February 13, 2015

Michigan Marvelous: The Spa Grand Traverse

Complete with a 7,000 square-foot spa, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is one of the Midwest’s finest full-service, year-round destinations for spa enthusiasts. The 900-acre property, located along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan’s East Grand Traverse Bay, is designed to showcase the surrounding area’s stunning beauty with relaxing and invigorating amenities.

Inspired by the rejuvenating nature of Northern Michigan, Spa Grand Traverse occupies two floors, twenty-three treatment rooms, a salon and boutique. Whether you desire a few soothing hours or an all-embracing spa vacation, our northern Michigan setting stimulates renewal of the body, mind and spirit with massage therapies, skin care, and wellness treatments featuring natural products that focus on de-stressing, detoxifying and re-balancing. Resort guests, club members and locals alike can savor the Spa’s signature cherry infused services featuring locally made products which you will find in massage and nail care services. In addition to traditional treatments, Spa Grand Traverse has aligned with The Center for Skin Care at Copper Ridge to provide unique, new services in a tranquil spa setting. Board certified physicians Dr. Chris Jeffries, Dr. Steven Thomas and their professionally trained staff provide safe, non-invasive beauty treatments utilizing BroadBand Light technology.

Not to miss at the Spa is the Cherry Honey Glow. A fresh mix of northern Michigan cherry concentrate and sugar is applied to the body, exfoliating and polishing the skin. A relaxing and rhythmic rinse under the Vichy shower follows. Complete the experience with cherry hydrating lotion, leaves your skin feeling softer and younger.

One of the Midwest's finest full-service, year-round, golf, spa and vacation destinations, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers nearly 600 Hotel and Tower rooms, suites, and condominiums. The Resort features 54 holes of championship golf including The Bear, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, The Wolverine, by Gary Player and Spruce Run, the original Resort course. Additional features include a comprehensive tennis program with indoor and outdoor tennis courts, 100,000 square-foot Health Club with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 15,000-square foot Indoor Water Playground, children's center, plus a shopping gallery, diverse restaurants and lounges and year-round recreation.

The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has won numerous awards including: Traverse Magazine, Voted Red Hot Best Spa in Northern Michigan 2014; Conde Naste Traveller, Top 50 Mainland Destination; Family Circle Magazine, Family Resort of the Year Award; Golf Magazine, Silver Medal Resort; USA Today, 10 Great Places for Family Golf; and a Top 100 Spas of 2012, by Spas of America.

How to get there:

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is situated in the northwest corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Just six miles northeast of Traverse City, it is a ten-minute drive from Traverse City's Cherry Capital Airport (TVC). The Resort is 2.5 hours from Grand Rapids, 4 hours from Detroit and 6 hours from Chicago.

Visit the Spa Grand Traverse, Traverse City, Michigan

January 29, 2015

The Top 50 California Spas of 2014

Ojai Resort & Spa, Ojai, California
The spa travel website Spas of America has released its inaugural ranking of the Top 50 California Spas of 2014 based on consumer behavior on its website.

“Since we launched Spas of America ten years ago, California has played the lead for North America’s spa and wellness industry,” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. “Long known for its warm sunshine and fresh-air attitude, California is our most searched region, and home to our largest audience of spa consumers.”

Spa travel has become an important driver for the state’s tourism industry as reported by Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “Spa and wellness experiences lure 31 million travelers to California each year with an abundance of luxury and relaxation options. Whether it’s on a sun-kissed beach, bustling urban center or a mountain retreat, our spa experiences, coupled with our boundless outdoor activities, attractions and culinary delights, makes the Golden State the ideal destination for those looking to indulge and unwind.”

Where does this passion for spa come from? Health and wellness is ingrained in the DNA of California according to hospitality and spa/lifestyle consultant Peter Anderson of Anderson & Associates. “Culturally, California is both iconoclastic and innovative, starting with the hippies of the 60s trending into the Silicon Valley of today,” he says. “We have a culture that pushes boundaries to help us have our ‘better lives.’”

California consumers are also expanding their spa and wellness palate, says Jessica Timberlake, former Southern California spa director, and founder at Found Details Photography. “As the Millennial generation gains strength in spending power, there is a noticeable trend shift in what the consumer wants. Spa goers are interested in not only a massage and facial, but a true wellness experience to balance out the stresses of a constantly connected life. California, as a known trendsetter both in consumerism and spa experiences, is sure to respond to this demand in new and innovative ways,” she says.

