Destination Spa Vacations with Michelle

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