Destination Spa Vacations

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?

A Glass of Wine Please!

“Wine is the healthiest and most hygienic of beverages.” It’s not me that said it first: Louis Pasteur did, somewhere around 1860. Since then, numerous researches tend to prove that to. 

Offering a quality wine list, which also includes a selection of organic wines, is just another way for Destination Spas to inform and raise awareness to the importance of healthful and natural nutrition. Wine has always been a natural product even though its therapeutic properties have been forgotten (with good reason!) as pesticides and herbicides became widely used in vineyards in the mid-twentieth century. Thankfully, organic agriculture has regained its role in numerous vineyards, which allows us to rediscover wine’s original properties…without the pesky headaches! 

Wine’s Therapeutic Properties
It is not alcohol in itself that has therapeutic properties, reducing the risk of cardio-vascular disease for instance, but rather red wine. There is often confusion between wine (an alcoholic beverage) and alcohol. Yet, the difference is quite substantial. When it is a question of beneficial alcohol, a distinction must be made between alcoholic beverages made by the process of fermentation (such as wine) and those made by distillation (aperitifs, digestifs and hard liquors). Wine - red wine in particular - contains a substance known as polyphenols which is found in the skin of the grape. The most widely known polyphenol is called resveratrol, a molecule that thins the blood and reduces the adhesion of blood platelets to the walls of the arteries and veins which can result in potentially deadly clotting. It is believed that the resveratrol found essentially in red wine can also reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis. It is also considered good against cancer.

During the wine-making process, the grape juice, pulp, skin, seeds and stems are left in contact for as long as possible (which is not the case when making white wine). This process results in an increase in the amount of flavonoids contained in the wine. This is especially true if the wine is prepared, stored and aged in oak barrels as was our European ancestors’ tradition which is not the case for wines aged and stored in metal, cement, ceramic or glass casks. Flavonoids inhibit the production of “bad cholesterol” or low-density lipids and increase “good cholesterol” or high-density lipid (HDL) levels and consequently, lower the risk of coronary heart disease. These anti-oxidant flavonoids have been found to be as beneficial as vitamin E.

Why Drink Organic Wines?
Generally speaking, the primary advantage gained from organic foods is the absence of pesticide residues. Organically produced wine increases the soil’s microbial activity by avoiding the use of all products that are not natural. Therefore, no herbicides or pesticides, fungicides or chemical fertilisers are used. Lands where organic farming is practiced are the home of rich compost and manual or mechanical weeding techniques. Also, predatory insects are used against aphids and other nasty pests. These practices take a religious care of the soil and prevent all risks of ground water contamination. Some may even go as far as to replace heavy tractors with horses in order to avoid compacting the soil. Of course, by using these organic methods production is significantly reduced, however productivity is sacrificed for a quality that greatly exceeds that which is obtained through modern practices.

The Therapeutic Virtues of Wines
Red wines are particularly helpful in reducing stress, flu (especially when taken warm with a pinch of cinnamon or clove), fatigue, anaemia, insomnia, heartbreak, arteriosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia and cardio-vascular problems.

Rosés are particularly effective against intestinal sluggishness and generalized oedema.

White wines, used in alternation with certain herbal teas or specific types of mineral water, are helpful against generalized oedema, lazy stomachs and articular pain.

Champagnes relieve various allergies, bloated stomach, flatulence, lazy stomach, anxiety, loss of appetite, depression, insomnia, senility and premature ageing.

Learn & enjoy!
I learned all this from a workshop on the Therapeutic Properties of Organic Wines, given at Spa Eastman by chief sommelier, Gérard Marinovich. With its organic, natural wine list, Spa Eastman hopes to re-educate and rehabilitate wine consumption and call attention to its therapeutic properties without sacrificing the pure pleasure of savouring a truly good wine. Likewise, since its wine list offers a wide range of privately imported wines, Spa Eastman allows its clients to discover the charms of several natural wines. 

Among the Destination Spa Group, you can also enjoy a glass of wine at Lake Austin Spa Resort, Red Mountain Spa, Copperhood Inn & Spa, Echo Valley Ranch & Spa and Rancho La Puerta!


Cheers! Santé!

Lucie Octeau
Blog Writer
Spa Eastman 

Earth Day Ideas from Destination Spas

Earth Day is upon us and TV, magazines, blogs and newspapers are flooded with ideas on what we can do to help save the planet. Instead of repeating the common ideas, I want to share a few different ideas and resources that I've come across this week. One stat that I heard that stuck with me is that on average, each person produces 3.5# of garbage/day.

IDEAS:

• Plan and carry out a waste free lunch day at least once/week

• Keep one set of dishes at the office, including: a cup, utensils, bowl, and plate. This will prevent you from reaching for disposable utensils, cups, and plates.

• Install low flow toilets or add a brick or bottle of water to tank.

• Wash car in lawn, not in driveway to save water.

