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

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

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.

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

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain's 12 Days of Christmas Contest

Ontario's Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain is running a 12 Days of Christmas Contest, starting December 1st. There is over $7,500 in gifts to be given out this year!

Visit Scandinave Spa's Facebook Page for more information and to enter the contest. Be sure to like them on Facebook so you can follow along and watch the gifts grow.

Good luck!

Wisconsin's Evensong Spa launches January Wellness Month with Mammogram Testing

Marshfield Clinic’s Mobile Health Screening Unit will travel to Green Lake to provide mammograms at Evensong Spa on Saturday, January 10, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of the spa’s Wellness Month programming.

The 40-foot-screening van has provided digital mammography services to thousands of patients since 2007. All screening services completed in the mobile unit are done in a private space just as they would be at a clinic. Women 18 years and older can receive mammograms in the mobile health screening unit. For this event, women are encouraged to schedule a mammogram well in advance of Jan. 10 to ensure availability.

According to Marshfield Clinic, the recommended frequency of mammograms varies with age:

• All women over 20 years of age are encouraged to perform monthly breast self-exams.
• Women age 40 to 49 are advised to have a mammogram every one to two years based on
risk factors.
• Women over 50 years are advised to have a mammogram every year.
• Women over 75 should discuss the frequency of mammograms with their health care
provider.

“Screening mammography is important because it’s the first line of defense in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is the key to successful treatment,” said Myron Gadke, mobile services manager. “Marshfield Clinic believes it’s important to provide mobile mammography services because many women we see would not have access to mammograms close to home.”

Mammogram costs will be billed to health insurance providers for patients with health insurance or Medicare. Patients should check with their insurance to make sure Marshfield Clinic is a network provider. Financial assistance may be available to those that qualify. Call the Marshfield Clinic Patient Assistance staff at 715.389.4475 to see if this is an option.

“Health and wellness of our guests and community is important to us at Evensong Spa,” said spa director Druellen Kosti. “Therefore, it makes sense for us to provide a convenient opportunity for women to receive mammograms, since it can often take months to get an appointment elsewhere.”

Evensong Spa, managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, has scheduled the mammogram bus as part of the spa’s Wellness Month. During January, Evensong Spa will feature health and wellness programming on Saturdays.

Evensong Spa's January Wellness events include hypnosis and lifestyle coaching by John Ahrens, “Life is a Balancing Act” workshop with Debbie Lessin, skincare by Kerstin Florian and Eminence, reflexology by Erin Withun, hoop fitness and $50 services Sunday through Thursday. Guests are encouraged to book the midweek specials well in advance to ensure availability; time slots as these services fill quickly. Additional details of Wellness Month will come as it gets closer.

“With such a variety of events planned, there should be something of interest for everyone,” said Kosti. “Our hope, then, is that these classes will educate our guests and inspire a lifelong commitment to healthy living.”

For more information on the Marshfield Clinic Mobile Health Screening Unit or to book a mammogram appointment, call Marshfield Clinic at 715.221.6086.

For more information on other Wellness Month programming or to make a spa appointment, callEvensong Spa at 920.294.3347 or visit Evensong Spa.

Leading Spas of Canada Announces 2014 Spa Industry Awards

Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Resort

Spa Industry Association of Canada (SIAC), Canada’s only national spa association, has announced its 2014 Canadian Spa Industry Award recipients. SIAC presents annual awards to leading spa industry members in recognition of their exceptional contribution to advancing the spa industry in Canada.

The Spa Industry Association of Canada is proud to acknowledge the following Canadian spa industry award recipients:

President’s Award - Diane Sparrow, Riverstone Spa, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Past Chair of the SIAC Board of Directors. Diane has been a SIAC board member since 2005. As a member of the Standard and Practices committee, she helped to pioneer the Association’s Quality Assurance program

Outstanding Service Award - Leslie Lyon, Spas2b Inc., Waterloo, Ontario. The Outstanding  Service Award recognizes the efforts of an individual who in the past year, has worked hard for the good of the Association, the spa industry and/or community. The 2014 recipient is Leslie Lyon, Founder and President of Spas2b Inc. Leslie has been involved in the Spa industry for over 30 years. Today she enjoys her profession as an international educator, writer and speaker.

