Spa Week is coming !! April 15th -21st!!

Greetings!

It's been a busy new year! So busy I missed updating for Valentine's Day - hope you had a good one! In the spirit of getting back in the swing of things, my favorite time of the year is here! Happy Spring! With spring comes this season's version of Spa Week!!

So this post is dedicated to that week where you can get spa treatments for $50!!! Spa Week is set for April 15- 21st. If you haven't heard of it before, all across the country spas that participate have all kinds of services offered for a mere $50.00, a fraction of what some services normally cost.



Here's my favorite site for more information: http://www.spaweek.com

Spa-Week runs all across the country so register and check your city to see what specials are in your area!

In case you don't know - I swear there's not another spa yet that I love as much as this one... and even though they don't pparticiapte in Spa Week anymore - it is still my favorite :

http://www.edenspanyc.com

I think I should add testimonials to this blog for the number of friends I have referred there and they love it!

I will say - I have a wish list of spas that don't ever participate in Spa-Week.....

So if you are feeling especially luxurious and have the funds to splurge , check out this article and one place I am dying to go:


http://ny.racked.com/archives/2013/01/30/nine_of_new_york_citys_most_expensive_spa_treatments.php

The most expensive spa is NYC right now is located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Before the end of the year - I will be there!!

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/luxury-spa/


Here's another one off the list I have been to:

http://www.reddoorspas.com/reddoorlocations/the-chatwal.aspx

While Elizabeth Arden seems to be a hit with many, I was underwhelmed. The service wasn't that great nor was I happy with the massage - which even with all the bell and whistles, is the most important service. You be the judge. If you visit contact me and tell me your experience!

"Spa-ing" At Home...

Greetings!

I've been away for a moment bit now I'm back! This was a rough week for me and while I have a spa appointment booked for spa-week (which the blog entry I started a week ago and haven't finished is about...and back to reviewing spas) tonight I needed a little relaxation in the peace and quite of my own home.

For those times when your money is funny and can't make it to the spa, or if you'd rather spend your hard earned money on something else - there's always the personal and private home spa!

It's virtually free - other than what you purchase to make your spa-experience special!

For me "spa-ing" at home is a perfect quite ritual which includes candles, music, a book (or my IPad) and a great bottle of vino!

Last year I went to Napa Valley and fell in love with some of the wineries there. So much so - I shipped back some of my favorites! One of my favorite spots was

http://www.domainecarneros.com/index.cfm one of the few wineries run by women!

I came away with a great bottle of Pino Noir (along with a whole lot more!) and wonderful memories!



You too can create your own home spa with a variety of items:

1. Do you use scented creams, body lotions, bath salts, shower gels? All those items help to create a great spa experience! Many love the items at Bath and Body Works (as do I). Start with the scents you (or who ever you are "spa-ing" with - since it's much more fun together!) love. Familiarity is always a great thing :) Here's some of my favorites..


2. Be daring... different - try a scent you would never try!

3. Keep in mind the health benefits to "spa-ing". While it makes you feel good, it also reduce stress as do a variety of scents. Look for Lavender scents (Disclaimer: I HATE lavender) But it does reduce stress....I prefer Eucalyptus which is also another stress reducer....

4. Use your best wine Goblets for a fabulous experience! Treat yourself special! Use that stem ware you never want to use!

5. Get a home spa kit! This one my bestie gave me which comes with all kinds of spa goodies...including shoes!




Whatever you decide - take the time to relax and enjoy your own home spa your own way!


Ciao!

Happy New Year! A New You..New Attitude

Greetings!

Happy New Year! No spa review this time - simply some words of wisdom to usher in the new year and begin treating yourselves better :)

Every year this time, there are a litany of resolutions made and by mid February I'm sure most people (including me) have forgotten about them or slipped up. A long distance friend reminded me last night (while wishing each other Happy New Year) that it's never too late to look at your life and reassess your goals.

Why wait until the new year? So if you've created your resolutions and instead of throwing them by the waste side the moment you forget them ...start over ... immediately.

Remind yourself that change doesn't happen overnight and that the ultimate success is failing and trying again until you succeed.

This is a mental "Get Yo' Mind Right" moment since the mind, body, and soul are connected. Don't think pampering is only about spending money...

