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

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

 

Partner Massage for Valentine's Day

Happy Valentines Day! This late in the game, I hope everyone has already made plans to celebrate this very romantic day. Hopefully it involves a massage, some chocolate and wine or champagne. My Valentines Day plan includes all three.

If your local day spa is fully booked or you would just like a night in, why not share a massage with your partner at home? 

Preparation:

1. Invest in a quality massage oil and/or make your own.

2. Location, location, location. Most of us don't have a professional massage table lying around, so something else will have to do. The bed is fine or you might use a table with (a lot of) padding. Whatever you use, make sure it will support your partner’s weight and you have room to maneuver. Once you decide, make sure that the temperature of the room is comfortable enough for someone without clothing. Have extra blankets on hand just in case.

3. Set the mood. Dim the lights and light a few candles, making sure you can still see what you are doing. Find a relaxing CD (preferably without words) and set the volume to a background level.

4. To give a relaxing massage, your partner should remove their clothing down to their underwear. Have them lie down (with or without a sheet), face up to start. If you have a roll pillow or foam roller, place it beneath their knees to help relieve pressure in the back. Before proceeding, make sure your partner is comfortable.

Start the relaxing massage by rubbing your partner's scalp (without oil), as if you were shampooing their hair. This will instantly relax them and set the tone for the rest of the massage.

Pour a small amount of oil in the palm of one hand and gently rub your hands together to warm the oil with your body heat. Do this at each step as you progress through the massage.

Using the tips of your fingers, gently massage your partner's forehead, temples, and cheeks. Be extra careful to avoid the eyes and mouth. Gently rub the temples in light rotations to help relieve tension and stress. To finish the head, rub the ears (both at the same time) and gently pull on their earlobes

Now, move to the neck and shoulders. Gently rub the top of the shoulders back and forth, then up and down. Work your way to the neck muscles. Don't rub too hard or apply too much pressure; it should be just enough pressure so they can feel the muscles loosening up. After you have massaged your partner's neck and shoulders thoroughly by rubbing, change the direction of your fingers and hands by moving them in circular motions.

Move down to the arms and repeat the relaxing massage. Rub their arms, hands and fingers, focusing on one side at a time! Interlace your hand with theirs and rotate at the wrist in all directions (up/down, side to side, circular). 

The next area you'll want to work on is the back. Have them flip over on to their stomach and place your hands flat on the middle of their back. Massage the entire back with long rubbing strokes. Then switch to circular motions to relieve the tension and stress from their muscles. End with feather light strokes, as if you were painting on their back.

Lastly, move to the legs. Massage each leg, one at a time and reaching both sides. Work your way down to the ankles. Hold the ankle (in the air) with one hand and the foot with the other, rotate the ankle in all directions. Move to the feet and massage as much as can be tolerated. Be sure to rub each toe individually.

Let your partner enjoy the moment and fully absorb the relaxation before reciprocating the massage.

Plan ahead for next year. Many of the Destination Spas offer special Valentines Day packages with unique couple's programming. 

Deciphering the Spa Treatment Menu

So many options, so little time...

When it comes to spa services, the list seems endless - massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, scalp treatments, body wraps, scrubs, polishes, healing therapies and many more. As a matter of fact, many spas have conciously decided to simplify their spa menus in response to consumer feedback. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the options, industry experts suggest that you try a basic massage and the spa's signature treatment.

When visiting a spa for the first time, this is the approach that I like to take provided that the signature treatment is something unique to the spa. Admittedly, massage is my favorite treatment, so I would schedule a massage regardless. The wraps and scrubs - let's just say, they are not my favorites. I secretly hope the signature treatments do not involve a wrap or scrub. If it does or when I'm visiting a spa for a second or third time, I push myself to venture outside of my comfort zone and try the non-massage treatments.

In the last month, I have been very pleasantly surprised by two such services: Seventh Heaven at the Canyon Ranch Spa Club in Las Vegas and The Kundalini Journey at the Spa at The Mandarin Oriental in Miami. While neither are Destination Spas, they both offer an exceptional experience [Note: Of course, Canyon Ranch has two fantastic Destination Spas under its company's umbrella - one in Tucson, AZ and one in Lenox, MA].

SEVENTH HEAVEN (80 minutes)

• This total body treatment incorporates exfoliating massage techniques and exclusive anti-aging ingredients from the sea to reverse the signs of time and dissolve tension from your body. Several massage techniques are performed - swedish, lomi lomi, shiatsu and thai - to gently stretch your body, then exfoliate – massage style – with a hydrating butter scrub. It was the best of both worlds. My skin was silky smooth and my muscle tension released. I left the spa singing "I'm in Heaven".

KUNDALINI JOURNEY (120 minutes)

• A signature treatment which combines advanced massage techniques with aromatherapy, color and gemstone therapy as well as sound therapy to achieve the highest level of physical and mental relaxation. All of my senses (and chakras) were awakened by the multi-sensory approach. The experience ended with a cup of tea, an explanation of the chakras, and time to enjoy the senation. To remind me to stay in balance, I was presented with a gemstone necklace that represents the 1st chakra (grounded). A very nice touch to an excellent treatment.

Within the course of three weeks, these spas have taken me to seventh heaven and back to a very grounded state. My advice to you when visiting spas away from home is to:

1. Schedule several massages.

Start with a basic massage and then move to other specialty massages (stone, thai, deep tissue). A massage at least every 3rd day is my recommendation while on holiday.

