SpaFinder Magazine

Energy Medicine – terms like ‘qi (chi),’ ‘prana,’ ‘chakras’ and ‘doshas’ have been used in the spa sector, and the healing arts associated with them have been practiced in Eastern philosophies for centuries.  The emphasis is on clearing imbalances in a body’s energy field to promote healing of body, mind and spirit. Interesting spa examples are emerging, such as bite-size doses of energy medicine along with traditional massage at properties like Conrad Maldives Rangali Island; the extensive use of visiting consultant-‘practitioners’ at Thai resorts like Trisara, Chiva-Som and the new Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket; Canyon Ranch Resorts’ ‘Healing Energy’ menu and Jin Shin Jyutsu, which is said to balance energy pulses via a practitioner holding various energy ‘locks.’

Casinos & Spas -  When the Golden Nugget first put a luxury spa in in 1980, it was considered to be a big risk. Now, the new Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino has expanded to 69,000 square feet and 90 treatment rooms, making it the largest spa in the world.  Across town, the new Fountainebleu Hotel & Casino (slated to open in fall 2009), promises a 60,000 square foot Lapis Spa, reportedly one of the most expensive ever built. In keeping with the over-the-top luxury of the original Miami Beach site, they plan spectacular water features, including an experiential ’rain tunnel’ with steam mist and penetrating water jets, mineral bathing areas, and gender-specific spa areas for men and women.

Medical and Spa Tourism  – The line between spas, medical spas and hospitals to become ever more creatively blended. The era of the ‘spa-spital,’ with consumers traveling wherever they want, to access the services they want, need, and can afford, is here. Crises within the traditional health care system (skyrocketing costs, millions of uninsured); the rise, with the Internet and globalization, of a more consumer-centric model revolving around increased choice and price transparency; and fluctuations in international currencies opening up attractive new markets, even within the U.S. means that whether people are traveling between countries, within countries, r even in their own region, consumers are seeking lower prices and cutting-edge medical/wellness offerings…and spas are right smack in the middle of it all.

Eco-Embedded Spas: A Deeper Shade of Green – In 2005, SpaFinder coined the term “eco-spa”, and in 2007, they noted that the eco-spa trend had shifted from being industry- to consumer-driven.  Spa-goers were demanding a meaningful, aggressive environmental position from spas. And in 2009, the eco-trend is going in a new direction – call it spa environmentalism 2.0 -  the ‘eco-embedded spa.’

By ‘eco-embedded’, the trend is going further and is expanded beyond just the green initiatives. The eco processes are quietly being emeshed throughout the entire spa.  While the spa consumer skews very green, consumers in general are feeling some serious “green fatigue” and “sustainability stress”.  So, from here on out, there will be no more loud and superficial greening of the spa. Instead things will simply… happen and spa goers won’t see the overt gestures.

The examples are endless: At El Monte Sagrado Resort in New Mexico the property is heated and cooled 100% geo-thermally. Rancho La Puerta serves cuisine from its organic farm, and embeds exclusively organic products (from cleaning supplies to spa products) throughout the resort, and at Six Senses in Thailand,  guests can eat all of the resort landscaping.

Mindful Spending – We all know that we’re facing a complicated economy this year. The concepts of “daycations” and “spacations” to move from mere vague catch phrases to realities. Not only are the discount spas going to increase in popularity, the luxury spas are going to be required to demonstrate why their services are worth the extra outlay.

Brands, Brands, Brands – With almost 72,000 spas around the world, the casual spa-goer can’t tell the difference between a Mandarin Oriental Spa and a Shangri-La Spa. A spa that establishs and broadcasts a truly unique brand identity will enjoy a powerful competitive advantage, and should attract more guests at a time when consumer budgets are under pressure. SpaFinder uses Shangri-La’s Chi Spa brand as their example of successful branding:  signature elements are incorporated throughout their spas, and are still retaining enough uniqueness at each property to make every Chi Spa a new – and yet familiar – experience. Their approach features “Five Element” pre-treatment evaluations; bold, red-colored décor; and “spa within a spa” treatment rooms complete with changing rooms and showers.

For the rest of the trends and predictions for 2009, check out Susie’s Spa Beauty Blog or the full press release from SpaFinder.

(image source: Newscom.com)

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Spa Trends for 2009

The Absolute Spa was the first spa in Canada to cater to men specifically, with the 2005 launch of the Y Spa for Men located in the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The Y Spa also features one of the first professional men’s complete spa skincare lines.

