaller Destination Spas that did not receive mention (Birdwing, Copperhood, Echo Valley Ranch, Coastal Trek, Regency, The Heartland, Mt. Trek, Kerr House, Deerfield). This is primarily because they do not see as many visitors and thus don't get the votes necessary to win such awards. At the very least, they deserve honorable mention in the Destination Spa categories (fitness, cuisine, yoga) and almost all of them fall into the Affordable category. You can see my list of Favorites in my Spa Favorites blog post.

Tell me -- What's your favorite and why?

THE BIGGEST LOSER RESORT

Attention all Biggest Loser fans! Have you been wanting to go to a place like The Biggest Loser Ranch and finally get rid of those unwanted pounds? Now you can - and it is at one of our Destination Spa Group spas!

Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa is now The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge. It really is a perfect fit as Fitness Ridge's program was always "Loser-esque", offering a comprehensive weight-loss experience that focuses on exercise, healthy nutrition and education.

Loser fans and wannabes will love the program as it is similar to the infamous Biggest Loser Ranch. The goal is to provide the same sort of structured and nurturing environment as the contestants on  "The Biggest Loser". I wonder how often Bob & Jillian will be making appearances?

The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge offers a minimum one-week weight loss program, but guests are welcome to stay as many weeks as they wish. The average day consists of at least six hours of physical exercise, which includes a wide variety of aerobic alternatives – from hiking in the majestic Snow Canyon State Park, to swimming, to kickboxing, to mat Pilates.

Similar to other destination spas, there is an emphasis on exercise and movement, but there is also a focus on helping people change their lives through education. An essential piece to Biggest Loser success, the fitness program and education series are designed to prepare guests to begin a new, healthier way of living when they leave the resort.

During their stay, guests are treated to three delicious meals a day, prepared by a trained, on-site chef and dietitian. The low-fat, low-calorie meals are prepared with an emphasis on creativity and flavor so that participants find it hard to believe that the calorie count comes in at 1200 per day. Imagine spinach and roasted red pepper fritattas for breakfast, couscous stuffed peppers with white bean and vegetable soup for lunch, and chicken breast with roasted root vegetables for dinner. And don't forget dessert. Yes, dessert is always served, including everyone’s favorite chocolate covered strawberries.

Following the daily fitness schedule, guests are encouraged to relax and pamper themselves in the resort’s full-service spa. All services are geared toward relieving tension and restoring energy, balance and focus. Although I have a feeling the Tuesday evening schedule will include tuning into "The Biggest Loser" on NBC.

Massage: More than fluff & buff

Are you stressed out? Sore from overdoing physical activity? Tired of nagging sciatica or low back pain? Can't shake that exhausted feeling? Consider a massage. Once regarded as merely a guilty pleasure, massage therapy today is gaining recognition among mainstream healthcare experts and institutions, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as a practice for preventing and treating a wide range of health issues. For example, massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process. People are increasingly turning to massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes, including to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness.

Although scientific research on massage therapy is still somewhat limited, there is mounting evidence that massage benefits some patients, including:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

In a recent article published by The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the NIH, researchers report the general conclusion that massage therapy is effective. The studies included in the analysis suggest that a single session of massage therapy can reduce "state anxiety" (a reaction to a particular situation), blood pressure, and heart rate, and multiple sessions can reduce "trait anxiety" (general anxiety-proneness), depression, and pain.

Additional studies suggest that massage may benefit certain conditions, for example:

(1) A 2008 review of 13 clinical trials found evidence that massage can be useful for chronic low-back pain. In addition, clinical practice guidelines issued in 2007 by the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians recommend that physicians consider using massage when patients with chronic low-back pain do not respond to conventional treatment.

(2) A multi-site study of more than 300 hospice patients with advanced cancer concluded that massage can help to relieve pain and improve mood for these patients.

(3) A study of 64 patients with chronic neck pain found that therapeutic massage was more beneficial than a self-care book, in terms of improving function and relieving symptoms.

