Destination Spa Vacations

Love your Skin. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

Do you love the skin you’re in? Even more importantly, are you taking care of your skin? May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which brings to light, what have you done for your skin lately? Since I live in Florida, sunscreen is my friend. This was not always the case, so I do have moles, freckles, and gasp! – some wrinkles. They build character, right?!

The Centers for Disease Control reports nearly 60,000 U.S. adults are diagnosed with melanoma annually. There are preventable risk factors for skin cancer including your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and a history of sunburn. Be sun safe! Destination Spas recommend several ways for you to protect yourself:

• During midday hours, seek shade or better yet, go inside for a spa treatment!
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck; wear sunglasses.
• Use sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and has both UVA and UVB protection. New sun safety guidelines from the FDA go into effect in June. We’ll share those soon.
• For optimal protection, wear at least a shot-glass amount of sunscreen.
• This is obvious, but plenty of people do it - avoid indoor tanning.

A little Vitamin D is OK, but be careful not to overdo it. Debra

Celebrating Mom

Is your mom (or are you) a Goddess? I like to think so! Did you know that past celebrations of Mother’s Day had strong symbolic and spiritual overtones. Rather than actual moms, Goddesses and symbols, such as the “motherness" of the planet, were celebrated.

Today, the focus is placed on an actual person, making Mother’s Day a $16-billion industry says the National Retail Foundation. While the gifts are great, there are cost-effective ways to celebrate mom, including:

• Using your smart phone, capture video of people who know your mom and let them express how she is meaningful to them. I love this one! My adult kids live in other states, so I would love to receive messages like this from them.
• Leading up to Mother’s Day, let mom know specific things she has done to manifest positive change in your life.
• Surprising mom by helping her do something she has talked about for some time but hasn't taken action on.
• And, don’t forget the healthy breakfast-in-bed recipes from our spa members.

What are you doing to make this year extra special for mom? Debra

April is Stress Awareness Month. Do you know how to Chill?

I like that there’s an entire month devoted to de-stressing. After all, who couldn’t use a breather? From the looks of stats on stress, there’s proof that excessive amounts of stress can place serious harm on our minds, bodies and spirits.

• Globally, three out of five doctor visits are stress related. In the U.S. alone, $22.8 billion is spent on anxiety-related healthcare each year
• Every year, more than 275-million working days are lost in the U.S. because of absenteeism resulting from stress
• Over 75% of the general population experiences some form of stress monthly (Source: The Heartland Spa)

So, what can you do? I’m a big believer in Destination Spas as places that help you decrease stress and learn how to manage stressors in your daily life. While a trip to a Destination Spa may not be feasible right now, Sherry Gossett of The Heartland Spa shares tips that are worth adding to your routine.

• Allow yourself plenty of time. Running from one thing to the next is a large source of stress.
• Find time to exercise.  Even a short walk around the block will help alleviate stress.
• Get plenty of rest and do your best to eat well.
• When you start feeling overwhelmed, take a time-out. A few minutes away from the problem can do wonders.
• Breathe deeply… slowly in and slowly out. When doing so, close your eyes and think of something that makes you happy.

What are your de-stressing tips? Debra

Healthy Living at and away from Destination Spas

Having recently spent three weeks on a Destination Spa trek, I picked up a slew of healthy living tips along the way. In the amazing surroundings of Rancho La Puerta, The Oaks at Ojai and Red Mountain Resort & Spa, it became second nature for me and my fellow spa-goers to live healthy from morning to bedtime.

But, what happens when it’s time to go home? I am going to the Farmers’ Market, walking daily, drinking fresh coconut milk and putting pots of fresh herbs in my kitchen. I found more tips when I read an article this week by Jen Adkins of About.com. Jen wrote, “Every once in a while it seems we take stock of where we stand when it comes to healthy living. Are we taking care of our bodies? Are we doing our best to take care of our earth? Or are we stuck in a rut and need a little help digging out?”

It’s true that we can all use a healthy nudge every now and then, and this article makes it simple with seven healthy living tips. Shameless plug, I am quoted in the tip on detoxing your body along with Sue Donnellan of BodyVerde Naturals. Sue recommends drinking warm water and lemon every morning to help your body eliminate toxins and give skin a healthy glow.

Jen goes on to cover how to make your own body lotion and organic shampoo, waste not with your products, and keeping chemicals out of your hair. The piece is a great read - http://skincare.about.com/od/insiderinterviews/a/7-Tips-For-Healthy-Living.htm

What are your healthy living tips? I’d love to post them. Let’s chat, Debra

My Week at Red Mountain Resort and Spa...