• Chemical Alternatives (not new, but I always forget the proportions, so here they are again)
  Glass Cleaner – ½ vinegar, ½ water
  Furniture Polish – 2 parts olive oil, 1 part lemon juice
  All purpose cleaner – 1 cup baking soda in one gallon hot water

• Build a rain garden
  What is a rain garden? A rain garden is a garden with a shallow depression that captures runoff from impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, patios, driveways, and parking lots, before it enters the storm water system. Rain gardens can be customized and are limited only by the resources and time you want to put into them. They use natural processes to improve water quality by filtering pollutants and reducing the amount of storm water runoff. The water easily infiltrates into the soil because of the deep roots of the native plants and recharges the groundwater supply.

• Use healthy and environmentally friendly cosmetics, such as mineral-based cosmetics and natural bath products. (Several Destination Spas carry these products).

RESOURCES:
www.h2ouse.org - learn how to be water efficient. Lists top 5 actions to save water.
www.bluegrassraingardenalliance.org - download a rain garden manual for FREE.

Brown Bag Bean Burritos - Try this brown bag recipe from www.kaboose.com

1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 cup salsa
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

Rinse beans in cold water, drain well. Combine beans, salsa, cumin and chili powder in large pan. Cook over medium-high heat for about ten minutes, mashing beans slightly with back of wooden spoon. Stir occasionally, adding a little water if mixture looks too dry. Spoon bean mixture into tortillas. Top with cheese. Fold each tortilla into an envelope shape, ensuring both ends are tucked in. Eat warm or wrap in plastic to take for lunch.

Hopefully this gave you at least 1 new idea to celebrate and save our planet for many days to come. Happy Earth Day from Destination Spa Group.

Destination Spas on Facebook

It seems like everywhere I've turned lately, Facebook is advertised or mentioned. Even while watching the NBA All-Star game the other night, there was an advertisement for Facebook. I've personally been using facebook for about a year and have posted pictures from my Destination Spa Vacations to share with all my friends and have recently added company pages and groups for Destination Spas. 

If you are on Facebook, check out the company pages: Destination Spa Group & Destination Spa Vacations AND the groups: Destination Spa Group & Spa Vacations. You'll be able to find out about spa specials and events, view photo albums, and discuss all things spa with other group members. Become a FAN today and join the groups!

You can also find several of the Destination Spas on facebook. Rancho La Puerta, Red Mountain, Mountain Trek and Fitness Ridge all have company pages. And Green Mountain at Fox Run, Fitness Ridge, and Spa Eastman all have groups that you can join.

If you are not on Facebook - try it out. But be warned, it is addictive. Sign up and keep it as simple and private as you'd like. You can set limits as to who can access your information. Once you have an account, check out all of the Destination Spa chatter from news and specials to what activities and treatments rank high amongst the groups.

ISPA 2008 Annual Convention Recap

ISPA Annual Conference 2008

Las Vegas, NV

November 10 – 13, 2008

I have recently returned from the International Spa Association’s Annual Convention.  This being my second trip, I was once again amazed at how well the ISPA team puts this event together.  Spa industry professionals travel from all over the world to attend and share the latest news in the industry.  Attendees were offered opportunity to attend educational sessions, join evening events and listen to fabulous keynote speakers, such as Sidney Poitier and Dewitt Jones. 

With session topics ranging from customer loyalty and guest experience, to marketing and research there was much to learn and share with others.  One of my favorite presentations was by Dewitt Jones.  He spoke eloquently about the power of finding what is right with the world.  As a photographer for National Geographic, he shared stories, photos and what he has learned of the power in finding just the right angle to view things.  He passionately explained that often it is only a slight shift in perception that can provide the most beautiful results.  His website has more information on the key concepts he outlines below.

Celebrate What’s Right with the World ^TM teaches what a powerful force having a vision of possibilities can be for you.

Seven Key Concepts:

• Believe it and you will see it.
• Recognize abundance
• Look for possibilities.
• Unleash your energy to fix what is wrong.
• Ride the changes.
• Take yourself to your edge.
• Be your best for the world.

 

In addition, I cannot fail to mention the abundance of wonderful spa products.  The expo floor was awe-inspiring with over 300 companies showing their wares.  I always pack an extra suitcase, so I can bring home all the samples. 

Of special note, ISPA announced they would be offering all their research to members.  Being a big fan of data driven processes, I think this is a great new benefit for members and a great reason to become involved.

I am already looking forward to next year’s event, which is being held October 5-8 in Austin, Texas.  Maybe I will see you there.

Contributed by:  Debra Koerner, Executive Director - Interim

Spa Owners visit Destination Spas

 

Three times each year, Destination Spa Owners and General Managers meet to share ideas and network. The group gathered in St. George,Utah last week and toured the three Destination Spas in the area – Red Mountain, Green Valley Spa, and Fitness Ridge.

 

 

The Biggest Loser

For those of you that missed it last night, one of our member spas - Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa  - was featured on the fitness challenge in an episode of The Biggest Loser. Suspended 10 feet above a pool of water and walking backwards, the players competed in an endurance competetion on treadmills. The prize  - a week long vacation at the spa! Lucky Mark! Check out the video!

Coming in August, Fitness Ridge is running their own competetion - "Battle of the Bulge". If you have been inspired by the show or just want to join in on the competetion, book now as they are filling up fast.

If you are looking for a jumpstart to healthy living,  Fitness Ridge or any of the Destination Spa Group member spas can get you started!