Destination Spa Vacations with Michelle

Girlfriend Getaways at Destination Spas

Time with friends. We all enjoy it and yet most of us don't make enough time for it. Why is that? Not only do we enjoy it, but it's good for our health. Study after study shows that people who have close confidants have better immune systems, stronger cardiovascular health and less depression and anxiety — not to mention the fact that they have more fun. Spending time with a buddy should be a no-brainer. Instead, busy adults log numerous hours at work and manage a household, often shoving fun and friendship down to the bottom of the list. It is time to change that!

Women have been much slower to adopt the idea of annual girlfriend getaways compared to men. But in the last couple of years that has changed. "We have definitely seen a growing trend in girlfriend getaways," said Valerie McDermott, cofounder of www.million-dollar-mama.com, a travel resource for women who want to organize girlfriend getaways.

In response, many companies are now offering "Girlfriend Getaway" packages, especially spas.  It is easier - and more enticing - than ever to plan a spa vacation with your gal pals. Almost all of the Destination Spas offer group rates (6-10) and special packages throughout the year.

This morning, The Today Show featured Lake Austin Spa Resort in their travel segment about Girlfriend Getaways. The expert offers some tips on planning a group vacation and a few fun options.

So how can you carve out time for pals?

Take a lesson from me, you have to put a date on the calendar. The Spa Dames™, as we affectionately call our spagoing group of girlfriends, have to start planning at least 9 months out so that we can find a week that works for everyone. Once you have a date, try to make it an annnual date. 

Empowering Healthy Children

We've all heard about the "obesity epidemic" among children in the United States. Nearly one-third of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years are considered to be either at risk for overweight or overweight. To help fight the epidemic and promote healthy lifestyles at a young age, several Destination Spas have teamed up with organizations and created a health program for children in their communities. Since the children can't go to to the spa, the spa is coming to the children!

As part of an ongoing commitment of corporate social responsibility in the local community, Chiva Som's Health & Education staff regularly visits local schools to teach students the importance of good nutrition, fitness, personal hygiene and massage therapy. Where was that when I was in school? Check out the pictures from a recent exercise training session for 305 students at Da Run Suk Sa School. They are proof that living healthy is also a lot of FUN!

Follow-suit at home and involve the whole family in building healthy eating and physical activity habits.

• Encourage healthy eating habits
• Encourage daily physical activity
• Discourage inactive pastimes

Most importantly, be a positive role model. Children are good learners and they learn what they see. Choose healthy foods and active pastimes for yourself. Your children will see that they can follow healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Spa Trends Report from SpaFinder

SpaFinder recently reased it's annual spa trends report. Last year's predictions created quite a flurry of activity amongst the spas and a buzz in the media. And based on the list, I'm sure this year will follow suit. Stay ahead of the curve and keep an eye out for the following coming to a spa near you.

SpaFinder's 10 Spa Trends to Watch in 2008:

1. The "Feng Shui'd" Gym
2. A Star (Therapist) Is Born
3. Wellness, Wellness, Wellness
4. Luxury Detox and Luxury Bootcamps
5. Spa Real Estate Mania
6. Taking Sleep Seriously, Especially if you Want to Lose Weight
7. Fertility Tranquility 
8. Hydro and Thermal Super-Experiences
9. Urban Spa Explorer
10. Plug-in or Unplug: It's up to You

1) The "Feng Shui'd" Gym
Goodbye mirrored walls and fluorescent lighting; hello waterfalls, fine art and, more generally, the kind of soul-stirring design and ambience for which spas have become famous. For the past 30 years gyms have looked pretty much the same all over the globe - until now. Led by ambitious gym design projects at spas like Gwinganna in Australia, Clay in New York and Italy's forward thinking Techno Gym company spa gyms and fitness studios are being reconceived as places to not only tone the body, but also elevate the mind and spirit. We invite you to view some of what you'll be seeing more of in the year ahead at our photo gallery. More generally, look for fitness spaces to take on a more important role in the spa setting, partially due to the growing emphasis on wellness.

This is already evident at several Destination Spas, most notably Cal-a-Vie with its waterfalls, chandeliers, and warm decor. 