The Top 50 California Spas of 2014 consists of a kaleidoscope of hotels, resorts and destination spas from across the Golden State, including boutique wine spas, revitalizing mineral springs, entertaining casino spas, results-driven fitness spas and luxury spas.



Spas of America’s Top 50 California Spas of 2014

  1. Wine & Roses, Lodi
  2. The Biggest Loser Resort, Malibu
  3. Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, Napa
  4. Oaks at Ojai, Ojai
  5. Sunstone The Spa at Agua Caliente, Rancho Mirage
  6. Pala Casino Spa & Resort, Pala
  7. Southbridge Napa Valley, St. Helena
  8. The Spring Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs
  9. The Spa at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach
  10. The Golden Door, San Marcos
  11. Agua Serena Spa, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, Indian Wells
  12. We Care Detox Spa, Desert Hot Springs
  13. Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley
  14. The Spa at The Grand Del Mar, San Diego
  15. Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa, Desert Hot Springs
  16. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma
  17. The Spa at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, Newport Beach
  18. Blue Marble Spa, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego
  19. The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, Half Moon Bay
  20. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, San Luis Obispo
  21. The Ashram Retreat, Calabasas
  22. Spa at Equinox Century City, Los Angeles
  23. Marilyn Monroe Spa, Hyatt Regency Monterey, Monterey
  24. Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa, Corona
  25. Indian Springs Resort & Spa, Calistoga
  26. Miracle Springs Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs
  27. Villagio Inn & Spa, Yountville
  28. The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, Malibu
  29. Post Ranch Inn & Spa, Big Sur
  30. Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford
  31. The Chopra Center Omni La Costa Resort, Carlsbad
  32. The Spa at Rancho Valencia, Rancho Santa Fe
  33. Spa Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
  34. The Spa at Bardessono, Yountville
  35. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara
  36. Sage Spa, Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, Cabazon
  37. La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta
  38. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Ojai
  39. Healing Arts Center & Spa, Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito
  40. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert
  41. The WELL Spa, Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
  42. The Spa at Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes
  43. Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa, Bodega Bay
  44. The Auberge Spa at Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga
  45. Spa Relaken, Miyako Hybrid Hotel, Torrance
  46. Spa Montage Beverly Hills, Beverlly Hills
  47. Spa Las Palmas at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage
  48. Spa Gaucin, St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point
  49. Sea Wellness Spa, Casa Del Mar, Santa Monica
  50. The Spa at Paradise Point, San Diego

Click here for a complete list of California Spas:

Spas of America’s Top 50 California Spas of 2014 are ranked by unique page views generated by customers visiting the website throughout the year. Spas of America’s global audience is 70% women; 80% USA/Canada; age 25 to 65 (median age 39); $75k–$250k household income; leisure and business travellers; and health, wellness and lifestyle oriented.

Source: Google Analytics, January 1–December 31, 2014

January 13, 2015

Spas of America's Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014

100 Fountain Spa, Pillar and Post
Spas of America has announced their annual ranking of the Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014, based on consumer behavior on our website.

“2014 was a strong year for the Canadian spa and wellness industry,” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. “British Columbia has the most spas on the Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014 with 18, but Ontario took the top three spots: Miraj Spa by Caudalie Paris at Shangri-La Toronto, Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, and the #1 spa in the Canada - Niagara-on-the-Lake’s 100 Fountain Spa.”

100 Fountain Spa, Pillar & Post general manager, Paul MacIntyre, graciously accepts the recognition bestowed on the world-class spa. “As general manager, I applaud my team for their efforts to always go above and beyond to exceed our guest expectations. My team values this top 50 recognition just as much as I do.”

The Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014 lists spas from across the country, including 18 spas from British Columbia, 15 from Ontario, eight from Alberta, five from Quebec, two from Saskatchewan, and one each from Manitoba and Newfoundland.