Education Award - Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara, Parksville, British Columbia. The Education Award recognizes outstanding contribution to the education of the spa profession in Canada. This year the recipient is The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara located in Parksville, Vancouver Island, BC.  Paulina Alexander, Spa Director says, "At the Grotto Spa, we are proud of our commitment to training and education. We feel the Spa Industry is BEST industry to work in and we are honoured to be the recipient of this award."

Sustainability Award - Éminence Organic Skin Care, Vancouver, BC. The Sustainability Award recognizes the efforts of a member who is committed to sustainable and environmentally sage practices and is awarded to a member who has managed to balance competitive business strategies with sustainable development. This year's recipient is Éminence Organic Skin Care, long time leaders in this field, and celebrating over 50 years of supporting beautiful skin care.

Quality Assurance Award - The Spa Ritual, Calgary Alberta. The Spa Ritual in Calgary is this year’s winner of the Quality Assurance Award for the second year running. The award recognizes a member who has both practiced and promoted the highest standard of quality and safety in the spa industry. The Spa Ritual focuses on therapies and spa treatments based on authentic, holistic rituals inspired by ancient practices of health and wellness from Southeast Asia - specifically designed to enhance your path to personal revitalization.

For more information contact Leading Spas of Canada

Vermont's New Life Hiking Spa Relocates to the Cortina Inn & Resort

New Life Hiking Spa, long regarded as one of the top ten destination spa and wellness retreats in the country, is moving to the Cortina Inn & Resort in Mendon, Vermont.

The Cortina Inn & Resort, which has recently completed a three million dollar renovation, is located on 33 acres in the Mendon/Killington area of Central Vermont. The ideal location of the Inn will enable New Life Hiking Spa to retain its employees and continue with the usual hikes and indoor pool classes. Its location will also allow for new hikes to be added and some of the guest’s favorite hikes to be accessed directly from the property.

New Life Hiking Spa is open each year from mid-May through the end of September and will keep the same schedule with the new location. The 2015 season is from May 14 – September 28. However, groups and corporate wellness retreats, usually only offered while New Life Hiking Spa is operating, will now be offered year-round.

“This is a big move for New Life Hiking Spa”, stated Jimmy LeSage, the founder and director of New Life. “I started New Life in Stratton, Vermont, where we stayed for 12 years and then moved to Killington, where we stayed for 24 years. With this next move to Mendon, it will allow New Life Hiking Spa to continue to grow and give our guests an exceptional destination spa experience while offering the best hiking in the country. We plan to continue to stay in the same affordable price range. We have a 40% return guest ratio and we have listened to what they want and expect from New Life. We are thrilled to be offering the same product, with many improvements, at the same affordable price,” he went on to say.

New Life Hiking Spa caters to approximately 600 guests a season from all over the world.  Regular prices range from $229-$259 per night and include a deluxe room with a private bath, three healthy and freshly prepared meals per day, fruits and vegetables as snacks, three levels of guided hikes offered each day, all fitness and yoga classes, one massage or spa service for every three night stay, evening lectures and cooking demos.

For more information, visit New Life Hiking Spa.

Ontario's Ste. Anne's Spa Adds Three Spa Cottages

Ste. Anne's Spa has opened the doors to three new cottage accommodations, offering guests more options than ever. This announcement heralds one more step in the growth of Ste. Anne's, which began as a country inn and has evolved into a spa village in Northumberland County.

Casa Del Sol is the largest of the new facilities, a ranch-style cottage with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, located just 100 metres from the main inn. It comfortably accommodates up to ten people who are seeking a luxurious, private retreat. Guests can relax on the wrap-around porch or laze in the private hot tub, while enjoying the beautiful sunsets that inspired the name of this cottage, Spanish for "House of the Sun".

Vista Lago sits atop a hill with gorgeous views of the rolling countryside and Lake Ontario. There are four bedrooms as well as a private hot tub and deck, and it is suitable for up to eight people. This cottage, located 1.5 km from the main inn, can also serve as a perfect setting for groups seeking a meeting space. It has a table that can seat 12 people boardroom-style. The conference management team at Ste. Anne's will provide equipment free of charge, such as smartboards, flipcharts or conference phones.

