February 3rd, 2010 Maria Wakem
We receive A LOT of interesting information on new spa treatments here at Spa, but the Vajacial at San Francisco’s Stript Wax Bar definitely raised the most eyebrows.
According to the press release, the Vajacial (50 minutes, $60) is “a four-step ‘facial’ designed specifically to pamper and primp your nether regions.” Best performed within a week after a bikini wax, the treatment begins with a warm antibacterial wash and is followed by a Smooth-A-Peel Body Exfoliating Gel to break down dead skin cells. An expertly trained esthetician then extracts all ingrown hairs, after which a calming anti-freckle masque is placed on the area to help purge skin of impurities and reduce red spots. Once the masque is removed, a lightening cream with vitamin C, mulberry, and licorice extract is applied to lighten any discoloration.
Though you’d have to travel cross-country, we realized a Vajacial could go well with a service called Vajazzling offered at Strippers Waxing Salon & Boutique in Washington, D.C. The treatment, which involves decorating down under with colorful crystals, will be at a reduced price of $50 during Spa Week (April 12 to 18).
This could be just the excuse you need to take your little lady on a road trip.
Image: Corbis
—Maria Wakem, senior editor
Tags: bikini wax, ingrown hairs, spa treatments, vajacial, vajazzling
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November 25th, 2009 Natalie Ridsdale
It’s always nice to get an expert’s opinion.
Recently I had an appointment at Spa Villagio in Napa Valley for a facial, and I had chosen Active Pureness ($145, 50 minutes), which is designed to deeply cleanse the skin. Once I arrived, though, the esthetician took a close look at my complexion and said I’d be better off with a more moisturizing treatment, and she suggested Hydramemory ($135, 50 minutes). I have to say that I totally appreciated this feedback.
Going to the spa is like being in a relationship: One partner shouldn’t dominate the other, and there should be open communication. I want to hear what the esthetician or therapist has to say—after all, they are the experts—and I want them to listen to my concerns as well.
When my treatment begins with a conversation and an explanation of what’s to come, I have a much more enjoyable experience. I did end up going with the hydrating facial, and afterward I felt glowy. It was the right choice.
PS: My facial was followed by an amazing scrub and massage, the Aromasoul Mediterranean Ritual ($250, 100 minutes). If you’re looking for a wine country getaway, Spa Villagio has several spa deals going on through the end of the year (Spa Day Your Way, Two-for-Tuesday, and Viva La Diva Girlfriends Getaway Spa Day). Be sure to check them out!
—Natalie Ridsdale, managing editor
Tags: facial, napa valley california, skincare, spa, spa review, Spa Villagio, treatments
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November 9th, 2009 Natalie Rios
For those of you looking for a nontraditional way to celebrate Thanksgiving, how do 14 spa treatments over 5 days sound? Check out this incredible deal from Ixtapan Spa, Hotel & Golf Resort located at the bottom of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico.
THE DEAL: 20% Off over Thanksgiving Weekend
THE DETAILS: 4 night/5 day Spa Classic packages include spacious accommodations, all meals, 14 organic spa treatments, guided walks, exercise and yoga classes, tennis and golf lessons, movies nightly and full use of hotel amenities. Prices do not include taxes at 16% or tips.
THE COST: doubles from $616 for 4 nights *
THE DEADLINE: for travel through December 20, 2009
*Prices subject to change.
In the photo: Ixtapan Spa, Hotel & Golf Resort in the evening.
—Natalie Rios, editorial assistant/research editor
Tags: affordable, deals, deals alert!, Mexico, spa, spa deals, travel, treatments, vacation
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October 27th, 2009 Natalie Rios
CANADA
“Preferences” at Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside and Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre in British Columbia, Canada.
COST: doubles from $130 per night *
WHAT YOU GET: Late check-out (until noon) and the choice of free parking, a $30 spa voucher, $30 solomon Voucher, pet stay free, or breakfast for two.
GOOD THROUGH: November 25, 2009
TEXAS
“Say Spaaaaah!” at The Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa in Dallas, Texas.