Regardless of the adjectives we assign to massage (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic), or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulation, and reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

There are numerous theories about how massage therapy may affect the body. For example, the "gate control theory" suggests that massage may provide stimulation that helps to block pain signals sent to the brain. Other examples include theories suggesting that massage might stimulate the release of certain "feel-good" chemicals in the body, such as serotonin or endorphins, or cause beneficial mechanical changes in the body.

The NCCAM is sponsoring additional studies to answer questions like how and why massage therapy works, and identify the purposes for which massage may be most helpful. Current studies are exploring the effects of massage on everything from pain, anxiety, and depression, to fatigue in cancer patients, and weight gain and immune system function in preterm infants.

In the meantime, they report that massage therapy appears to have few serious risks if it is used appropriately and provided by a trained massage professional. They suggest consumers tell their health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices they use to give them a full picture of anything they do to manage their health, as this will help ensure coordinated and safe care, especially if you have a bleeding disorder, low blood platelet counts, or are taking blood-thinning medications. Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, or weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer), or where there has been a recent surgery. And although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, they should consult their oncologist before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist. Lastly, pregnant women should consult their health care provider before using massage therapy.

Finally, If You Are Thinking About Using Massage Therapy:

• Do not use massage therapy to replace your regular medical care or as a reason to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.
• If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether massage therapy would be appropriate for you, discuss your concerns with your health care provider. Your health care provider may also be able to help you select a massage therapist. You might also look for published research articles on massage therapy for your condition.
• Before deciding to begin massage therapy, ask about the therapist's training, experience, and credentials. Also ask about the number of treatments that might be needed, the cost, and insurance coverage.
• If a massage therapist suggests using other complementary and alternative practices (for example, herbs or other supplements, or a special diet), discuss it first with your regular health care provider.

All spas offer massage. You will find everything from a basic Swedish massage to a Ashiatsu (deep barefoot massage) on the menus. If you haven't had a massage before, I highly recommend starting with a classic Swedish massage. If massage is not new to you, check out the wide variety of massages to choose from at Destination Spas.

• Birdwing Spa - Holistic, Rosemary Head Massage
• Cal-a-Vie Health Spa - BodyCoffee Therapeutic Massage
• Canyon Ranch - Ashiatsu (deep barefoot) massage
• Coastal Trek - Swedish massage
• Copperhood Spa - Couples massage
• Deerfield Spa - Nuat Thai massage
• Echo Valley Ranch - "Luk Pra Kob" Thai massage
• Fitness Ridge - Lomi Lomi (traditional Hawaiian) massage
• Golden Door- Island Paradise Seashell massage
• Green Mountain at Fox Run - Deep Tissue massage
• The Hills Health Ranch - Dry Brush massage
• The Heartland Spa - Soleful relaxation massage (massage for the feet)
• The Kerr House - Hot Stone massage
• Lake Austin Spa Resort - Calming Cupping massage
• Mountain Trek - Lymphatic Drainage massage
• New Life Hiking Spa - Thai Yoga massage
• The Oaks at Ojai - Watsu massage
• Rancho La Puerta - Energy Balance massage
• Red Mountain Spa - Desert Rain massage
• Regency Spa - Myofascial Release massage
• Spa Eastman - Neo-reichian massage
• Tennessee Fitness Spa - Sports massage

Article written by Joann Wolff, Director at Deerfield Spa and Michelle Kleist, Executive Director of Destination Spa Group

 

Learning to Thrive with PCOS

Almost eight years ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Like most people who get a diagnosis after many years of searching, I felt relieved to have a diagnosis and one that didn't have a death sentence tied to it.

Most people have never heard of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Yet at least one in 10 women have it. One in ten which means ~ 5 million women in the US alone! In fact, it is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age and is the leading cause of infertility. If you or anyone you know has irregular menstrual cycles, bad acne, and/or excessive facial hair, read on...

PCOS symptoms tend to start gradually and often start in the early teens. As was the case with me, PCOS symptoms are frequently mistaken for other medical problems and the diagnosis delayed. You may have several of the symptoms or only a few. It is different for everyone.