Spas of America’s Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014

  1. 100 Fountain Spa, Pillar & Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  2. Ste. Anne's Spa, Grafton, Ontario
  3. Miraj Spa by Caudalie Paris, Shangri-La Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
  4. Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan
  5. Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  6. Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
  7. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta
  8. The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario
  9. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Blue Mountains, Ontario
  10. White Oaks Resort, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  11. Drift Spa, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Ucluelet, British Columbia
  12. Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia
  13. Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  14. Serenity Spa by the Falls, Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario
  15. Five Lakes Spa, DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa, Niagara Falls, Ontario
  16. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
  17. The Spa, InterContinental Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
  18. The Hills Health Ranch, 108 Mile House, British Columbia
  19. Temple Gardens Resort & Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
  20. Balnea Spa, Bromont-sur-le-lac, Quebec
  21. Clinic at KurSpa, Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon, British Columbia
  22. eforea: spa at Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham, Markham, Ontario
  23. Hastings House Country House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
  24. Scandinave Spa Whistler, Whistler, British Columbia
  25. CHI the Spa at Shangri-La Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
  26. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta
  27. Mountain Trek Retreat, Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia
  28. Amerispa, Sheraton Laval, Laval, Quebec
  29. Haven Spa, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, Sidney, British Columbia
  30. Healing Springs Spa, Harrison Hot Springs Resort, Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
  31. Santé Spa Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
  32. The Couples Resort and Algonquin Spa, Whitney, Ontario
  33. Miette Hot Springs, Jasper, Alberta
  34. Grail Springs, Bancroft, Ontario
  35. Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau, Quais du vieux-port de Montréal, Quebec
  36. Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia
  37. Banff Upper Hot Springs, Banff, Alberta
  38. Santé Spa Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
  39. Santé Spa Calgary, at Hôtel Le Germain, Calgary, Alberta
  40. Au Naturel Spa, Brookstreet, Ottawa, Ontario
  41. Elements Spa Salon at the Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls, Ontario
  42. The L Spa & Wellness Centre, Grand Prairie, Alberta
  43. Amerispa, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie, Quebec
  44. Willow Stream Spa,Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, British Columbia
  45. Euro-Spa Wellness Resort, St-Ignace-de-standbridge, Quebec
  46. Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Boathouse Spa and Baths, Victoria, British Columbia
  47. Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia
  48. Radium Hot Springs, Radium, British Columbia
  49. Monastery Spa and Suites, St. John’s, Newfoundland 
  50. Susurrus Spa at Poets Cove Resort, South Pender Island, British Columbia
Spas of America’s Top 50 Canada Spas of 2014 are ranked by unique page views generated by customers visiting the website throughout the year. Spas of America’s global audience is 70% women; 80% USA/Canada; age 25 to 65 (median age 39); $75k–$250k household income; leisure and business travellers; and health, wellness and lifestyle oriented.

Source: Google Analytics, January 1–December 31, 2014

View a complete list of Canada Spas.

January 2, 2015

Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2014

New Life Hiking Spa, Mendon/Killington, Vermont
The spa travel website Spas of America has released their annual ranking of the Top 100 Spas of 2014, based on consumer behavior on their website.

“2014 was a very strong year for the spa and wellness industry with record visits and revenue for the North American spa and wellness industry” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver.

An ISPA 2014 U.S. Spa Industry Study commissioned by the ISPA Foundation and undertaken by PwC International Survey Unit, reported an increase of 2.5% in spa visits to 164 million, and a revenue growth of 5.1% to $14.7 billion.

“This year we saw growth in three areas of spa travel” says Oliver, “Destination Spas - with their focus on health, fitness and weight-loss; Mineral Spas - and their emphasis on the healing attributes of mineral hot springs; and a return to Luxury Spas at resorts and urban centers."

2014's list of the The Top 100 Spas includes 69 spas from the United States, 30 spas from Canada, and one from Mexico.

Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2014

  1. New Life Hiking Spa, Mendon/Killington, Vermont
  2. Biggest Loser Chicago, Itasca, Illinois
  3. Biggest Loser Niagara, Java Center, New York
  4. 100 Fountain Spa, Pillar & Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  5. Relâche Spa, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee
  6. Wine & Roses, Lodi, California
  7. Biggest Loser Resort, Amelia Island, Florida
  8. The Naples Grande Spa, Naples, Florida
  9. Fitness Ridge, Ivins, Utah
  10. Abhasa Spa, The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
  11. Ste. Anne's Spa, Grafton, Ontario
  12. Evensong Spa, Heidel House Resort, Green Lake, Wisconsin
  13. Miraj Spa by Caudalie Paris, Shangri-La Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
  14. Biggest Loser Resort Malibu, Malibu, California
  15. Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan
  16. Skana, The Spa at Turning Stone Resort, Verona, New York
  17. Spa Terra, Meritage Resort at Napa, Napa, California
  18. Aqua Spa, The Delano, Miami Beach, Florida
  19. Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, California
  20. Turtle Cove Spa, Mountain Harbor Resort, Mount Ida, Arkansas
  21. Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  22. Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
  23. The Spa at the Omni Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia
  24. Sunstone The Spa at Agua Caliente, Rancho Mirage, California
  25. Spa Khakara, Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
  26. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta
  27. The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario
  28. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Blue Mountains, Ontario
  29. White Oaks Resort, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  30. Crystal Springs Resort, Vernon, New Jersey
  31. Drift Spa, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Ucluelet, British Columbia
  32. Aspira Spa, The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
  33. Relâche Spa, Gaylord National Resort, National Harbour, Maryland
  34. Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia
  35. Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  36. Serenity Spa by the Falls, Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario
  37. Five Lakes Spa, DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa, Niagara Falls, Ontario
  38. Pala Casino Spa & Resort, Pala, California
  39. Southbridge Napa Valley, St. Helena, California
  40. The Cloister Spa, Sea Island Resorts, Sea Island, Georgia
  41. Crystal Spa, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
  42. Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
  43. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
  44. The Spring Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California
  45. The Spa, InterContinental Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
  46. ESPA, Acqualina Resort, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
  47. The Hills Health Ranch, 108 Mile House, British Columbia
  48. Temple Gardens Resort & Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
  49. eforea spa, Hilton Short Hills, Short Hills, New Jersey
  50. The Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina
  51. Balnea Spa, Bromont-sur-le-lac, Quebec
  52. Halele‘a Spa, The St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai, Hawaii
  53. CostaBaja Resort & Spa, Baja California Sur, Mexico
  54. Clinic at KurSpa, Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon, British Columbia
  55. eforea: spa at Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham, Markham, Ontario
  56. Hastings House Country House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
  57. ZaSpa Dallas, Hotel ZaZa, Dallas, Texas
  58. Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
  59. The Spa Internazionale on Fisher Island, Miami, Florida
  60. The Spa at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach, California
  61. Scandinave Spa Whistler, Whistler, British Columbia
  62. Mii amo, a Destination Spa at Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
  63. Relâche Spa, Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, Texas
  64. CHI the Spa at Shangri-La Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
  65. Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks, Alaska
  66. The Sagestone Spa at Red Mountain Resort, St. George, Utah
  67. Amara Resort and Spa, Sedona, Arizona
  68. Eau Spa, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Manalapan, Florida
  69. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta
  70. Awaken Whole Life Center, Unity Village, Missouri
  71. Mountain Trek Retreat, Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia
  72. Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills, Plymouth, Massachusetts
  73. Seven Inlets Spa, Little Creek Casino Resort, Shelton, Washington
  74. Narande Spa, Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes, Tempe, Arizona
  75. Canyon Ranch Tucson, Tucson, Arizona
  76. Carson Hot Mineral Springs Resort, Carson City, Nevada
  77. Amerispa, Sheraton Laval, Laval, Quebec
  78. Waldorf Astoria Spa at the Boulders, Carefree, Arizona
  79. Glade Spring Spa, Suncadia Resort, Cle Elum, Washington
  80. Golden Door, San Marcos, California
  81. Haven Spa, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, Sidney, British Columbia
  82. Healing Springs Spa, Harrison Hot Springs Resort, Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
  83. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
  84. W Hoboken, Bliss Spa, Hoboken, New Jersey
  85. We Care Detox Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California
  86. Agua Serena Spa, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, Indian Wells, California
  87. Santé Spa Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
  88. The Couples Resort and Algonquin Spa, Whitney, Ontario
  89. Regency Health Resort and Spa, Hallandale, Florida
  90. Alvadora Spa, Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona
  91. The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, Hot Springs, Arkansas
  92. Miette Hot Springs, Jasper, Alberta
  93. Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow, Vermont
  94. The Wellhouse at Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
  95. Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, Arizona
  96. Poseidon Spa, Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia
  97. Grail Springs, Bancroft, Ontario
  98. Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau, Quais du vieux-port de Montréal, Quebec
  99. SpaTerre, Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley, California
  100. Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia
Learn more at www.spasofamerica.com.

Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2014 are ranked by unique page views generated by customers visiting the website throughout the year. Spas of America’s global audience is 70% women; 80% USA/Canada; age 25 to 65 (median age 39); $75k–$250k household income; leisure and business travellers; and health, wellness and lifestyle oriented.

Source: Google Analytics, January 1–December 31, 2014

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