COST: doubles from $264 per night *
WHAT YOU GET: Stay in a Premier guestroom, a 50 minute Swedish Massage, and overnight parking.
GOOD THROUGH: December 31, 2009
BERMUDA
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!” at Elbow Beach Bermuda in Paget Parish, Bermuda.
COST: doubles from $450 per night *
WHAT YOU GET: Daily breakfast, 4th night free, welcome amenity, two-hour Time Ritual at The Spa, wine tasting, dinner at Seahorse Grill, meal at Sea Breeze Terrace, Bermuda memento, minimum four-night stay.
GOOD THROUGH: December 31, 2009
* Prices subject to change.
In the photo: A Private Spa Suite at Elbow Beach Bermuda.
—Natalie Rios, editorial assistant/research editor
Tags: affordable, Bermuda, Canada, deals, deals alert!, girls getaway, spa, spa specials, Texas, travel, treatments
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October 14th, 2009 Natalie Rios
Today’s deals post has offers from three great resorts, but I wanted to mention that La Mamounia is brand new resort in Morocco which opened earlier this month. If any of you do decide to take advantage of this or any other offer, let us know what you think!
FLORIDA
1. “Fall for You Package” at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Florida.
COST: from $219 per night*
WHAT YOU GET: $50 resort credit for a one night stay, $100 resort credit for a two-three night stay, $200 resort credit for a four-night stay or longer (credits can be used at the spa); deluxe room accommodations, complimentary valet parking ($23 value), complimentary resort fee ($17 value).
GOOD THROUGH: December 17, 2009
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Tags: affordable, california, deals, deals alert!, Florida, massage, morocco, spa, spa specials, travel, treatments
Posted in health & wellness, spa deals, spa treatments, travel | 1 Comment »
October 6th, 2009 Natalie Rios
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and these properties can help you feel great and give back at the same time.
SANTA BARBARA
1. “Pretty in Pink! Massage” at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA.
COST: from $160 for 50 minutes *
WHAT YOU GET: In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when you book a Swedish, shiatsu or deep tissue massage featuring a locally-made pink grapefruit oil, The Spa will donate 10% of the treatment cost to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.
GOOD THROUGH: October 31
HAWAII
2.“Pink Spa Break” package at The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii.
COST: from $475 per night *
WHAT YOU GET: One signature massage of your choice and a portion of the package proceeds are donated to the Kapi’olani Women’s Ambulatory Cancer Center, the state’s first comprehensive cancer center committed to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
GOOD THROUGH: December 20, 2009
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Tags: affordable, Breast Cancer Awareness, california, deals, deals alert!, hawaii, massage, October, spa, spa specials, travel, treatments
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September 23rd, 2009 Natalie Rios
Check out the deals in sunny Florida, wholesome Oregon, and faraway China. Enjoy!
CHINA
1. “The Suites and Treats Package” at The Regent Beijing in China
COST: from $425
per night, two-night minimum*
WHAT YOU GET: Two nights’ accommodations in an Executive Suite, one traditional Chinese aromatherapy massage in-suite or in the Serenity Spa, dinner for two, 50% discount on all additional meals, complimentary daily breakfasts, afternoon tea, happy hour and hors d’oeuvre, butler service and express check-in/out.
GOOD THROUGH: December 31, 2009
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Tags: affordable, aromatherapy, China, deals, deals alert!, facial, Florida, Oregon, spa deals, spa specials, travel, treatments
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September 8th, 2009 Natalie Rios
Here are three more opportunities to relax and unwind.
1. “Star Gazing Package” at Emerson Resort & Spa in Hudson Valley, New York
COST: Doubles from $788*
WHAT YOU GET: Two nights accommodations, a guided tour of the night sky, daily breakfast, a three-course dinner each evening, a $200 spa voucher, and a gift to take home.
GOOD THROUGH: December 31, 2009
2. “Nice” package at The Signature at MGM Grand in Las Vegas
COST: Doubles from $129 per night*
WHAT YOU GET: A $25 spa credit, champagne, breakfast-in-bed, a 40% discount at Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ, and a surprise gift.
