I did a double-take when I first read about the Destination KOHLER Water spas. When I hear the word KOHLER, I first think about a random television commercial from years ago that I’m not sure is connected to the brand, and then my mind eventually connects them to faucets and fittings, and that’s only because I used to work for an architect. Image: Kohler Water Spas I didn’t ever make the leap to KOHLER branching out into day spas. Not surprisingly, the KOHLER spas all revolve around the theory that water is the best therapy, and so includes Vichy Showers (which I still kinda don’t get) and other various water therapies. There are three locations, none of which make a ton of sense to me, but they may be connected to the... [Read more]

Facials, massages and manicures are not at the top of the list when gas prices are soaring and the economy is falling. There is, however, a way to get around the expensive of a destination spa vacation, without actually having to go away. Destination Spa - Image: Colleen Coplick on Flickr While this certainly won’t apply to everyone, primarily due to geography, many of the destination spas offer the use of their facilities with just one treatment. If you can’t afford an overnight stay or a weekend, book a massage, a facial or a scrub at a destination spa, and take advantage of their pool, steam room, sauna and other lovely amenities. NBC News did an article about this very thing, and found that the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, located... [Read more]

Susan Ciminelli is a pioneer in holistic beauty; is a founder of bi-coastal Susan Ciminelli Day Spas , and author of best-selling book, “The Ciminelli Solution: A 7-Day Plan for Radiant Skin “. The book is great, and is filled with tips, ideas and the plan for 7 days to radiant skin. A full review of Susan’s book is coming, but in the meantime, here are some great make at home masks from Susan’s book… Susan Ciminelli After steaming, apply one of the following masks. Oatmeal and Raw Honey Mask – Ideal for dry skin, this mask helps soften the skin, moisturizing the upper layers, leaving it vibrant and radiant. 1 cup oatmeal 1 cup filtered warm water ½ cup raw organic honey Combine the oatmeal and water and allow oatmeal to... [Read more]

If you can’t get away to Sandy Lane , you can enjoy a specialty Mexican, or Spanish spa treatment. Avocados - sxc.huFrom Spa Manager Silvia Velasco, from the Grand Velas Spa Nuevo Vallarta , Riviera Nayarit, Mexico Avocado Wrap 3 Avocados 3 tbsp. Of Yogurt 1. Mix avocado with yogurt 2. Apply over full body 3. Wrap feet and hands with a plastic bag 4. Take a rest and relax for ten or fifteen minutes 5. Rinse off This super hydrating body wrap is rich in Vitamin E and is specially designed for dry skin. Grand Velas Spa is the crown jewel of the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World. The spa features 20 treatment rooms, over 80 spa treatments, a high-performance gym and exercise... [Read more]

Inspired by the example of the ancients, the Spa at Sandy Lane in St. James, Barbados, has created a unique treatment concept that blends traditional cultural therapies from the Caribbean, the Far East and Europe with a balanced philosophy of health and well-being. Sandy Lane, St James Barbados The Spa is one of the Caribbean’s most stunning and complete facilities with more than 47,000-square-feet, recently unveiled a new panoramic sauna, Rhassoul Bath, and debuted a new line of products and treatments by exclusive skincare line Anne Sémonin. One of the only Rhassoul Baths in the Caribbean, guests enjoy an herbal steam bath after a therapist has applied a layer of natural and detoxifying Rhassoul clay. For the next ten minutes, dry heat... [Read more]