Spending as much time on your psychological well being (yes it can be improved with a great massage!) outside of the spa room is more important than the time spent in the spa room. So with that in mind here are a few tips:


1. Challenge yourself to find new goals. I'm a firm believer in people and things are brought into and taken from your in life as you need them. Perhaps the things and people left behind in 2012 are meant to stay there so you can move on to a more prosperous 2013. Put what you want in the Universe. I have :)

2. Find your passion. I struggle with this myself so I know it can be difficult. Yet I inherently know the things that may be happy . Find those things that may you HAPPY. Happiness is a choice.

3. Be prepared. Haven't you heard the phrase " Life Ain't Easy"? Who said is was? In
fact, I know many adult who would say the more responsibility you gain - the harder life becomes! Plan for it. By plan I mean understand and seek not to control everything! It's not what happens but how you react to it!

4. Find balance. This is the most talked about concept but until my recent injury, I think I lost balance completely. During my time home, I was able to relax, relate and release for the first time in a while. Women and men both need to learn to strike a balance . Life outside of work is as important as in and family, friends, and service are important for a healthy well being.

5. Have Fun! Live , Love , Laugh...

Until Next time.. May this new year bring you everything you want..and need :)


Ciao

Fabulous Hotel Spas!

Happy Holidays!


I know it's been a minute but honestly I haven't had the urge to write. I've been trying to remember how great my recent spa experience indeed was.

You see I took a tumble in the hotel room I was staying at and it's been a trying 3
weeks since the spa :( I'm happy to say nothing its broken or torn yet physical therapy has been required for the injury and dulled my otherwise wonderful experience at the spa! I do have a long recovery though :(

However, since this blog is about spa reviews.....while on a business trip in Orlando the last week in November, I stayed at the The Peabody Hotel Orlando (which is one of the coolest hotels I've ever stayed in!) Check out the link! (And Make sure not to miss the duck march which is the cutest thing!)

http://www.peabodyorlando.com


If you ever have the chance to stay at this hotel - it's beautiful, big, has a wonderful array of amenities...one such amenity is the spa.

I booked a 90 minute Hot Stone Massage (my favorite!) which was comparable in price to Day Spas in the NYC area. The signature massage however was a Mango Ginger Infusion Scrub...and I was very tempted by this but glad I asked questions because it was more of a scrub than an actual massage - which I deeply needed :)

The spa was quiet when I arrived for my 9:30am appointment. There were forms to fill out (as I wrote about a year ago, wondering why there are some spas that don't do this) specifically inquiring about what type of service you are seeking, whether you'd like a male or female massage therapist, and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have.

Here's a picture I snapped on the way out since I decided long time ago the one place my IPhone will not go is in the spa room with me :)

The locker room was empty (a far cry from Day Spas in NYC in the morning!) and peaceful, flip flops and robe were in each individual locker. I will says this sort of grosses me out - just because you don't know whose feet have been in them...yet I didn't travel with my own spa sandals that my bestie brought me some time ago..so I had no choice but to use what was provided. If this sort of thing doesn't make you squeamish, or you're the type to walk around the shower area of the gym barefoot, then more power to you!

After changing, I went to the relaxation room to wait to be called. Thankfully I arrived early (as you should for a spa day so it doesn't cut down on your actual spa time) and by the time I changed I didn't have to wait! I appreciate prompt service in a spa and I will say this is one of the most prompt I have ever been to!










I appreciate the massage therapist (I cannot remember her name) who asked how hot I wanted the stones. The key to a great Hot Stone Massage is to decide how hot you want the stones. They can be very hot, warm, medium... and really depends on your personal preference.

One Disclaimer here....If you have High Blood Pressure chances are you may want to skip a Hot Stone Massage or at best make sure the stones aren't too warm.

I was completely knocked out by this massage...snoring on the table :) Some initial conversation occurred - I was asked how hard I wanted pressure applied with the stones which is another key ingredient in a great hot stone massage...I answered those questions and off to sleep I went!

What makes a Hot Stone Massage so appealing, besides the heated smooth stones, are the oil in which the stones are dipped in. The oil for my massage was scented Mango Ginger oil to which I purchased after my massage (only to have it taken by TSA since I was in so much pain from my fall and I forgot to pack it..sigh...)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

After my great massage, I was ready to head back to NYC rested, renewed and rejuvenated. Even though that didn't occur, I did enjoy the massage and would recommend the hotel and the spa to anyone!