2) A Star (Therapist) Is Born
When all is said and done, a spa treatment is only as good as the therapist who provides it. Yet for years consumers have tended to be dazzled by spas' ever-more innovative design and image while joining spa management in largely viewing therapists as anonymous, interchangeable employees. Look for that to change as increasingly savvy spa-goers continue to gain an appreciation for - and seek out - those with great skills, knowledge and the caring spirit. Not unlike star hairstylists, these sought-after "gifted healers" will build followings, and becoming critical assets for the spa. View our gallery of "star therapists" who were recently honored in our new Therapist Hall of Fame.
In a possibly related trend, the spa industry is experiencing a labor shortage, contributing to a rise in de-staffed spa facilities and treatments. At many spas these days, "DYOT" is more likely to mean "do your own treatment" than "do your own thing."

3) Wellness, Wellness, Wellness
The term wellness is defined by Paul Pilzer, author of The New Wellness Revolution, as "the quality or state of being in good health, especially as an actively sought goal." Wellness is sweeping the globe and affecting numerous industries in its wake - including spas. In fact, like the automobile and the computer before it, wellness may end up becoming the next trillion-dollar revolution.
The wellness wave is being brought on by scientific breakthroughs, the realization that the medical industry has a sickness model (and is unlikely to embrace prevention anytime soon), and consumers' desire to be healthier, more vital, and youthful in appearance. And if wellness is the goal, spa is surely the most comfortable vehicle by which to reach it. Spa experiences are no longer just about treatments. Fitness, nutrition, education, as well as alternative practices such as energy medicine, reiki, and Traditional Chinese Medicine are all becoming important aspects of "spa."

At the Destination Spas, wellness has always been the focus. I'm glad to see the entire industry moving in this direction.

4) Luxury Detox and Luxury Bootcamps
Detox programs and weight loss bootcamps have long been associated with deprivation, spartan accommodations, and hard-line supervision - as if the guests were doing penitence for their "sins." But many spas, including Sanoviv in Mexico, the Farm at San Benito in the Philippines, and Cal-a-Vie in California, are beginning to treat weight loss and detox less as punishments and more as celebrations. After all, if you can get the same results with high thread count sheets, lovely rooms, spa treatments and a nurturing environment, why not live a little while you're trying to improve your life?  Concurrent with this trend is the "spa-ification" of medically guided drug and alcohol rehab centers, which are beginning to incorporate elements like fitness, nutrition, massage and meditation into their programs. Will this new, "softer" approach to detox, weight loss and rehab work? It remains to be seen. But we should have plenty of opportunity to find out in 2008.

Check out these Destination Spas that are offering Detox programs in 2008:
Cal-a-Vie
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Mountain Trek
Red Mountain Spa
Regency House
Spa Eastman

5) Spa Real Estate Mania
Since 2004, when SpaFinder first noted this trend, the number of residential communities with a spa/healthy living component has grown from a handful to more than 250. With spas adding residences, developers adding spas, and hotels/resorts with spas adding condo units, SpaFinder predicts that the number of mixed-use developments with a strong spa focus will grow to roughly 300 well before the end of 2008. This trend is being fueled by a quickening stream of health-focused baby boomers entering the real estate market to downsize or purchase vacation homes. Interestingly, they're being joined by more and more young families attracted by the idea of their kids growing up in communities with plenty of outdoor activities and healthy activities (a welcome prevention to childhood obesity and diabetes). The real estate market downturn, ironically, may also be a factor, as developers look to differentiate their offerings and target more affluent buyers. View our spa real estate photo gallery.

Canyon Ranch, Green Valley Spa, The Hills Health Ranch and Red Mountain have or are working on real estate projects. I recently toured the Canyon Ranch Miami Living and Green Valley Spa projects, which are in the construction phase. While slightly different in concept, both will combine living quarters with "hotel" accommodations and include access to all of the Destination Spa programs.

