January 29, 2013

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 40th 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.”

January 18, 2013

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

January 9, 2013

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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January 8, 2013

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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January 7, 2013

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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January 6, 2013

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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January 5, 2013

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


January 4, 2013

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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January 3, 2013

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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January 2, 2013

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

January 1, 2013

Wellness Resolutions 2013, #1 - Nurture Your Relationships








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

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