Here are some treatments for that special guy in your life…

Spa-pa-pa
Experience Absolute’s Y Spa Gentlemen’s Facial, a traditional facial that uses the finest Y Spa for Men products. Absolute’s staff will personally cater the facial to meet your dad’s needs.
$75 minutes – $110

On-the-go-pa-pa
Is dad a travelling man? Help him put his absolute best face forward with the Y Spa for Men Shave Kit. The kit includes moisturizing shave cream with brush, pre-shave, and aftershave in a stylish black traveling case.
$79

Great Dad
Treat dad to a luxurious hour long deep tissue massage — an invigorating and deep-pressure treatment that works on releasing muscular tension and knots. The massage is followed by the men’s professional footcare treatment. Dad’s tootsies will be soaked and exfoliated with natural ground olive pits followed by a relaxing foot and leg massage and natural nail buff.
2 hours – $185

Dad’s Day
Dad will enjoy a deliciously stress-free afternoon thanks to the following Absolute treatments designed for hard working dads everywhere:
Gentleman’s Facial
Hot Towel Shave
Nail Buff
Shoe Shine
3 hours – $220

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Dote On Dad: He Deserves the Absolute Deluxe Treatment

They believe that one day a year does not do justice for what Mother’s do, therefore, they are celebrating Mother’s Day for the entire month of May.

MOTHERS TO BE PACKAGE
Indulge a Mother-to-be with a Pre-natel massage customized for her, followed by a Vanilla-Sugar pedicure. If she hasn’t seen her feet in awhile, allow them to buff, groom and polish them.
$119 Monday-Thursday
$149 Friday-Sunday

YUMMY MUMMY ON THE GO PACKAGE
This package is ideal for the mom on the go with a tight schedule for relaxation. The Pantages Spa has paired their popular deeply relaxation Maharajah Mystic massage with their Purple Haze manicure and Lavender Blossom pedicure.
$159 Monday-Thursday
$199 Friday-Sunday

MOM’S SPA SAMPLER PACKAGE
The Pantages Spa has combined their Spring body buff, a head to toe exfoliation and hydrating treatment with a deeply relaxing Oriental head and face massage. Also included is their signature Vanilla Sugar pedicure and Pomaika’l manicure.
$259 Monday-Thursday
$329 Friday-Sunday

MOM’S ROSES OF INDULGENCE PACKAGE
Thid indulgent package combines the signature Wine & Bulgarian Rose body treatment with the Signature Sunset manicure and Marigold Twist pedicure for the Ultimate spa retreat.
$199 Monday-Thursday
$269 Friday-Sunday

Valid until May 31st, 2008

The Pantages Spa
200 Victoria Street, 5th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
Tel: 416-367-1888
www.pantagesspa.com

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A GIFT FOR MOTHER

Special 1:
Be pampered head to toe with these fantastic treatments:
2 Calm the Environment Facials
2 60-minute Swedish massage
2 Manicures
…then enjoy a specially created spa lunch from George Restaurant.
$278.00 per person

Or

Special 2:
Enjoy Lavender Lush Manicure and Pedicure treatments whilst sipping on a specially created Sweetgrass martini.
$125.00 per person

www.sweetgrassspa.ca

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Sweetgrass Specials

The package begins with a 60-minute Replenishing Body Therapy Treatment which consists of a stimulating Lime and Shea Butter-Based Body Scrub for a complete neck-to-toe body exfoliation. They then apply a calming Lavender-infused treatment masque for a complete de-stressing effect. This body treatment is topped off by a rich body cream blended with exotic essential oils.

Following the body treatment, your toes will be treated the renowned Camden Spa Pedicure – a deluxe pedicure treatment that is just the tops for the feet and toes!

The package is approximately 2 hours in length and is available for the month of May for $125 – you save $20!

Bring on Summer!

Camden Spa
8 Camden Street
Suite 201
Toronto, ON
Tel: (416) 203-8858

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Bring on Summer!

Show Mom you care this Mother’s Day and treat her to the Celebrate Mom Mother’s Day Package from Erin Mills Town Centre. 

The Celebrate Mom Mother’s Day Package (retail value $150) includes:
a pretty Mother of Pearl pendant with necklace
your choice of either a FREE 1st phase microdermabrasion OR an Herbal Bliss Treatment at Caryl Baker Visage (or upgrade to a full 3-phase microdermabrasion treatment for only $50 more)
a duo of milk and dark truffles from Laura Secord

This  package is only $25 (cash only), and the net proceeds benefit The Credit Valley Hospital Foundation. Quantities are limited so visit the Erin Mills Guest Services as soon as you can.  Offer ends May 11.

For additional information please call (905) 569-1981 or visit www.erinmills.ca

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Celebrate Mom This Mother’s Day

www.vikaspa.com

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VIKASPA Mother’s Day Special

Spa Eastman Île des Soeurs, part of the Spa Eastman family, offers a wide selection of treatments in the most stylish of surroundings. Have you ever been to a spa that has its walls draped in artwork?  Here you are can enjoy a beverage and the work of Céline Brossard and Hélène Tremblay, before you are led to your treatment room or salon chair. How lovely.

With 5 treatment rooms for massage and esthetique treatments, and a hair salon, you can be beautified from head to toe, all under one roof. And after your service, stock up on top spa products like MD Skincare, Decleor, Babor and La Biosthetique. 