6) Taking Sleep Seriously … Especially if you Want to Lose Weight
Last year SpaFinder predicted that more and more spas would recognize sleep as an important pillar of health and step up their efforts to encourage healthy sleep for guests. What started as an awareness has now become a focus, as evidenced by the "sleeping room only" sleep-health workshops given at Rancho La Puerta and Red Mountain spas by Sleep Guru Robert deStephano. With recent medical studies highlighting the importance of sleep for everything from improved productivity at work to cardiovascular health, SpaFinder forecasts that sleep will be taken even more seriously in the year ahead. Tipping the scales (so to speak) will be an emphasis on recent research revealing that healthy sleep is necessary for weight loss. Look for more hotel spas to bring in sleep directors, more destination spas to offer sleep programs (including medically guided sleep analysis), and more day spas to offer "snoozing zones" and creative massage scheduling that allows therapists to say, "stay on the table for as long as you like." After all, 72% of spa-goers report having fallen asleep during a treatment, and roughly two out of three want their spa to provide a place where they can sleep. Across the board, stay spas will continue to promote good sleep among guests with offerings like ultra-comfortable cotton bedding, white noise CDs, sleep yoga, and sleep hygiene education sessions. The shape of things to come: the Yelo Sleep Cab in Manhattan, which offers high-tech sleep chambers designed to induce rejuvenating power naps within minutes. In fact, Yelo is opening two new locations in 2008.

7) Fertility Tranquility
Having waited to begin starting a family, many couples are finding that getting pregnant isn't all that easy. Because stress is often the culprit, hopeful parents-to-be are going to spas in search of tranquility (and a romantic environment). Spas, moreover, are beginning to offer treatments and diet regimes designed to boost fertility. Examples include the Program for Infertility at The Raj Ayurvedic Spa in Iowa, the Ritual de Fertilidad at the Tides Riviera Maya (where an ancient fertility ritual is simulated in their special "Maya House of Fertility" treatment room), the Lunaception Treatment at the Qua Spa at Caesar's Palace, and Fertility Reflexology and Fertility Yoga at The Spa at Little Dix Bay. Fertility-oriented acupuncture is becoming especially popular as a natural alternative for couples worried about the health effects of taking fertility hormones.

Very interesting... I will be keeping a close eye on this.

8) Hydro and Thermal Super-Experiences
How many spas would you have to visit to experience a Balinese multi-steam bath, an authentic Finnish Sauna, a Greek Herbal Bath, an Indian Blossom Steam Room, a Japanese Salt Steam Bath, a Laconium, a Tepidarium, a Turkish Hammam, a Tyrolean Sauna, multi-sensory showers, reflexology footbaths, spa pool, water beds and a Zen garden? The answer: just one! You'll find them all at Aqua Sana, which is part of the "World of Spa" concept at the Centre Parc family holiday village in the U.K. This sort of "theme park" of thermal and water spa experiences - generally with just one price for admission - is a trend you'll see more of in '08. It's actually a modern take on a European spa tradition, exemplified by Friedrichsbad (est. 1877) in Baden Baden, Germany, which still offers its 17 hydro and thermal spa experiences. Today's new and often spectacular interpretations are a result of three converging realities in the spa arena: 1) exciting design concepts coming out of companies from Europe, where the architecture and tile design are often worth the price of admission, 2) a renewed appreciation of the benefits of water treatments and contrast therapy (alternating hot & cold), and 3) the need for "de-staffed" spa treatments due to a global labor shortage and the high price of staff. It's a concept that's also catching on outside of Europe. Witness the brand new Kohler spa in Chicago with its "Circle of Tranquility" featuring a 25-foot whirlpool, cascading waterfall, and three experience showers ("Quench," "Envelop" and "Deluge"). And then there's the new Banyan Tree Spa Bahrain, where the spa adventures include a rain mist shower, samarium, monsoon shower experience ("Summer Storm" or "Arctic Winter"), grotto steam, affusion shower, ice igloo, pelotherapy chamber, bucket drench shower, sole therapy, tropical shower experience ("Caribbean Rain," "Spring Rain" or "Polar Rain"), an herbal ceramic sauna, brine cavern (steam and salt), plus a huge hydrothermal garden vitality pool with numerous aqua jet seats, bubble air beds and water geysers.

Finally! Hydro and thermal experiences are such a vital part of the spa experience. It's always amazed me that more North American spas have not embraced this concept in their facilities. As Susie states above, the Freidrichsbad in Baden Baden is an excellent example of the European tradition. I had the opportunity to enjoy the spa several years ago and would highly recommend to everyone - novice to experienced spa-goers.

