May 22, 2013

Midwest Wellness - The Biggest Loser Resort Chicago

Set upon the beautiful AAA Four Diamond-rated Eaglewood Resort & Spa, The Biggest Loser Chicago will inspire you to relax through its back-to-nature landscape of oak forests and meandering walking paths. Located minutes from O'Hare International Airport, and 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, the resort is located in Itasca, Illinois.

The resort features the Eaglewood Spa, who's salon professionals are committed to helping you relax after your fitness activity. Unwind with a body massage or treat yourself to even more treatments. Your therapist will personalize your massage by combining a variety of techniques, all geared toward relieving tension and restoring energy, balance and focus.

Not to be missed is the Eaglewood Signature Pedicure. This 60-minute classic pedicure for women and men starts with a soothing soak in the whirlpool foot bath, followed by an exfoliating scrub and foot/ half leg massage with a luxurious body butter. It is finished off with detailed nail work and flawless polish for women, or buffed to shine for men.

The Biggest Loser Chicago helps guests achieve the energizing results of a healthy lifestyle with a structured program of fitness activity, calorie-controlled spa cuisine, and education. Enjoy fun and exhilarating activities in the dedicated fitness, aerobic and workout facilities; enhance your experience with personal training; learn more about your body through state of the art metabolic and fitness testing; and partake in nutrition counseling sessions.

Activities and amenities include: amazing hiking trails in the Illinois countryside; a 6-lane bowling alley and access to a stunning championship golf course. Enjoy chef-created, delicious and calorie-controlled spa cuisine. Licensed professionals teach how to approach meal planning and recognize habits such as emotional and intuitive eating. Then, relax with wonderful spa treatments. The resort offers casually elegant guest rooms with all the modern conveniences.

The Biggest Loser Resort Chicago

May 21, 2013

Spas of Slovakia

With over 10 spa towns spread around Slovakia, the country’s historical wellness waters have quite a reputation.

Visitors come here not for their leisure only, but mainly for medical reasons. The facilities provide different treatments both therapeutic and medical professional depending on their agenda.

The medicinal springs have been well known since the Middle Ages. The most famous of these towns is Pieštany (pronounced pieshtany), located in the western region of the country and about an hour and half drive from the capital, Bratislava. It is the biggest spa town with some 40 hotels spread around the city.

Well-manicured grounds, mountains, the Vah River and dense forestry surround the town of Pieštany. Many thermal water facilities are spread throughout the grounds to provide a quaint and relaxing atmosphere for its visitors.

They come mainly from the EU and from Arab countries to enjoy the treatments this town can provide, and many visit Pieštany regularly.

The hotel staff members are trained practitioners of medical and physical therapy. Each spa resort specializes in the treatment of different medical conditions, or “indications.” Detailed brochures and pamphlets are available online to choose an appropriate treatment.

Each hotel has a typical European feel of simplicity to it. They are well equipped to provide a relaxing atmosphere while their spa schedules are designed to keep a visitor busy throughout the day.
At meal times an adequate diet is served, supervised by a dietician and recommended by the doctor at the hotel.

The “medicine spa” and the “preventive, relaxation and rehabilitation” stay are the most popular choices for visitors. The first aims to treat the musculoskeletal system and rheumatoid arthritis, prevention of osteoporosis, back pain problems, and cardiovascular diseases as well.

The second type of treatment is mostly nonmedical and focuses more on relaxation and ease of stress than anything else. There are anti-stress massage sessions, slimming treatments using heat therapies, massages and wraps targeted for patients that want to lose weight.

Many visitors that choose this type of spa retreat are diabetic or have weight issues that require a less invasive treatment than surgery.

Others hope to treat their state of health after injuries caused by accidents, disabilities after strokes, certain skin diseases and targeted muscle rehabilitation due to a medical condition.

Each stay requires a specific duration to insure effectiveness. Most treatments are between two to four weeks.

For over a century, Pieštany has developed proved methods to stimulate the body to achieve rapid pain reduction and early healing to many problems such as in the nervous system and post-injury conditions. The thermal water naturally springs from 2,000-meter-deep tectonic disruptions. Its temperature ranges from 67-69 °C at its source. The waters are mildly mineral, sodium disulfide, hypotonic and calcific. The thermal water and its natural mud are recognized for their healing effect on many mobility disorders and other ailments. The water is directly pumped into thermal baths or individual tubs (according to one’s preference) where it’s used for treatments. The mud is either applied to the body in the form of packs, or alternatively, build directly over the hot mud springs.
The waters are rich in minerals and warmed by the heat of the earth’s core to provide what is probably one of the most remarkable natural remedies known. Residents of the town and many other spa towns in Slovakia and Hungary visit the thermal baths on a weekly basis to unwind from the stresses and strains of modern life. It has become a habit for many and has become part of their tradition.