GOOD THROUGH: December 28, 2009
3. “Beach Beauties” package at The Inn on Fifth in Naples, Florida
COST: Doubles from $402 per person*
WHAT YOU GET: Two-nights accommodations, a “Day at the Beach” (complete with transportation to Naples Beach, a cooler bag with drinks and snacks, and sun tan lotion), a “Day of Beauty” (includes a spa treatment, lunch for two, a beauty makeover, dinner, a bottle of wine, and late check out.
GOOD THROUGH: December 23, 2009
*Rates based on availability and subject to change without notice.
In the photo: MGM Grand Spa
—Natalie Rios, editorial assistant/research editor
Tags: affordable, deals, deals alert!, Emerson Resort Spa, Florida, getaways, Las Vegas, New york, packages, spa specials, The Inn on Fifth, The Signature at MGM
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August 6th, 2009 Amy Westervelt
There are those among us who truly have the gift of healing, and they so rarely get the praise they deserve. These folks aren’t likely to ever have a skincare line or spa empire named after them, but we’d like to give them a big round of applause anyway. We’ll be devoting a corner of our blog to them regularly, and hope that you’ll chime in with your favorites, too. (Just comment here or send an email to editorial@spamagazine.com.)
First up, Letty Thorbecke, L.M.T., massage therapist at the Holistic Healing Center in Ventura, California. A little back story (excuse the pun): Although my advice to other people is always to speak up during a massage, I am terrible at following that advice, typically opting instead for a “they’re the experts, they’ll know what’s going on with my back as soon as they see it,” approach. And of course this brilliant strategy has led to many a disappointing massage. But Letty is a mind-reading wonder woman. Before I even got on the table she looked at my shoulders and noticed they were slightly uneven (thanks, heavy purse). Once on the table, she noticed my hips were also off-kilter (the result of an old injury). “Do you sometimes have pain in your ribs?” she asked. I nodded yes, surprised she had been able to suss that one out. “That’s because your shoulders and hips are out of alignment—it happens to a lot of people, and some even say they feel like they’re having a heart attack.” Halleluja, that wasn’t a heart attack, I thought to myself. Working around my body like a tailor approaching a suit, she kneaded here, pulled there, and after 90 minutes I could walk straight and the tension in my neck and shoulders had vanished. I’ll be making a point of going back. For anyone in the Southern California area, Letty’s at the Holistic Healing Center in Ventura, (805) 701-6503; from $65 for a 60-minute massage.
Please let us know of your favorite therapists. Many thanks!
—Amy Westervelt, senior editor
Tags: california, holistic, massage, spa, unsung healers
Posted in health & wellness, spa treatments, tell us! | 2 Comments »
August 4th, 2009 Natalie Rios
Happy Tuesday, Spa readers. We have three more great deals for your consideration this week. If you do book any of the packages we feature, please let us know how it goes and how much you loved your spa treatments!
1. LUXURY INSIDER package at Mandarin Oriental, Boston
COST: Doubles from $629 per night, minimum two nights*
WHAT YOU GET: Daily breakfast, one signature spa treatment, and a special gift from Gucci.
GOOD THROUGH: September 14, 2009
2. “SUN UNDONE” package at Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach, California
COST: Doubles from $795 per night*
WHAT YOU GET: Deluxe spa room accommodation, a choice of two Murad signature spa treatments, a Murad Summer Skin Essentials Kit, and daily breakfast.
GOOD THROUGH: September 30, 2009
3. “FREE SPA PACKAGE” at Kapalua Resort in Hawaii (Maui)
COST: Doubles from $369 per night, minimum three nights*
WHAT YOU GET: Accommodations and a $1,000 spa credit!
GOOD THROUGH: December 19, 2009
* Rates based on availability and subject to change without notice.
In the photo: A treatment room at The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental, Boston.
—Natalie Rios, editorial assistant/research editor
Tags: affordable, beach, Boston, deals alert!, Gucci, hawaii, Kapalua, Murad, spa, spa specials, spa treatments, travel, treatments
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