9) Urban Spa Explorer -
One of the thrills of being young and living in a city is the caché that comes with discovering authentic, no frills ethnic restaurants and sharing your finds with your peers. Increasingly, young urbanites are taking a similar "rough guide" approach to spa-going. There are a few different factors contributing to this trend: One, many young urbanites are gaining spa experience and becoming more confident in their spa-going judgment. Two, many consider spas an important part of their personal maintenance but often don't have money to spend at upscale urban spas. And three, there's a booming, vibrant melting pot of (largely immigrant-run) spas to explore - from Russian and Korean baths to Thai massage parlors. Although these businesses may seem off limits to some, the best of them offer authentic indigenous treatments, expert therapists, low prices and clean facilities. As these gems are discovered and touted by urban explorer trend-setters, they'll become more popular, larger, more beautiful, etc. - in other words, part of the "official" spa industry. In 2008 and beyond, this process will add a new dimension to the industry's growth.

10) Plug-in or Unplug: It's up to You -
Is it more relaxing to go to a spa and stay plugged in or unplug from our increasingly hyper-connected world and get away from it all? From a spa's point of view, should clients be allowed to be on their Blackberrys during a foot reflexology session, or should they ban connection devices from their relaxation rooms? A recent SpaFinder industry survey found that four out of five spas report that less connectivity (making the spa a laptop-, blackberry- and cell phone-free zone) represents the fastest-growing consumer demand. But with one in five spas reporting consumers want more spa connectivity, it's fitting that the trend will be toward a bespoke solution for customers - another way to customize the spa experience. So the next time you're at a spa, don't be surprised if the customary questions like "male or female?" and "lavender or ginger?" are followed by a new option: "plugged or unplugged?"

This is one trend I am not a fan of. Please, just put the technology away and dedicate the time to relaxing!

Happy New Year Everyone - Resolve to spa more in 2008!

Golden Door Thanks Fire Fighters

During Thanksgiving week, Golden Door's staff gave a special experience to nine San Diego area fire fighters.  Fire fighters, based out of the San Marcos and Deer Springs California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) stations, were invited to spend a half-day at the renowned destination spa as a way for Golden Door to express it’s appreciation for their courageous work during the recent wild fires.

The Golden Door day began with a relaxing massage.  From there, the fire fighters moved on to the Beauty Courtyard where Golden Door estheticians provided facials and pedicures.  For Fire Captain Matt Streck, who had incurred an injury under his left eye from a hot ember while fighting the Rice Canyon fire, the treatments rejuvenated him.

All nine fire fighters then joined the Golden Door guests for lunch served pool side.  Chef Dean and his staff served delicious Golden Door pizza with vegetables grown in the Golden Door’s organic garden.  Golden Door guests were thrilled with the experience of sitting among these special people and hearing the fire fighters vivid description of the battles waged on the fire lines. Lunch concluded with dozens of Golden Door staff circling around the tables and extending a group thank you and round of applause.  In addition, a gift bag of Golden Door skin care products was presented to each fire fighter. 

It was extra special for Golden Door boutique staff member Jean Logue, a Rancho Bernardo resident who was able to personally thank fire fighters for saving her home.  Three days after her middle of the night evacuation, Jean came back to find her home, still standing.  Fire fighters had thwarted the vicious firestorm, which had raced into the homes immediately behind hers, from advancing on to her house.

This time of year is a great time to remember those who take care of us all year long. Surprise someone with a massage or pedicure gift and inlcude a personal note suggesting that they make the time to take care of themself.

30th Anniversary - The Oaks & Spa Eastman

Founded in 1940 by the Szekelys, Rancho La Puerta is the original Destination Spa. It took a while for the concept to catch on but several years later more Destination Spas emerged on to the scene. Deborah Szekely opend the famed Golden Doors in 1958 and in 1977 two new pioneers opened Destination Spas. Sheila Cluff opened The Oaks at Ojai in California and Joceylna Dubuc opened Spa Eastman in Quebec, Canada.

Fast forward to 2007. October marks the 30th anniversary for both The Oaks at Ojai and Spa Eastman [Rancho La Puerta and Golden Door are on their 67th and 49th year respectively]. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to both spas!

