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



March 13, 2013

Vermont's New Life Hiking Spa in Killington Celebrates 35th Years

New Life Hiking Spa
Offering an award-winning weight loss retreat and hiking spa program, New Life Hiking Spa in Killington, Vermont, mark's their 35th anniversary this spring.

Each year approximately 700 guests from all over the world come to visit New Life in the Green Mountains of Vermont, which was founded in 1978 by Jimmy LeSage, M.S. and is celebrating its 35th anniversary this May.

New Life has been consistently picked as one of the top ten spas in the world by SpaFinder Wellness Reader’s Choice Awards for hiking, outdoor adventure, solo travel, weight loss, affordability and fitness classes over the past decade. In addition, founder and director Jimmy LeSage, M.S., was chosen as one of the world’s top ten best spa managers in 2011.  It was also recognized by SpaFinder Wellness as one of the 25 pioneer spas that have shaped the spa industry as it is today.

New Life Hiking Spa was chosen in Yankee Magazine as the 2012 Editor's Choice for "Best Place to Rejuvenate" and has been listed as New England's top spa by Spas of America in 2010, 2011 and 2012.  In January of 2013, MSN has selected it as one of the top ten spa and wellness retreats from around the world and Rand McNally listed it as the “#1 Soothing Spa Vacation”.

A member of the Destination Spa Association, New Life provides guests with a healthy vacation and tools to continue on the quest for a healthier lifestyle once returning home.

New Life Hiking Spa will be open for the 2013 season from May 16-September 27 and is now accepting reservations.

For more information visit:

New Life Hiking Spa

March 8, 2013

Calgary's Sky Spa ~ Santé Spa Hotel Le Germain

Santé Spa Hotel Le Germain
Arriving at the Hotel Le Germain, across from the Calgary Tower, our vehicle is whisked away by valet and we are speedily checked into a generously sized king room; it’s quiet, with modern furnishings and intense colors. The built-in wood cabinetry is oversized and luxurious. The green aspect of the hotel that stood out the most was the power-saving system of placing the room key card into a special receptacle in order for the lighting to remain on. It not only eliminates lighting empty rooms, but also provides the bonus of knowing where to look for the card when leaving the room. I particularly liked the oversized bathroom with an enormous rain showerhead, robes, high end products and thick, thirsty towels. The superbly comfortable bed, with a cozy knotted throw, made certain we had a great sleep. Deluxe continental breakfast the next morning was varied and attractively presented with a large number of specialty teas and coffees offered.

This Santé Spa location is a streamlined urban sanctuary located on the top story of the hotel, along with a fitness area, infrared saunas and showers. It was my first self-serve reception experience in a spa. Guests call or book treatments online, at which time they will be queried regarding any medical conditions as well as their preference for a male or female therapist and instructed what to do upon arrival.

When I got to the lounge, I helped myself to a small snack while I completed the questionnaire provided. The area was well lit without being too bright, with carefully chosen comfortable seating in neutral colors to complement the lines and concept of the building. No retail products in sight. At 3:30 p.m. sharp, my aesthetician, Carissa, led me to a cozy treatment room, where I donned a wrap and snuggled into a warm cocoon for the signature Revitalize facial. After a long road trip, the neck, shoulder and arm massage and the attention to my feet in addition to a thorough and caring facial treatment was heavenly, especially after the unaccustomed exposure to Calgary’s cold, dry mountain air. Carissa’s careful examination of my skin, exploratory questions and deft touch ensured my complete comfort and satisfaction from the first whiff of soothing aromatherapy through to the end, which always comes too soon.

Despite the edgy, modern feel of the hotel and spa, the cutting edge treatment I received was delivered using traditional and nurturing methods, a Santé trademark. Back in the lounge, a nibble of rich chocolate and a drink of refreshing citrus water completed the experience. My taut cheeks and softly glowing skin reflected exactly how I felt: relaxed, refreshed and revitalized ... just like the name says. For complete satisfaction, I recommend making advance reservations for treatment in this smaller, more intimate spa. Shoppers and downtown professionals, keep this escape in mind for a recharging respite or to prepare for those festive events.