Casa Del Sol and Vista Lago have gas fireplaces, full kitchens and beautifully appointed living and dining rooms.

Maison Sante Nook, a short walk from the main inn, is ideal for guests who want the privacy of their own space with the convenience of a well appointed fitness facility, hot tub, dry sauna and an outdoor endless pool right next door. The nook features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large kitchen and living room with a gas fireplace.

Ste. Anne's offers a free shuttle service between the main inn and all its facilities. In addition, guests at Casa Del Sol and Vista Lago may take advantage of Culinary Classes or a Private Chef Experience in their cottage.

For the past eight years, Ste. Anne's has been voted "Canada's Favourite Spa". Located on more than 400 acres of scenic, rolling countryside, it offers guests more than 35 rejuvenating spa services, uniquely appointed accommodations, first-class amenities and, of course, delicious cuisine.

For more information visit Ste. Anne's

Vintage Hotels Welcomes BABOR Skincare

Two of North America’s top spas,100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post and Secret Garden Spa at Prince of Wales in Niagara-on-the-Lake, have reaffirmed their commitment to excellence with an exciting new product line! Vintage Hotels is proud to announce the exclusive launch of BABOR skincare and spa treatments.

BABOR, the German beauty pioneer has been transforming the secrets of nature into natural, high-tech products for over 55 years. The brand name is now synonymous with natural beauty care and draws on the expertise of a team of leading scientists and dermatologists to develop innovative beauty products.

Vanessa Tierney, Director of Spa Operations at Vintage Hotels is enthusiastic about the addition. "BABOR is a perfect fit to our philosophy; modern innovation, rich in heritage. With BABOR's unique positioning, we are able to reach a broad market, offering a premium skin care line in treatments and home care. In addition to the core line, BABOR also includes a men’s series and organic options; which we have seen an increasing demand for."

"We have all seen trends of foraging in the food world and we see this transitioning into spa guest needs. Consumers are becoming more educated; they want to know where ingredients are sourced, they care about their health and they care about the environment. Being a leading brand for over 50 years, we feel good about offering BABOR in our Spas." says Vanessa. "Our team of high-quality professionals, coupled with a premium product and the support offered by BABOR is a winning formula."
 
The Vintage Hotels spa team invites clientele to discover the BABOR difference.

100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post

Secret Garden Spa at Prince of Wales Hotel

Naturally Inspired ~ The Spa at the Grand Del Mar

Finding perfect harmony of both luxury and nature, the Spa at the Grand Del Mar earns its reputation as a five-star spa. Its Renaissance design is truly exquisite; housing eleven treatment rooms, four pools, two saunas, a fitness center and a movement studio that hosts complimentary fitness classes for guests. The spa is also home to one of the two Haim Ltd. Salons for professional hair and esthetic services. What truly sets the spa apart is its commitment to utilizing natural ingredients throughout the products, treatments and services it offers.

The spa is inspired by the resources of the area, namely the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve adjacent to the Grand Del Mar. The canyon contains the very same mud, stones, clay, minerals and flora that the spa derives for body therapies. Equally enticing is the organic, handmade product line for facials that is produced exclusively for the Grand Del Mar. The spa is dedicated to its vision of natural wellness, and offers daily fitness classes or a short hiking tour around the canyon as an addition to your spa experience.

From hair and makeup services to body wraps, classic massages and pedicures, one can easily spend an entire day restoring and pampering every part of the body. Breaking it up with a dip in the beautiful outdoor pool or a yoga class can ease you even further into a state of peaceful Zen. The unique menu combined with the use of natural elements in both design and treatments elevate the Spa at the Grand Del Mar to a level of elegant grandeur worthy of the high praise it receives.

The Spa at the Grand Del Mar



~ Genevieve McAlevy, Spas of America. When not traveling, Genevieve is a writer and Social Media maven, and can usually be found running the Vancouver seawall.

