Spa Industry Gets Back to Their “Roots”

Sundara Inn & Spa

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates March as National Nutrition Month, with 2013 marking the 40^th anniversary of this educational campaign. As a long standing promoter of healthy living and wellness, spas are focusing on the healthful benefits of utilizing local and sustainable foods within their facilities.

“The number one reason globally that men and women go to a spa is to learn how to manage their stress. We know that in order to lead a life of wellness, one must incorporate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, so it only makes sense that spas are encouraging a more well-rounded approach to a healthy lifestyle,” said International SPA Association President Lynne McNees.

Jessica Timberlake, spa director of Southern California's Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, found farm to table treatments a missing element from high-end spas. “We are incorporating fresh ingredients sourced from VR Green Farms of San Clemente, Calif. into our seasonal body treatments and facials. We are also looking into some cross-branded retail items so our guests can take their spa experience home with them.”

Many spas feel that offering local and whole foods are a part of the mantra of their spa. “Paying tribute to the land and family farming supports our mission of wellness in all we do and setting an example of love and respect for the earth,” said Carla Minskey, communications manager at Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Raleigh, N.C. partners with a local, organic, fair trade, coffee company to provide three flavors of coffee to their guests, even creating a flavor named after the hotel.

McNees continued, “ISPA member spas are doing their part within their local communities and are partnering with farms to bring their clients nutrient-rich components as part of their experience and visit to the spa. This is such a natural fit for an industry that has spent decades promoting to the health-conscientious consumer.”

The Top Spas of 2012

Nordik Spa-Nature, Old Chelsea, Quebec

The leading spa travel website Spas of America today announced their annual ranking of the Top 100 Spas of 2012, based on consumer behavior on their website.

“Spas offering authentic and personalized rejuvenation and wellness in beautiful outdoor settings continue to prove popular with North American spa consumers,” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. “Destination spa experiences continue to be popular for consumers looking to experience a week or more of wellness, while Country, Ocean, Beach and Wine spa experiences are attractive to spa connoisseurs with limited time to escape.”

The Top 100 Spas of 2012 includes 64 spas in the United States, 34 spas in Canada, and one spa each from Mexico and Nicaragua.

Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2012

1. Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge, Ivins, Utah
2. 100 Fountain Spa, Pillar & Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
3. Aspira Spa, The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
4. Biggest Loser Resort Malibu, Malibu, California
5. Relache Spa at Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee
6. The Heartland Spa, Gilman, Illinois
7. eforea spa, Hilton Short Hills, Short Hills, New Jersey
8. Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
9. Turtle Cove Spa, Mountain Harbor Resort, Mount Ida, Arkansas
10. Drift Spa, Blackrock Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Ucluelet, British Columbia
11. Halele‘a Spa, The St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai, Hawaii
12. The Westin Huntsville, Heavenly Spa by Westin, Huntsville, Alabama
13. The Biggest Loser Niagara, Java Center, New York
14. W Hoboken, Bliss Spa, Hoboken, New Jersey
15. Miraj Spa by Caudalie Paris, Shangri-La Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
16. ESPA, Acqualina Resort, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
17. Skana, The Spa at Turning Stone Resort, Verona, New York
18. Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
19. Wine & Roses, Lodi, California
20. The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia
21. New Life Hiking Spa, Killington, Vermont
22. Pala Casino Spa & Resort, Pala, California
23. Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, California
24. Crystal Springs Resort, Vernon, New Jersey
25. Red Mountain Spa, St. George, Utah
26. Kohler Waters Spa, Burr Ridge, Illinois
27. The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario
28. The Spa at Paradise Point, San Diego, California
29. Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa, Victoria, British Columbia
30. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Blue Mountains, Ontario
31. The Delano, Aqua Spa, Miami Beach, Florida
32. Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico
33. The Cloister Spa, Sea Island Resorts, Sea Island, Georgia
34. Balnea Spa, Bromont-sur-le-lac, Quebec
35. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York
36. The Hills Health Ranch, 108 Mile House, British Columbia
37. Grail Springs, Bancroft, Ontario
38. W Chicago Lakeshore, Bliss Spa, Chicago, Illinois
39. Abhasa Spa, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii
40. Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia
41. Arlington Hotel & Spa, Little Rock, Arkansas
42. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta
43. Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
44. Scandinave Spa, Whistler, British Columbia
45. Evensong Spa, Heidel House Resort, Green Lake, Wisconsin
46. Five Lakes Spa AVEDA, Doubletree Fallsview Resort & Spa, Niagara Falls, Ontario
47. Health Spa Napa Valley, Inn at Southbridge, St. Helena, California
48. The Spring Resort and Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California
49. Spa Grand Traverse, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Traverse City, Michigan
50. CHI the Spa at Shangri-La Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
51. Agua Serena Spa, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, Indian Wells, California
52. Immerse Spa, MGM Grand Detroit, Detroit, Michigan
53. Eau Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Florida
54. Serenity Spa by the Falls, Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario
55. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, British Columbia
56. Mii amo, a Destination Spa at Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
57. The Spa, InterContinental Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
58. Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
59. Haven Spa, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, Sidney, British Columbia
60. Temple Gardens Resort & Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
61. Amara Resort & Spa, Sedona, Arizona
62. Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
63. Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, Florence, Alabama
64. Narande Spa at The Buttes Resort, Tempe, Arizona
65. Carson Hot Mineral Springs Resort, Carson City, Nevada
66. Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa, North Bonneville, Washington
67. Scandinave Les Bains Vieux-Montréal, Montréal, Quebec
68. Elements Spa Salon, Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
69. Le Nordik Nature Spa, Old Chelsea, Quebec
70. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
71. The Raj Ayurveda Health Spa, Vedic City, Iowa
72. Golden Door, Escondido, California
73. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta
74. Mountain Trek Retreat, Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia
75. Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania
76. Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley, California
77. Relache Spa, Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland
78. Le Scandinave Spa, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
79. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
80. Spa Terra, Meritage Resort at Napa, Napa, California
81. Fisher Island & Spa Internazionale, Miami, Florida
82. The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, Carefree, Arizona
83. Sante Spa Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
84. White Oaks Resort, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
85. Hastings House Country House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
86. The Woodlands Resort & Country Club, The Woodlands, Texas
87. Adolf Biecker Spa, The Rittenhouse, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
88. Ballantyne Resort Hotel & Spa, Charlotte, North Carolina
89. Ten Thousand Waves, Sante Fe, New Mexico
90. Susurrus Spa at Poets Cove Resort, South Pender Island, British Columbia
91. Alvadora Spa, Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona
92. Spa Khakara, Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
93. Amerispa, Sheraton Laval, Laval, Quebec
94. Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa, Miami, Florida
95. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
96. Inn at Langley, Spa Essencia, Langley, Washington
97. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia
98. Aqua Wellness Resort, Tola, Nicaragua
99. Mohegan Sun, Elemis Spa, Uncasville, Connecticut
100. Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California

Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2012 are ranked by unique page views generated by customers visiting the website throughout the year. Spas of America’s global audience is very targeted: 70% women; 80% USA/Canada; 25 to 65 years; $75k to $250k HHI; leisure and business travelers; and health, wellness and lifestyle oriented. In addition to the USA and Canada, Spas of America draws spa travel consumers from Europe, Asia and South America.

Source: Google Analytics, January 1 – December 31, 2012

Wellness Resolutions 2013, #9 - Achieve Your Goals

“Goals that are not written down are just wishes." —author unknown

To be successful you need to write down your goals—whatever they may be. Writing down makes your goals more concrete, it helps to set your plan in motion. Keep your goals visible, in your kitchen on your fridge, or better yet - on your bathroom mirror where its the first thing you see in the morning, and the last at night. 


In order to reach your goal, your goal needs to be something you truly want to achieve—a small desire will only bring small results. You ultimately will try harder if it something very important to you. The goal also needs to be planned out into smaller more manageable steps. For example, I will go to the gym one time the first week for 30 minutes, two times the second week for 45 minutes. This will give you small wins along the way and keep you motivated. It all seems very simple. You need to keep positive and you can accomplish any goal that you truly and absolutely want to achieve.

“People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine. “
~ Brian Tracy


Compliments of: Prince of Wales Hotel, Secret Garden Spa, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

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Wellness Resolutions 2013, #8 - Practice the Art of Bathing

Bathing promotes relaxation, rest and recovery. In ancient traditions, bathing was considered a healing art known as “taking the waters.” The bath was named after the famous Spa in Bath, England. It is important to choose the right bath product, one that is not just fun and relaxing but also therapeutic and formulated to deliver its benefits to your body. You can choose different therapeutic bath products to increase circulation throughout the body; decrease joint pain; provide relief from muscle pain, muscle spasms and cramps; stimulate elimination of toxins from the cells into the bloodstream and through the skin; and stimulate the immune system. Herbal baths are wonderful too: eucalyptus increases clarity and boosts immunity -- good for colds, chamomile soothes dry skin and relaxes, and pine eases sore muscles and joints.