The usual minimum stay at one of the spa hotels is about a week, packages are provided according to the consultation of doctors at hand. Doctors at the spa conduct weekly checkups on the patients and initially record the progress of the treatments they suggested for sufficient results. Treatment plans are adjusted and are safe to follow as part of the spa services. Throughout the stay, doctors are always at hand to give necessary advice and guidance to ensure that the patient gets the most out of the facility.

At the end of each stay, the doctors conduct a final consultation to ensure that the treatments prescribed have gone according to plan. The doctors also give medical and lifestyle advice to help continue the improvement of health once the patient has left.

Thermia Palace Hotel located on Spa Island is one of the highest recommended. It is a historic Art Nouveau hotel of more than a 100 years old that accommodated many famous personalities. Together with the Irma Health Spa nearby, the hotel provides the ideal conditions for visitors to enjoy the accommodations throughout the year. The Balnea Esplanade Palace is also located on Spa Island and is associated with the Balneo rehabilitation center nearby where most of the curative treatments are held. Many more hotel spas are located around the town and can easily be found. All hotels provide many different international cuisines on the grounds as well as cafes and shopping passages for visitors to stroll along while enjoying the culture of Pieštany.

http://www.arabnews.com

April 26, 2013

Aloha Spa ~ The Na Ho'ola Spa, Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
With all the excitement Waikiki has to offer, I was surprised to learn the most relaxing place I found was also at the centre of it. Like the bronze statue of Duke Kahnamoku, the Na Ho'ola Spa at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa welcomes you with open arms.

This was my first visit to the spa, and I was surprised to learn it wasn’t created as an afterthought or hidden in a quiet or dark part of the hotel as many hotel spas are. The Na Ho’ola Spa is featured front and center of the resort. It’s three floors up from the street and bathed in the sunshine, with panoramic views of Waikiki Beach, the swaying palm trees, the cresting waves and, yes, the statue of the Duke below ... who almost seems to say, “Relax, enjoy, go with the wave ...”

Upon entering the Na Ho’ola Spa at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, I was greeted with a display of brilliance with a clean, bright design, wood flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows and an abundance of southern window light. (I don’t remember ever before wearing my sunglasses into a spa.)

Greeted warmly by the spa’s staff, I completing my intake form, and received instructions to the men’s change room, where I found everything well-organized, well-stocked and clean. I planned my visit a little early, so as to enjoy the fabulous sauna, and hydrate with a couple of glasses of water. After showering and feeling wonderfully relaxed, I ventured to the large relaxation room (again with the view) and laid back on a comfortable lounge bed. Soon I was met by my therapist and whisked away.

A room with a view, Na Ho'ola Spa
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I’m not used to the Hawaiian sun (or much sun for that matter). Conscious of its effect on my face, I elected to have a Deluxe Lomi Lomi Facial - a Na Ho’ola signature treatment. My therapist took great care in talking to me about my skin, and helped select a blend of organic products designed to restore the essential elements of my skin. Nestled under the covers, I slowly began to drift off as my aesthetician went to work on me - cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing, including creating a customized mask. Icing the cake, my treatment was complemented by a wonderfully soothing neck and shoulder massage.

I was very impressed with my experience at the Na Ho'ola Spa. At over 10,000 square feet on two levels, including 16 treatment rooms, the spa is large, but not too big. Staff were friendly and professional, and the spa menu offers a wide variety of Hawaiian-inspired therapies. For your next visit to Oahu, the Na Ho’ola Spa, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa should be on your itinerary.

Na Ho’ola Spa, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

~ Craig Oliver, Editor-in-Chief, Spas of America

April 19, 2013

Taking the Waters at British Columbia's Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa

My recent visit to Vancouver Island’s Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa surprised me. I knew this resort has a solid reputation and a loyal following from customers across Canada and the Pacific Northwest, but  sometimes going in with high expectations can leave you disappointed. I wasn’t.

After a one-hour scenic drive north from Nanaimo, I arrived at the resort, which was nestled like a seagull, overlooking the ocean, fenced to the north and south by towering Douglas Fir trees. My first impression was that it looked modest and unpretentious. Driving in, I was reminded of a private club. At check-in I was met with warm smiles and the friendly faces of the Kingfisher’s staff.

Opening the door to my room, the Orca Suite, I was immediately greeted by the ocean in front of me. True to its name, the Orca Suite was spacious, with a separate bedroom, en suite bathroom, fully stocked kitchen, and living and dining area with a natural gas fireplace. With all this space, in such a beautiful setting, one wishes they weren’t alone. But the sounds of the waves hitting the beach in front of me reminded me I wasn’t.