October Yoga Retreats at Ste. Anne's Spa

Ontario's Ste. Anne's Spa, voted one of Canada's leading Destination Spas, announced their first 2-Day Yoga Retreats this upcoming October 29th - 30th, 2013. During the retreat, participants - whether beginners or those more advanced - will experience four yoga wellness practices including: Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep), Yoga (vinyasana, asana, pranayama and sivanasana), Stretching (flexibility and range of motion) and Meditation (guided).

More than a spa experience, Ste. Anne's Spa Yoga Retreat will enable one to get in touch with their inner self and guide them in understanding the importance of a clear connection between body, mind and heart to live a truly healthy, sustainable and inspired life.

Featured Instructor - Jenn Hall

Jenn Hall is Ste. Annes' Wellness Coordinator and brings over 12 years experience in the health and fitness industry to our spa. Jenn is a certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Yoga Teacher, specializing in Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, and Gentle Yoga. Her personal teaching style is light-hearted, compassionate, full of options and fun, and encourages all students to explore their own bodies and needs as guided by their personal abilities. Jenn is thrilled to be offering Yoga Retreat packages at Ste. Anne's and hopes to provide an opportunity for guests to explore their own unique journey into yoga and meditation.

Ste. Anne's Yoga Retreats can now be booked for $795* per person and includes 2 nights deluxe accommodation, 3 group meals per day, snacks, 3 guided walks, $240 spa allowance, complete use of the facilities, reusable spa bag & slippers and use of Ste. Anne's signature robe. Yoga mats, blankets, yoga props, pillows and eye pillows will be provided for guests during the retreat's yoga classes.

* Plus HST based on double occupancy. Maximum number of participants per retreat is 15.

  

For more information on Ste. Anne's Yoga Retreat please visit:
http://www.spasofamerica.com/spas/ste_annes

or contact Wanda Hoehn at 905-349-3704 ext 2007 or by email at wanda.hoehn@steannes.com.

Win a One Night Stay at Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa!

Take in a massage treatment at the Spa-Essence of Life any weekday Monday through Thursday during the months of July & August and be entered to win a complimentary one night stay in a luxurious OceanSuite.

The winning draw includes, one night at Brentwood Bay Resort, breakfast in bed for two, a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, free parking, wifi, long distance calling throughout North America and fresh baked cookies in your suite. Each spa massage counts towards a ballot, so the more times you book a massge treatment this summer, the better chances to win.

Please call 1.250-544-5111 to book your spa experience.  The lucky winner will be drawn September 1st. 

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa

Unity Village, Missouri's Awaken Whole Life Center

Set to open in the Fall of 2013, in Unity Village, Missouri, the Awaken Whole Life Center is dedicated to gathering people from all walks of life to help improve their overall health and put them on the path to achieving optimal wellness.

The center will feature events and retreats, such as Yoga Rocks the Park, Creative Awakening Yoga Retreat, and Power Up Your Life/Twelve Powers Retreat. Guests who seek balance, harmony, and peace will experience restoration of the body, mind, and spirit, and learn how to connect with their deeper self.

For more information about Awaken Whole Life Center, visit:
www.spasofamerica.com/spas/awaken_whole_life_center

The Oaks at Ojai welcomes Peter Bowen as new GM

The Oaks at Ojai has named Peter Bowen as general manager to oversee the daily operations, growth and success of the beloved destination spa. He comes to The Oaks from a 16-year tenure at the five-diamond Ojai Valley Inn where he held positions ranging from director of rooms, director of distribution and revenue and director of sales and marketing, and grew average daily rate and occupancy consistently.

Cathy Cluff, CEO and president of The Oaks at Ojai, states, “We are delighted to have Peter as part of The Oaks family. We have worked with him in the community for many years and his customer centric philosophy and passion for exceeding guest expectations are attributes that The Oaks values. He has enhanced every department he has led in his previous positions and that experience, in turn, will elevate the quality of The Oaks’ operation.”

Bowen, a resident of Ojai since 1995, and when notmoonlighting as an actor, is focused on making impactful and thoughtful changes to The Oaks, such as simplifying the reservations process, enhancing the arrival/departure experience and emphasizing The Oaks “Program” to ensure the guests’ goals are realized.