2. Try a signature treament.

Be adventurous and try something diferent. If the spa does not offer a signature treatment, look for something unusual that you can't get elsewhere.

3. Arrange for a facial if you do not get them regularly at home.

Men and women need, at the very least 2 facials per year.

4. Indulge in a pedicure.

Unless you are very lucky, at no other time will somebody pamper your feet for 60 minutes.

Following my own advice, I promise to try more of the non-massage treatments during my Destination Spa vacations in 2008 and share them with everyone.

Benefit from Massage in 2007

Day 9 of 2007 and many people have already broken their resolve for the New Year. How are you doing? I'm on track with my resolution - 1 massage per month. As a matter of fact, I have scheduled a massage for next weekend.

For those of you who have sworn off resolutions or need a resolution that you can easily stick to, I'd like to suggest that you join me and resolve to get more massages in 2007. If once per month is too much, try one per quarter. Massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your wellness routine. And it fits nicely with the guidelines and tips to making New Year's Resolutions stick:

1. It's realistic: Getting a massage 4x during the year will only cost you about $1/day and 6 hours of your time.

2. It's easy to plan: You can schedule your appointments right now by contacting the spa or marking your calendar to call the spa during selected months. You might want to plan the massages around special days (Valentines, birthday, anniversary, vacation, holidays).

3. It is a self motivator: Are you really ever going to need a "push" to go for your massage appointment?

4. The rewards are built in: Massage provides relief to people of all ages - from infants to seniors - and from all walks of life -  competetive athlete to the home gardener to the overstressed, overworked executive. And you can always reward yourself more, with additional massages or a Destination Spa vacation.

Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
• Fosters faster healing; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• Improves posture
• Strengthens the immune system
• Treats musculoskeletal problems
• Rehabilitation post operative
• Rehabilitation after injury

Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy

• Fosters peace of mind
• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
• Helps relieve mental stress
• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
• Emotional Benefits
• Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
• Fosters a feeling of well-being
• Reduces levels of anxiety
• Creates body awareness
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection

Source: American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)

It is important to note that there are some conditions where massage is not recommended - certain kinds of cancer, phlebitis, some cardiac problems, infectious diseases and some skin conditions. Communicate your specific health conditions to your practitioner and determine if massage, bodywork or somatic therapies are a good idea. In some cases, you may need your doctor's permission before services will be provided.

If you are not at a Destination Spa, finding a professional massage therapist who is well trained and knowledgable can make or break a person's massage experience. The American Massage Therapy Association offers a professional massage therapist locator service and encourages consumers to look for an AMTA massage therapist. You should also ask your therapist specific questions, such as: if they are licensed to practice massage, if they are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and where they received massage therapy training.

Massage can improve mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your wellness routine. So join me and resolve to get more massages in 2007. Don't feel guilty. Don't think of it as indulgent. Consider it an investment in your well being. Cheers!

Break the (Spa) Code

I've just returned home from the Luxury Travel Expo in Las Vegas. Casinos and the typical Las Vegas scene are not my style. Instead, I prefer to hike at the local area parks (Red Rock is a favorite), dine at the fabulous restaurants, and explore (and research) the spas. So, inbetween appointments, presentations, and the tradeshow I managed to fit a couple of spa visits into my schedule. Two spas - two totally different customer service experiences.

One spa, which will remain nameless, provided what I would claim as the worst customer service I have ever experienced at a spa. The attendants were M.I.A, provided no tour, and proceeded to turn out the lights on me as I was getting dressed. After leaving me in the dark (figuratively and literally) the attendent suggested that I dress quickly as the male supervisor would be walking through in five minutes.

Thankfully, my spa visit to Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Venetian provided exceptional service! The attendants were omnipresent; they provided a welcome tour immediately upon entering, walked me to my locker, offered cool towel compresses and beverages in the steam room, and removed my soiled towels before I could do it myself.

This latest experience reminded me how valuable the newly released International Spa Association's Code of Conduct is and can be, from a consumer AND spa's perspective. While short and simple, it is very powerful. Before your next spa visit, please review. In fact, print it out and share with your favorite (or not so favorite) spa.

Download code_of_conduct.pdf 

Code of Conduct:  Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Spa Guest

Although there are a wide array of spas around the world, each offering a unique experience, they are all devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.  To enjoy your spa experience to the fullest, observe the Code of Conduct, act responsibly and be aware that common sense and personal awareness can help ensure your satisfaction, comfort and safety, as well as that of others. 

As a Spa Guest, it is your responsibility to:

1. Communicate your preferences, expectations and concerns;
2. Communicate complete and accurate health information and reasons for your visit;
3. Treat staff and other guests with courtesy and respect;
4. Use products, equipment and therapies as directed;
5. Engage in efforts to preserve the environment; and
6. Adhere to the spa’s published policies and procedures.

As a Spa Guest, you have the right to:

1. A clean, safe and comfortable environment;
2. Stop a treatment at any time, for any reason;
3. Be treated with consideration, dignity and respect;
4. Confidential treatment of your disclosed health information;
5. Trained staff who respectfully conduct treatments according to treatment protocols and the spa’s policies and procedures;
6. Ask questions about your spa experience; and
7. Information regarding staff training, licensing and certification.

Officially endorsed and prepared in partnership by: International SPA Association and Resort Hotel Association.

For more information about "how to" spa and what to expect from your next spa vacation, visit www.destinationspavacation.com