I asked Front Office Supervisor, Jean-Philipe, what the most popular service was at their facility.  He said without any doubt it was massage.  Am I surprised? No, not at all. With a comprehensive menu of massage styles and a team of highly qualified staff, we knew that that was the service for us. 

Faisal and I were thrilled to indulge with a couple’s massage. Faisal received a combination of Swedish, Californian and Shiatsu and I was in heaven with Swedish and Shiatsu.  Sylvie and Radu, our masseuse and masseur, left us divinely relaxed and wishing we lived in Montréal, so that we could visit regularly.

I highly recommend that you take a visit to one of the Spa Eastman facilities next time you are in beautiful Montréal.

Spa Eastman Île des Soeurs
7, Place du Commerce
Île des Soeurs, Québec
(514) 766-4000

Spa Eastman
895, chemin des Diligences
Eastman, Québec
(450) 297-3009

Spa Eastman Montréal
666, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, 16e étage
Montréal, Québec
(514) 845-8455

Images: Ellen Mirza

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Spa Eastman

“Need a little help to give a little something back and bring out your mom’s best?” asks Lisogar-Cocchia. “We are here to help you delight the moms in your life with treats and treatments they will never forget.”

Say it with Flowers
Your fresh-take on the standard bouquet, Absolute Spa suggests a signature Rose Renew Hydrating Cocoon. Available in a body massage or wrap, lie in a bed of roses and indulge in nourishment and deep moisture. Rich oils and creams of Damask Rose are smoothed onto freshly exfoliated skin. Evening Primrose Oil hydrates, Neroli and Roman Chamomile soothe. Results are radiance and revitalization.
Wrap – 60 minutes $105
Massage – 60 minutes $95

Spicy Mama
Downloading the Spice Girls ring tone — Mama I love you, Mama I care! – not an up-to-snuff-enough surprise from the apple of her eye? Opt for the Black Pepper and Ginger Muscle Melter Massage. Mom has carried the weight of your world on her shoulders for years. She ‘kneads’ to relax! Let the expert hands of a trained Absolute professional soothe and de-stress tired muscles. Her aromatherapy experience — featuring pure essential oils — works directly with the nervous system, producing positive, therapeutic results for the body, mind and soul. Also available are Ylang Ylang, Chinese Geranium or Lavender and Peppermint options.
90 minutes – $120

From Mother-in-Law to Mother-in-Spa Gift Cards
Win over the in-law in your life this Mother’s Day with an Absolute Spa gift card. Available in any denomination, gift cards can be used for any treatment or product in-store, with no expiry.

She’s Expecting…No, Really.
Moms-to-be count. So do their mother’s days. And they know it! Help her brace herself for what’s to come with what could be — a decadent day of sheer relaxation. Your expectant may sail through the delivery. But she may just need a little extra pampering now to help her prepare for the mommy-and-me classes, nursing woes and the sleepless nights ahead. Enhance her pregnancy glow with the Sandalwood Facial, featuring Sandalwood from the Indian Heartwood tree and rejuvenating Evening Primrose Oil. Or let her experience soothing surrender with the Nurturing Rose Pregnancy Massage. A special bed is set up to provide total comfort so that expectant Moms can re-energize and find relief from those aches and pains. All pregnant women must wait past their first trimester to indulge. All treatments are performed by a registered massage therapist.
Sandalwood Facial 75 minutes – $110
Nurturing Rose Pregnancy Massage 60 minutes – $100

Double Take
Double the fun, double the pampering. Make it a true girl’s day out and spoil your special someone and yourself at the same time! Absolute’s ‘Double Take’ package will treat two of you to manicures and pedicures featuring the hot new seasonal OPI colour collection – India. Sorry Dad – you’ll have to wait for Father’s Day to try something this good!
90 minutes – $120 per person

Mother Lode
Give Mom the Hawaiian vacation she deserves and pamper her to the max with the ‘Mother Lode.’ She’ll spend the better part of the day luxuriating in the caring hands of an Absolute Spa team member, having every whim taken care of – - and then some! The Hawaiian Tropical Vacation features the following deliciously exotic treatments guaranteed to evoke a slice of paradise – - Coconut Mango Body Buff, Coconut Mango Body Wrap, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Coconut Mango Massage and an Absolute Pedicure. Who’s Mom’s favourite now?
4 hours -$315

For location and more inforamtion visit www.absolutespa.com

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Perfect Prezzies for the Absolute Best Mom

Let Mom know how special she is with a relaxing getaway to Poets Cove Resort & Spa on tranquil Pender Island. 
  
Their two night Island Indulgence Spa Package includes accommodation in a Lodge Room or two bedroom Villa or Cottage, and $200 credit for spa services. What mother would not love that?

Lodge Room $598   Villa $858   Cottages from $898

Rates are based on Single/Double occupancy in a Lodge Room and up to quad occupancy in a Villa or Cottage.  One $200 credit per package.  Subject to availability and applicable taxes.

Call 1-888-512-7638 or reservations@poetscove.com

Image: Poets Cove

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Treat Your Mother to a Weekend Away