Bowen says, “With a relatively small staff, it’s so important for all of us to be working well together. The Oaks prides itself on being a family-run business and the personal attention that comes with being taken care of by a member of the family needs to be evident at every turn. My goal is to enhance that family environment for our staff and guests and introduce processes and standards that will allow the team to work efficiently and effectively in anticipating our guests’ needs.  Identifying the goal of the guest at the time of reservation will help guide their experience and allow us to provide the best opportunity to achieve their desired result. There are a plethora of special programs at The Oaks at Ojai featured throughout the year: theme weeks, special events and guest speakers all designed to assist our guests in achieving their goals.  We are also blessed to be located in the heart of the beautiful Ojai Valley which provides an ideal environment to enhance our health, wellness and nutrition."

The Oaks at Ojai

 

New Life Hiking Spa Offers 30% Off Labor Day Weekend

Killington, Vermont's New Life Hiking Spa, one of North America’s top destination spas, is offering an all-inclusive Labor Day Weekend Special for two at a price of $999 a discount of $435 off regular rates.

New Life Hiking Spa is one of the oldest and most established destination spas in the country. Founded in 1978, New Life has been set in the Green Mountains for over three decades and is celebrating the 35th Anniversary this year.

Long regarded as one of the country’s most affordable destination spas, New Life is offering a tremendous value for Labor Day Weekend. The weekend starts with check-in on Friday afternoon, August 30th. The weekend includes three-nights’ accommodations for two, three healthy spa meals a day, healthy snacks, one massage for each guest, three professionally guided hikes, all fitness activities and evening lectures. The all-inclusive price for two is $999. Guests check out on Labor Day, September 2nd. Guests do not need to leave until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, so breakfast, a guided hike and lunch is included the day of check-out.

Additional summer and fall foliage discounts are available on many of the New Life Hiking Spa’s vacation packages and weight loss retreats for the remainder of the season and are listed on their website. New Life Hiking Spa is currently accepting reservations for the remainder of the 2013 season which runs until September 27, 2013.

New Life Hiking Spa

Niagara Wellness at The Spa at White Oaks, Ontario

The Spa at White Oaks, a centerpiece of the spectacular White Oaks Conference Resort, is one of the largest spas in Southern Ontario, offering 17 treatment rooms including a luxurious and very popular couples suite, along with two tranquil relaxation rooms. The White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa is ideally situated for both Canadian and American visitors, only 90 minutes south from Toronto, Ontario and 30 minutes north of Buffalo, New York.

'Beyond pure indulgence' is the Spa at White Oaks' philosophy. Through the combination of their unique treatments, the four diamond customer service experience and tranquil spa setting, the spa provides guests an environment to achieve complete well-being. Prepare to be pampered yes, but open your mind and senses, be still and embark on your journey to complete wellness: body, mind and soul.

Not to be missed is the Priori CoffeeBerry, which will help you look and feel good naturally, while reducing tension and stress levels. This 85-minute relaxing yet intense anti-aging treatment, will treat areas that show signs of aging most; face, neck, décolletage, and hands. It leaves skin feeling firm, lifted, youthful, radiant and just like a yoga session, you leave feeling relaxed and recharged. Oh, and it smells great too!

The White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa, is a modern and stylish Niagara oasis with Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara Wine Country, Casino Niagara, Niagara Falls and more are all within easy reach. The 13-acre resort delivers luxury hotel service and truly outstanding amenities. The hotel offers 220 beautifully appointed rooms and suites have been newly designed within the last 5 years that feature: robe service and flat screen TVs, smart fridges and safes, fabulous duvet-covered beds – even phones and TVs in the bathrooms. Enjoy a coffee at Starbucks, a midday meal at the chic PLAY Urban Café, and dinner at the award-winning LIV restaurant (featuring award-winning Niagara Wines).

The resort Sport Club is one of the most complete fitness facilities you will ever experience. Staffed by fitness experts and racquet professionals, the Sport Club offers racquet sports, cardio and strength training, one-on-one and group personal training, yoga, pilates, swimming, and much more. There truly is something here for everyone – including a women’s only fitness studio, child care options, and customized training sessions for individuals or groups.

The Spa at White Oaks, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

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

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

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