"Right now I'm just delighted to be alive and to have had a nice long bath."
~ Richard Branson

Compliments of: Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta

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Wellness Resolutions 2013, #7 - Spend Time Together

Women who spend more time together with the men in their lives help their men live longer, happier lives. Men who take their women away help their women feel appreciated. Quality time together without distractions is important and will only enhance both partners to live longer. For the love of the relationship, nurture each other daily and plan for time away from all the distractions of work and family. It will benefit everyone.

"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides."
~ David Viscott

Compliments of: The Couples Resort & Algonquin Spa, Ontario

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Wellness Resolutions 2013 - #6, Go Outside

Beautiful natural environments rejuvenate our bodies and souls, and it’s more fun to exercise outside. Mountain Trek, in the gorgeous mountains of British Columbia, Canada, suggests taking a half hour each day to get some fresh air, stock up on vitamin D (with sun on your skin) and move your limbs in a beautiful setting. Being outside reduces stress and gives perspective on life’s challenges.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
~ John Burroughs

Mountain Trek Health Spa and Fitness Retreat, British Columbia

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Wellness Resolutions 2013 - #5, Don't Forget You

Most of us put a great deal of energy into taking care of those around us – loved ones and others in need. But we sometimes do this at our own expense: physically, mentally and otherwise. It’s important to nurture and exercise your body, heart and mind. Southern California’s Pala Spa recommends finding the time each day to take a few deep breaths or indulging in an organically inspired massage every so often. Your spirit is restored as natural purified ingredients treat your skin and help preserve the world around us.
 
“It is confidence in our bodies, minds, and spirits that allows us to keep looking for new adventures, new directions to grow in, and new lessons to learn.”
~ Oprah Winfrey

Pala Spa, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, Pala, California

Wellness Resolutions 2013, #4 - Random Acts of Kindness

This year plan to do some random acts of kindness or volunteer in your local community. The rewards of selfless acts are bountiful. They give you a deeper sense of meaning in your life, put things in perspective and increase your happiness and self-worth. A happy and peaceful state of mind also directly correlates with your physical health.

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sante Spa Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia

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Wellness Resolutions 2013, #3 - Embrace Silence

Take a step back from the stresses of modern life and embrace the wonder of silence. For a few minutes each day, silence your cell phone and power down your laptop to reacquaint yourself with living in the moment. Take up a silent sport that’s easy on the environment, such as snowshoeing or bicycling. Try a yoga class. Wake up naturally without an alarm. Read, journal, meditate. Give yourself permission to enjoy silence in all its forms and you’ll be rewarded with stress reduction and clarity of mind and spirit.

“True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.” ~ William Penn

Compliments of: Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

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Wellness Resolutions 2013, #2 - Daily Hike and Journaling

Nothing clears your head like a walk or hike. So often, when out in nature, moments of clarity come to us. The stress, anxiety and confusion (which often lead to unhealthy habits) of life in this busy, wired world tend to escape us while hiking outdoors. After a hike, make it a regular practice to take even five minutes to journal what was going through your mind: a wonderful quote, a prayer, a meditation or a list of what you are most grateful for. In addition to getting exercise for your body, you will find inner peace, which we all so desperately need.

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ~ Anais Nin

Compliments of: New Life Hiking Spa, Killington, Vermont

Wellness Resolutions 2013

Wellness Resolutions 2013, #1 - Nurture Your Relationships

Juggling the demands of work, home and other responsibilities leaves many of us feeling like we do not have nearly enough time for family and friends who truly matter. But even small acts of kindness, protection and caring make a big difference to those we care about. Communication, support and quality time are vital to all relationships. When we give our time, we are rewarded with positive, open and trusting relationships in all areas of our life. Enrich your life with meaningful connections – make memories, and relax, work and play together throughout this new year!

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ~ Marcel Proust

Compliments of:

Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Vancouver Island, BC

Wellness Resolutions 2013