•irregular or no menstrual periods
•acne
•obesity/weight gain/inability to lose weight
•breathing problems while sleeping
•depression
•oily skin
•infertility
•skin discolorations
•high cholesterol levels
•elevated blood pressure
•excess or abnormal hair growth and distribution
•pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis
•multiple ovarian cysts
•skin tags

To be diagnosed with PCOS, your doctor looks for at least two of the following:

■ Menstrual abnormality. This is the most common characteristic.

■ Hormonal imbalance, specifically excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair, adult acne or severe adolescent acne, and male-pattern baldness.

■ Polycystic ovaries. Enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts can be detected by ultrasound.

Like many women with PCOS, I exhibit all three symptoms. But with the help of my dermatologist and OBGYN I have been able to manage the symptoms well. I eat healthy, exercise regularly, manage my stress well and take extra special care of my skin. Throughout the years, I have taken some prescription medications as well but for the most part I have been able to manage the PCOS without them. I feel this strategy is why I've not run into problems with the other conditions associated with PCOS: infertility, obesity, and diabetes. Working in the Destination Spa industry for the past 13 years has certainly helped me with all of this as well.

Very little support exists for women with PCOS. So, I am very excited that Green Mountain at Fox Run has teamed up with The inCYST network to offer a special PCOS program, Learning to Thrive with PCOS. I'm trying to clear my calendar so that I can attend.

What You Can Expect:

All the benefits of Green Mountain's renowned Healthy Weight Loss Program, which integrates workshops on eating restructuring, nutrition education, fitness/exercise, mindfulness/stress reduction and behavioral change.

PCOS-specific workshops
"Anti-Inflammatory Eating,"
"Hair, Hair Everywhere—Except Where I Want It!"
"When Is It Hormones, When Is It Emotions, and When Is It Hunger?

In-depth program led by Monika Woolsey, MS, RD, a nationally recognized registered dietitian/exercise physiologist who specializes in PCOS.

Skills, knowledge and a personalized plan to return home empowered so that you take charge of your health and improve your quality of life.

For More Information about PCOS:

http://www.pcosupport.org/

http://www.hormone.org/Polycystic/

http://www.incyst.blogspot.com/

http://www.soulcysters.net/

http://www.pcosmagazine.com/

If there are other thriving cysters out there, let me hear from you!

Top 10 Reasons to Vacation at a Spa

ver the years, we've all seen at least one of Letterman's Top 10 lists and laughed out loud. Where does he (and his writers) come up with the material?

I recently read over 1800 sweepstakes entries for our Spafinder sweepstakes, "Why do you deserve a Destination Spa Vacation?". Several stuck out as definite contentenders, including one that was a clever Top 10 list. It could be on Letterman! It reminded me of a list that we developed for a Letterman appearance several years ago. Needless to say the producers didn't bite. I hope you enjoy it and laugh out loud!

Top 10 Reasons to go on a Destination Spa Vacation

10. Rest and relaxation (duh!)

We know this is the #1 reason people go to spas, but now we also know that going on a Destination Spa Vacation really works! The Cornell Destination Spa-goer survey revealed that you will be more energized and ready to roll after a Destination Spa Vacation. 

 

9. No make-up, jewelry, shaving or dress-up required.
You can even eat dinner in your sweats or robe if you want.

 

 

8.  Your pants will still fit after the vacation!
The chefs prepare amazing delicacies that will satisfy your tastebuds and your waistline.

7. You can act like a kid again

- hike, dance, bike, eat lunch with your friends, hoola hoop, take an afternoon nap, and even play in the mud (treatment).

6. Falling asleep in class or on the job is a good thing!
Yoga or meditation class that is...

5. No cell phones, e-mails, Facebook or Twitter.

4. No lugging around your purse or wallet - everything is included! Meals, accommodations and spa services all on one reciept.

3. You can let loose on the dance floor during the hip-hop or bellydancing classes and no one has to know.

2. Tuck-in massages.

And the #1 reason to go on a Destination Spa Vacation is... The (natural) high and afterglow.  No surgery, medicinal plants, or magic pills needed! You'll take years off of your age and have a bounce in your step with all of the good you've done for yourself on vacation!