My time at Red Mountain Resort and Spa was amazing and I can’t even begin to describe the incredible environment where the spa is located. The pictures and descriptions do not even begin to capture the beauty of the brick-colored mountains. 

I began most days with a hike and as the week progressed, ventured into the more challenging hikes. My confidence soared as I walked thin ledges, crab-crawled vertical inclines and slid down steep embankments. You cannot visit this location and not venture out into the amazing hills for the morning hikes.

Being in the massage industry, I am a pretty good judge of massage sessions and I have to say I had one of the best massages. Jennifer was not only excellent at the technique part of doing a massage, but excelled in the soft skills. We break a massage into sections and there are key things which are important within each section.  She delivered in every area:

• The greeting: We encourage all therapists to make eye contact, state their name and shake the hand of the guest.
• The intake: This is the time to see what the guest is looking for in their massage and if there are any concerns to be aware. It is also a time when the therapist can offer to customize the massage based on the feedback the guest has provided, making the guest massage meet the guest's current needs.
• The first part of the session: Very quickly a therapist should check in on pressure and ensure they are working at the right depth.  Pressure is subjective and should always be gauged by asking, “For the pressure, would you like me to go deeper, come out or stay here?” This forces the guest to choose what pressure they desire.
• Customization during the massage: Mid-massage, I asked for her to skip my arms and work extra with my feet. She was more than happy to accommodate this “in the moment” request.
• Presence during the massage: Often I have found that therapists check-out during the massage.  I could tell my therapist was staying present with me and the strokes she was applying. This makes a huge difference in the quality of touch delivered.

Great Job Jennifer! Love, a very relaxed Debra

My Week at Rancho La Puerta...

Discovering a hidden artist begging to come out, acknowledging the introvert in me and loving the amazing low-fat, low-sugar and low-salt meals straight from the Organic gardens are just a few of the highlights from my week at Rancho La Puerta. Edmond and Deborah Szekely created this beautiful sanctuary in 1940 with the intention to transform their guests’ understanding of their role in the care and feeding of their bodies, and to appreciate and protect nature.

As I eagerly counted the minutes until I arrived, I set my intentions for the week, including a strong desire to not over-schedule so there would be opportunity to go inward and find insights on current life situations. I also wanted to spend time purposefully visualizing what the second half of my life could be like. With about 50 exciting classes offered each day, this was a little challenging, but I held true to my commitment.

The magnificent property rests on 3,000 acres, much of which is a nature preserve and I often found myself walking property paths to find hidden landscaping treasures and sculptures. One of my favorite spots to hang out after a class was my back patio. There was an amazing view of the mountain and a solitary tree at the top crest. As I gazed upon the tree and let my mind clear, many personal insights unfolded.

More insights unfolded during Jose’s sculpting class. This is where I met my artist within. I’ve always had a passing interest in sketching, but have never taken the time to explore anything beyond an introductory class. Deciding to take the sculpting class with Jose’ (a fabulous sculptor and teacher), I found myself completely immersed in creating a woman’s head from the clay. When she was done, I named her Free.

Hmmm, maybe there are some art classes in my home town. To be continued.... Debra

Energize Your Get Up and Go in 2012

Worn out and weary from ringing in a New Year? It seemed that every magazine I picked up over the holidays addressed how a lack of energy is becoming an epidemic problem. I agree and am tired of feeling drained. To take action, this Saturday I'm embarking on a transformational journey that will energize me for years to come. I'll spend three weeks visiting some of the best known Destination Spas: Rancho La Puerta in Mexico, The Oaks at Ojai in Calif., and Red Mountain in Utah.

To say I'm excited is an understatement. I plan to return home feeling lighter in body and spirit, with some newly-found energy to help me have a bold 2012. You are invited to share the lessons learned on the journey. I'll blog right here as well as sharing photos on Facebook (DestinationSpaVacations) and Twitter (@DestinationSpa).

In the meantime, let's begin to put an energized pep in your step for 2012:

- Start the year with a full medical assessment to eliminate medical concerns. Issues with your thyroid and hormones, as well as intestinal disorders can zap your zest.

- Take your vitamins. Find a high-quality, natural, non-chemical multi-vitamin and consider adding in Omega 3 and a probiotic.

- Incorporate natural movement. Stand up and stretch several times during the day, take the stairs, and use half of your lunch break to move around.

- Reduce drama. Nothing can zap our strength quicker than holding onto anger and allowing drama to run havoc.

- Watch caffeine and sugar intake. Replace half the sugar you use in tea and coffee with stevia, an all-natural herbal sweetener.