Bernard Burt, aka "spagoer", recently interviewed the owners for an article featured on www.spagoer.com and Healing Lifestyles & Spas . The following is an excerpt which highlights the 30 year old Destination Spas:

A CALIFORNIA SHANGRI-LA: THE OAKS AT OJAI

Located 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, Ojai sits amid mountains where the movie version of "Lost Horizon" was filmed in 1937. The spirit of Shangri-la seems to have inspired The Oaks. Part summer camp, part spa, it is a place of eternal youth.

Launching her no-nonsense combination of exercise and diet as an alternative to luxury resorts, Sheila Cluff hosted Hollywood celebrities as well as an obese Mel Zuckerman (founder of Canyon Ranch), and your columnist. Following a recent makeover that restored the hotel’s Mission-style exterior and intimate inn ambience, The Oaks looks fitter and prettier than ever. For extra space and comfort, stay in one of the five new suites with direct access to the swimming pool and garden.

What’s different at The Oaks at Ojai?

"From the beginning, we were known as a lifestyle learning spa. Being located in the center of town, guests never feel isolated from real life." The non-stop schedule starts at 6:30 a.m. with a mountain hike, ends with stimulating talks by fitness experts, nutritionists, and lifestyle book authors. Choices among 16 classes include aqua-toning, yoga, and low-impact aerobics. Three low-calorie meals are included in the daily tariff, and the chef accommodates special diets. All guests have free access to The Spa Sanctuary eucalyptus steam room, redwood sauna, indoor whirlpool, and adjacent gym with Paramount equipment.

How has the spa changed?

"Less emphasis on aerobics. People are becoming physically active, spending less time in gyms but engaging in lifestyle conditioning through sports and outdoor activity.

Join The Oaks anniversary celebration during October and save 30 percent off selected treatments with a minimum two-day stay, from $180 per person, double occupancy, per day. Stay 30 consecutive days through the end of 2007 and receive 30 percent off your bill. Also available are day spa packages, with or without overnight accommodation. Reservations: 805/646-5573 or 800/753-6257. www.oaksspa.com

CANADIAN SPLENDOUR WITH QUEBECOIS ACCENT: SPA EASTMAN

Converting an old farmhouse and barn in Quebec, Jocelyna Dubuc created Centre d’Sante d’Eastman in 1977. Hardy guests hiked through snow drifts, did aerobics in former stables, slept in rustic cottages. Renamed and updated, Spa Eastman remains true to its roots as a country retreat devoted to well-being.

How we differ at Spa Eastman:

"We are a real destination spa - meaning that our first mission is to create an environment where people will be able to learn how to improve their way of life. We are completely dedicated toward the wellness and well-being of our clients. We tailor services according to our guests’ needs; whether they want a vacation getaway, spiritual rejuvenation, healthy weight loss, or total tune-up for mind and body, we offer a personalized program."

How we have changed:

"Even though I was fully aware of the existing need for healthy vacations 30 years ago, I just couldn’t imagine the impact it would have and how it would touch all walks of society, and that it would be available no matter your budget. What a long and unpredictable road it has been. To think that, 30 years ago, it all started with a dream, without any standards whatsoever to follow. Now, we keep ahead and reinvent. We just have to think of treatments, life enhancement programs and fitness classes offered 10 years ago, compare to what we find now; it is night and day."

Spa Eastman’s 30th anniversary package is a three-day "cure," including two nights accommodation, all meals, selected treatments, from $495 per person, double occupancy, $555 single. Stay five nights for $165 per day for two persons sharing a room. Reservations: 450/297-3009 or 800/665-5272. www.spa-eastman.com.

Destination Spas have certainly made a mark in the history of spas and today they continue to be the ultimate spa vacation.

Spa Finder Readers' Choice Awards 2007

Spa Finder, Inc., the global spa resource, recently announced the winners of its 2007 Readers' Choice Awards, revealing spa-goers' favorite spas in the world - by continent and region - as well as their top picks for the best spas in 23 specific categories. Based on thousands of votes submitted by Spafinder.com visitors and readers of Luxury SpaFinder Magazine, the awards represent the most complete consumer assessment of the global spa market.

"Our Readers' Choice Awards have become the industry's premier awards program - a sort of 'Academy Awards' for spas," said Spa Finder, Inc. President Susie Ellis. "Given how many people voted this year and how many different spas were considered, this is a huge honor for all of our 2007 winners."

Several Destination Spa Group Members were honored this year. While I agree with all of the choices, I have included some additional suggestions for each category.