I soon ventured to the spa, where I was to experience the Kingfisher’s signature Pacific Mist
Hydrotherapy. Dressed in my swimsuit, robe and sandals, I was greeted by Danielle, who would be my guide for the next hour. I followed her downstairs, where the Pacific Mist Hydrotherapy occupied the entire lower floor in soft lighting, gentle music and the rush of water. Danielle explained how this wellness journey offers the benefits of hydrotherapy, including remineralization, detoxification and relaxation, in a setting evoking Vancouver Island’s natural seaside elements.

The treatment follows eight unique elements: Swiss Shower, Mineral Massage Pool, Waterfall Massage, Steam Cave, Glacial Waterfall, River Walk, Sea Mineral Soak, Tidal Baths ... and finally the relaxation lounge. Here you’re encouraged to cool down, catch your breath and rehydrate while taking in gorgeous views of the ocean, mountains and nearby islands.

Pacific Mist Hydrotherapy is one of the most unique spa experiences I’ve had - a true “taking of the waters.” I enjoyed it because it was so different from drifting away on a massage table. I felt present and relaxed - away from all the interruptions of life. Danielle was nothing short of wonderful - answering all of my questions, checking in on me, and topping up my ever-dwindling glass of water (I must have consumed about a dozen).

Feeling energized and relaxed (and a little hungry) after my treatment, I made my way to the Kingfisher’s signature restaurant, The Breakwater. Staying true to my British Columbia spa experience, I enjoyed a delicious plate of Saltspring Island Mussels in red curry, coconut milk, lemongrass and cilantro, complemented by a glass of BC’s Wild Goose Riesling.

I highly recommend visiting the Kingfisher and its signature Pacific Mist Hydrotherapy - either on your own or with friends, family or a romantic partner. But given a choice, I'd suggest taking someone with you. Life is better shared.

Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa

~ Craig Oliver, Editor-in-Chief, Spas of America

April 9, 2013

Hilton's eforea spa brand opens in Canada

Innovative global spa concept eforea: spa at Hilton expands into Canada at Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa. As the first location for eforea in the country and the fourth eforea spa in North America, the converted 5,000-square-foot spa features an exclusive treatment menu, innovative design features and carefully selected product partners appealing to today's global travelers.

"As the global expansion of eforea: spa at Hilton continues, we are delighted to bring this dynamic concept to Canada," said Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "eforea is proving to be a strong solution for owners and is well received by our guests with 14 spas currently open and more than 90 in development."


eforea: spa at Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham

April 1, 2013

Sunriver, Oregon's Sage Springs Club Spa

Sage Springs Club Spa, Sunriver Resort, Oregon
A unique Northwest vacation destination for all seasons that creates togetherness and memories, Sunriver Resort provides unmatched activities and experiences in a serene, natural setting.

Set in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Sunriver, Oregon lies 15 miles south of the city of Bend, offering a dry and temperate climate and a myriad of outdoor activities. Enthusiasts enjoy world-class golf, skiing and snowboarding, water sports, fishing, cycling and rock-climbing. The resort even boasts its own private airport - the only private airstrip in the Pacific Northwest.

The Sunriver Resort offers 63 holes of world-class golf, and was awarded Golf Magazine coveted Gold Medal, identifying this as one of America's best golf resorts. Carefully designed to preserve the natural beauty of the area, each golf course at Sunriver has a character all its own.

Guests looking to relax can take refuge in the Sage Springs Club & Spa. Offering a full range of massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services, this Pacific Northwest spa is the refuge of choice for relaxation seekers. Guests at Sage Springs have access to state of the fitness and weight room facilities, over 40 group fitness classes per week, indoor and outdoor tennis complex, indoor lap pool, hydro pools, and full service locker and steam rooms.

Sage Springs Club Spa, Sunriver, Oregon

March 20, 2013

Art + Spa, Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort in Napa Valley

The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, Calif. is launching its “Art of Relaxation” package. The packages invites guests not only to relax by enjoying the beautiful Napa Valley and two spa treatments at Spa Terra in the Estate Cave located directly behind the resort and under a hillside of vineyards, but gives them everything they need to paint their own “Meritage Masterpiece.” The package is being launched in coordination with Napa Valley’s Arts in April, but will be available beyond April as Napa is picturesque year round.

During the month of April guests can also book a three hour watercolor class with Jessel Miller, a local watercolor artist. The Saturday class (10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) is being offered to guests who book the package for $30 (standard price is $45).

Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort in Napa Valley



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