Be watching for updates and tips from my journey, Debra

The Aromas of the Season: Sweet Smell of Health

The holidays, perhaps more than any other time of year, contain wonderful aromas. Pine, cranberry, pies baking, vanilla – all reminders of holidays past.

In addition to bringing back happy memories, the right scents and products can promote relaxation and healing. Aromatherapy is an ancient healing practice that is about more than just pretty smells. The pros at Canyon Ranch, Lenox describe aromatherapy as a natural, preventive medicine that people seek out to relieve stress or anxiety; soothe stiff, achy muscles; and to relieve congestion.

I learned the key to effective aromatherapy is in the quality and nature of the materials used. Pure essential oils - as opposed to artificial fragrance oils or perfumes – are the essence of a plant material in liquid form. Cheaper, artificial fragrances smell nice but lack the therapeutic benefits of their natural counterparts.

Before you buy oils, know the basics:

• Blend at your own risk. Essential oils are very potent.
• Never ingest essential oils.
• Do not apply undiluted essential oils to the skin.

A particularly beneficial way to enjoy aromatherapy is through massage. Aromatherapy massage treatments are very centering and are offered at all Destination Spas. Mini-treatments at home can also be deeply soothing while burning scented candles.

I also suggest that you take along inhalant essences on long flights to reduce that spaced-out, jet-lagged feeling. And, if like me, you have trouble sleeping, try a relaxing oil in the bath before bed. Debra

Avoid a Holiday Meltdown - Destination Spa Pros Spread Calm

The calendar says mid-November, do you know where your calm is? While we should be thinking about thankfulness and planning for holiday jolly; screaming into a pillow is likely to be your mindset. Before you throw a Clark Griswold-style tantrum, take a time out, breathe and take a few minutes to read these tips for thriving, not simply surviving, during the holidays (and maybe even having some fun!)

For starters, something I do and highly recommend is hiring virtual assistance for items you can delegate. There are many online resources that can help with gift buying, invitation design and overall organizational logistics. I love elance.com.

The folks at Green Mountain at Fox Run in Vermont suggest creating a 911 Emergency Self-Care Kit. You’ll need:

1. A box to decorate with sparkles and glitter.
2. Self-care goodies to put in the box that help you to remember to take care of yourself. A massage certificate, can of chicken noodle soup, a list of affirmations, photographs of relaxing places you’ve visited, DVD of your favorite feel-good movie, etc.

Rancho La Puerta’s Barry Shingle suggests, “Practice deep breathing. It has been proven over and over again that taking a time out to do some deep, cleansing breaths counteracts many of the physical symptoms of stress. It could be as simple as breathing deeply in for five counts and then exhaling just as slowly five to 10 times.”

While you are breathing deeply, Harold Lebovic of The Heartland Spa in Illinois suggests two more simple things:

1. Make a list. When the holidays seem to become overwhelming, make a list so you know exactly what needs to be done and when.
2. Learn to say no. Realize that it's okay to set boundaries and say no when necessary. Too many "yesses" can lead to unnecessary stress.

Ahh, I feel better already! Next week I’ll tackle visiting relatives, working out, and how not to let holiday stress lead you to eating an entire box of chocolate-covered cherries. Until then, stay cool… Debra

Host a Healthy Party for those you Love

Feeling like you’d like to thank those who make your life happier? Throw a party for them! Even better, throw a party that introduces healthy habits and routines into their lives. As a vegetarian, I take all opportunities to help my friends understand the benefits of living this type of lifestyle. I also have been known to take folks to the grocery to shop for green smoothie ingredients.

What can I say? I’m a giver when it comes to health and wellness! So, I was thrilled when I found these tips from Coastal Trek Resort and Spa in Canada. They focus on creating an unforgettable afternoon that will motivate guests to join you on a new path…

• Send invites to the people with which you spend the most time. By putting the message out to the most important people in your life, you will be enlisting their help in sticking to your routines. Specify that guests should wear comfortable workout clothes so they can participate in the activities.
• Design a menu rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Have recipes printed for guests to take home. It is always fun to tweak traditional recipes and compare the healthy changes.
• Activities that get people moving include badminton, basketball, belly dancing, touch football, soccer, etc. After you are finished, let guests know approximately how many calories they burned.
• Present a take-home gift that inspires your guests to keep motivated. Perhaps a reusable water bottle or pedometer. Attach tags with quick facts that are related to the gift such as how many calories you can burn by doing certain activities.

How’s that for a twist on the traditional holiday party? I’m ready! Debra