Crystal Award Winners - Favorite Spas in the World (by Continent)

• Asia: Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand

Favorite Spas by Country/Region

• Mexico: Rancho La Puerta, Tecate
• Thailand: Chiva-Som, Hua Hin

"Best" Spas for...

Affordability:

• Deerfield Spa, PA
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa, UT
• Oaks At Ojai, The, CA
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• Regency Resort & Spa, FL
• Spa Eastman, Canada
• [Michelle's additions: Birdwing Spa, MN; Copperhood Inn & Spa, The Heartland Spa, The Hills Health Ranch, Tennessee Fitness Spa]

Best Boutique Spa (25 Rooms or Fewer):

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Birdwing Spa, MN]

Brand:

• Canyon Ranch
• Golden Door

Cooking Classes:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Chiva-Som, Golden Door, Regency House (daily)]

Cuisine:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Chiva-Som, Thailand
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• [Michelle's additions: Copperhood Inn & Spa, Golden Door, Green Mountain at Fox Run, Green Valley Spa, Rancho La Puerta (fresh from the farm!), Spa Eastman]

Fitness Program:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Golden Door Spa, CA
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• Oaks At Ojai, The, CA
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Green Valley Spa; really all Destination Spas compared to Resort Spas!]

Going Solo:

• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Green Mountain at Fox Run, VT
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: all Destination Spas are perfect for going solo as the atmosphere is very bonding and everyone gets to know each other; you can dine with other solos and will definitely get to know others participating in activities]

Hiking:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa, UT
• Golden Door Spa, CA
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Copperhood Inn & Spa (Catskills), Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, Green Valley Spa (similar hikes to Red Mountain & Fitness Ridge), Mountain Trek (the name says it all)]

Interior Design:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• [Michelle's additions: Hosteria Las Quintas]

Luxury:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• [Michelle's additions: Golden Door]

Best Medical Program:

• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• [Michelle's additions: Chiva-Som]

Men:

• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• [Michelle's additions: Echo Valley Ranch, Fitness Ridge, Red Mountain, Mountain Trek, Rancho La Puerta]

Mind-Body-Spirit:

• Golden Door Spa, CA
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Chiva-Som, Green Valley Spa]

Water Sports:

• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX

Weight Loss:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Golden Door Spa, CA
• Green Mountain at Fox Run, VT
• Hills Health Ranch, The, Canada
• Oaks At Ojai, The, CA
• [Michelle's additions: Deerfield Spa, Fitness Ridge, The Heartland Spa, Mountain Trek, Regency House, Tennessee Fitness; again all Destination Spas are appropriate for weight issues as they are life enhancement facilities]

Yoga:

• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• [Michelle's additions: The Kerr House]

A complete listing of Readers' Choice Award winners is featured in Spa Finder's 2008 Global Spa Finder, the definitive worldwide spa directory, and can be viewed at: http://www.spafinder.com/spaguide/readerschoice/2007.jsp

Oprah & Destination Spas

Oprah Winfrey has visited many spas over the past twenty years. You may recall her former personal chef Rosie Daly. Oprah discovered her while visiting Cal-a-Vie in Vista, California and offered her a job. Since then, Oprah has visited several other spas and recently took spa-ing to the next level.

Monday’s show featured "Oprah and Gayle's Big Spa Adventure". For five days, 60 women joined Oprah and her best friend Gayle King for a spa getaway in Tucson, Arizona. These hard-working mothers, daughters and wives took a break from their everyday routines for a luxurious lesson on putting themselves first.

The ladies dove into their spa week with a Swing and a Prayer adventure, which provided to be very meaningful for everyone. Next, they moved on to spa treatments - Oprah indulged in her favorite treatment, a Thai massage; Gayle enjoyed a pedicure. And to round out the activities, the ladies had their nutrition and fitness levels tested. The nutritionist measured body composition and politely informed both Oprah and Gayle that they were above healthy levels. After that news, Zen Boot Camp was in order. It appeared to be too much Boot Camp and not enough Zen for Oprah as she bowed out. Lastly, Oprah joined the Executive Chef in the kitchen to learn how to prepare the delicious and healthy Grilled Salmon recipe.