Sante Spa Calgary

~ Dagmar White, Spas of America

March 1, 2013

Canada's Top 50 Spas of 2012

Le Nordik Spa, Quebec
Spas of America today announced their annual ranking of the Top 50 Canada Spas of 2012, based on consumer behavior on our website.

“Spas offering escape, rejuvenation and wellness in beautiful outdoor settings continue to prove popular with spa consumers,” says Craig Oliver, Spas of America president and editor-in-chief. “Our most popular Canadian spa experiences encompassed Country, Ocean, Mountain, Destination and Wine, while Urban spas provide a serene oasis for healthy-minded urbanites to relax and recharge in luxurious, sometimes exotic surroundings."

"Canada has an excellent international reputation in the spa industry from a global consumer perspective and also within the industry community itself. It is not only the physical beauty of our spas, but the skill and warmth of our people who design, manage and provide our services. I think it’s part of our spirit as Canadians” says Jack Morrison, past President of Leading Spas of Canada.

The Top 50 Canada Spas of 2012 includes: 21 spas from British Columbia; 8 Quebec spas; 14 Ontario spas; 5 Alberta spas; and two spas from Saskatchewan. Compared to 2011, the number of Ontario spas making the list increased by three, Alberta rose by two, Saskatchewan added one, and British Columbia stayed the same. The number of Quebec spas dropped by five.

Spas of America’s Top 50 Canada 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.

Spas of America’s Top 50 Canada Spas of 2012

  1. 100 Fountain Spa, Pillar & Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  2. Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
  3. Drift Spa, Blackrock Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Ucluelet, British Columbia
  4. Miraj Spa by Caudalie Paris, Shangri-La Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
  5. Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  6. The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario
  7. Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa, Victoria, British Columbia
  8. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Blue Mountains, Ontario
  9. Balnea Spa, Bromont-sur-le-lac, Québec
  10. The Hills Health Ranch, 108 Mile House, British Columbia
  11. Grail Springs, Bancroft, Ontario
  12. Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia
  13. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta
  14. Scandinave Spa, Whistler, British Columbia
  15. Five Lakes Spa AVEDA, Doubletree Fallsview Resort & Spa, Niagara Falls, Ontario
  16. CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
  17. Serenity Spa by the Falls, Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario
  18. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, British Columbia
  19. The Spa, InterContinental Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
  20. Haven Spa, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, Sidney, British Columbia
  21. Temple Gardens Resort & Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
  22. Scandinave Les Bains Vieux-Montréal, Montréal, Québec
  23. Elements Spa Salon, Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls, Ontario
  24. Le Nordik Nature Spa, Old Chelsea, Quebec
  25. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta
  26. Mountain Trek Retreat, Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia
  27. Le Scandinave Spa, Mont-Tremblant, Québec
  28. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
  29. Sante Spa Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
  30. The Spa at White Oaks, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  31. Hastings House Country House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
  32. Susurrus Spa at Poets Cove Resort, South Pender Island, British Columbia
  33. Amerispa, Sheraton Laval, Laval, Quebec
  34. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia
  35. Sora Spa at the Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia
  36. Amerispa, Westin Tremblant, Mont-Tremblant, Québec
  37. Spa Rosseau, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Minett, Ontario
  38. Ancient Cedars Spa, Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia
  39. Stillwater Spa, Park Hyatt Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
  40. KurSpa, Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon, British Columbia
  41. Au Naturel Spa, Brookstreet, Ottawa, Ontario
  42. Banff Upper Hot Springs, Banff, Alberta
  43. The L Spa & Wellness Centre, Grand Prairie, Alberta
  44. Ofuro Spa, Morin-Heights, Quebec
  45. Sonora Resort, Desolation Sound, British Columbia
  46. Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Watrous, Saskatchewan
  47. Sense, A Rosewood Spa, Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver, British Columbia
  48. River Rock Casino, Absolute Spa, Richmond, British Columbia
  49. Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, Nimmo Bay, British Columbia
  50. Amerispa, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, LaMalbaie, Québec

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

A complete list of Canada Spas can be viewed at:

http://www.spasofamerica.com/Canada

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