In one hour, the show revealed the essence of a true Destination Spa. Each clip highlighted a various aspect of the program – fitness classes, healthy spa cuisine, discovery activities, education, and relaxation. Anybody who was watching the show could easily see that a Destination Spa offers much more than spa treatments, some fitness classes, and healthy meals. It is a life-enhancing experience.

At the end of the spa adventure, the ladies shared their thoughts and lessons on Oprah’s website. Their notes tell how they were touched, moved, inspired, and changed for life. This is what a Destination Spa vacation is all about.

If you want to enjoy a similar spa vacation, remember that that all spas are not created equal. It is a Destination Spa that you are seeking. While Resort/Hotel spas are very nice and offer a great option for spa-goers, it is only the true Destination Spas that offer the dedicated life enhancement programming. Visit www.destinationspavacations.com or call 888-772-4363 to explore your options.

Not ready for a spa vacation yet? Visit the Destination Spa Lifestyle website to find out how you can bring the spa experience into your life with spa recipes, expert advice and more!

Conde Nast Traveler Spa Poll

The results are in for Condé Nast Traveler’s spa poll. And the awards go to ... (drum roll please) - Destination Spas! According to the magazine, "Readers raved about destination spas this year, with more than twice as many high scorers as last year." Notably, almost all of them - 7 of the top 9 - are Destination Spa Group® (DSG) members.

1. Mayflower Inn & Spa, 89.5% (see Editor’s note)
2. Lake Austin Spa Resort (Austin, Texas) 88.3% *
3. Cal-A-Vie (Vista, California) 86.6% *
4. Canyon Ranch (Lenox, Massachusetts) 86.2% *
5. Miraval Life in Balance Spa, 85.1%
6. Golden Door (Escondido, California) 85.0% *
7. Canyon Ranch (Tucson, Arizona) 84.4% *
8. Rancho La Puerta (Tecate, Mexico) 84.3% *
9. Red Mountain Spa (St. George, Utah) 81.9% *

* DSG member spas

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Mayflower Inn & Spa offers wellness programming Monday-Friday only and is open to Inn guests who do not participate in the program).

Many magazines poll their readers and rate spas (see Allure blog entry). While I feel that they are helpful tools when searching for a spa vacation, please remember that these are reader polls. Just like you don’t trust every study that hits the headline news or a total stranger’s recommendation, don’t rely solely on readers’ polls or awards. Research all of your options thoroughly.

In your research, look for consistency over time and several publications. The Destination Spa Group® members that were included with this poll have also won awards with Travel + Leisure, SpaFinder, Condé Nast Traveler and many other publications and websites for several years running.

Additionally, consider the smaller and less traveled Destination Spas. Without a critical mass number of people "voting", they rarely top readers’ choice awards. Yet they offer fabulous programs. Trust me, even if I am a stranger to you -- I worked at Birdwing Spa in Minnesota for four years and have visited almost all of the Destination Spas and several Hotel/Resort Spas in North America.

For more information on Destination Spas, visit www.destinationspas.com or call 888-772-4363.

Allure's Top 10 Spas

Another popular magazine is encouraging its readers to visit spas! Allure has done its research and compiled a "Top Ten Spas" list in its February 2007 edition. In addition to identifying the best spas, Danielle Pergament, provides tidbits like the most popular offerings, best dish, best room, best massage, things you must do, and the overall flavor of each property.

Not surpising to me, six of the Top Ten are Destination Spas. The spas were listed alphabetically, so in no particular ranking order, the following were included in Allure's list:

• Cal-a-Vie in Vista, California
• Canyon Ranch, Arizona
• Golden Door, California
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, Utah

If you cross reference this list of spas with the spas that Spafinder, Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure have awarded, you will see that these particular spas along with other Destination Spa Group members have won the majority of these awards. I think it goes beyond the fact that these spas offer a great product that consumers appreciate.

When someone verbalizes that they want to go on a "spa vacation" they mean a full spa experience that takes them away from the everyday. Not just a nice room with spa services (aka one of the thousand Hotel or Resort Spas that exist), but a special place where they can expand their mind, recharge their body, and lift their spirit. That is what you will find at a Destination Spa. In the world of spas, very few true Destination Spas exist (~30 in North America). If that is what you are seeking in your "spa vacation", do your homework, know the difference and seek out a Destination Spa Vacation!