Some important spa-ing tips to remember:

1. When finishing a Hot Stone Massage, make sure you always have your slippers on because the oils that are used can be quite slippery on the bottom of your feet
(I'm almost positive this is how I slipped).

2. Make sure you advise the massage therapist about how hot you want the stones, and the type of pressure to be applied.

3. Stay in the relaxation room for a few minutes after and rehydrate. Because the hot Stone Massage usually uses towels on top of the stones over your body for a few minutes, you are more likely to become dehydrated during the massage. Take the time to have the light snack provided - usually fruit and nuts and some type of tea, juice or water.

Finally, thank the staff! Here's to the wonderful ladies in the spa!

Until next time...tell a friend and recommend! Happy New Year!

Ciao

Spa Week is Here!!!

Greetings!

It's that time again! Spa-week is here! If you've been reading along with me from the beginning you know that I'm a big fan of spa-week. Spa-week happens twice year in October and April all across the country. This year, Spa-Week runs from October 15th - October 21st!

There's still time for last minute deals! In case you're not familiar with the concept spa-week allows patrons to try a salon's service for $50 a piece! If you've never gone "spa-ing" before, this is a great chance to check out a spa or a service you've never had.

Not all spas are created equal. You may not find big name salons on the list like Bliss if you live in NYC, simply because they already have a client base. But here's to happy hunting if they have any specials!

http://www.blissworld.com

My favorite spa Eden Day Spa became my favorite when it used to be on the Spa-week list and then suddenly became uber popular and was no longer on the list. Guess what??? It's not on the list but they have specials during the same time!! :)

http://www.edenspanyc.com/promotion.php

Speaking of not being on the list, if you have a favorite spa and it is not on the spa-week list, check your spas website to see if they are running specials as well.

You can search spas by location using your zip code since spa-week is a national event.

https://www.spaweek.com

Keep in mind simple spa etiquette :

1. Make your appointment in advance.
2. Tip at least 15%-20% percent.
3. Decide if you want a male or female technician.
4. Know the cancellation policy of the spa. Some require 24 hours advance notice -
others especially during spa week may charge a percentage or 100% for a
cancellation.
5. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.
6. Decide before hand if you need a bathing suit or you are ok in the nude.


One last thing.... it's getting cold out and many of the spa services may best be enjoyed with a partner! Men can take advantage of the spa services too! It's a great time for couples massages or for women to book spa services separately for the man in your life!

As always, if spas are not "your thang" and you think it's too expensive - nothing is worth more than your own piece of mind no matter how you get it! Create the same environment at home (or away!) if necessary!


Until next time! Tell a friend and recommend!

Ciao!





This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.

New Spa Sighting!

Hola !


Hope the day is all you want it to be! Just an quick note to mention what a just discovered ...a new spa! I haven't been there so I can't comment on it (yet) but there is a special going on $45 for a 60 minute Signature massage! There are several days left to purchase at this price! The spa is called SKIN SPA...

Check it out!

http://therightdeal.spaweek.com/deal/new-york-city/


Until next time!

Ciao!

Spa-Tastic!

Some how I just knew I would write my next entry as soon as I landed after my trip from San Francisco and Napa Valley. No such luck.

Alas life gets in the way. Someone I loved passed and it's been difficult to focus. Add to that it happened while I was away on this fabulous vacation so I will have to find my own closure.

Spa-ing and writing can be cathartic, so I'm writing. Where to start? Well since this is a spa blog...

I was completely spellbound by this trip! The spa was Indian Springs in Calistoga.


http://www.indianspringscalistoga.com

After the hectic week in San Francisco at my sorority conference, Napa Valley and the first winery was all that was left to relax and unwind to a slower (not really) pace. This lovely spa and resort was the next stop and should be on the top of anyone's list when planning a vacation!

First, if you've never taken a spa vacation you should. Up until now, I've written only about Day Spas primarily because of the proximity to where I live ...but this ... (some where I have to fit a full spa vacation out of NYC in my schedule..)

The location of the spa was in a town called Calistoga - outside of Napa. Indian Springs offered a Wet Pool (not sure I mentioned this before as I have been to one spa in Brooklyn, NY that offered it) but it's where you can enjoy the pool facilities if you're not interested in spa-ing generally for a fee of $25. The pool has its own location..

What was interesting about this spa was facilities where in separate buildings - so the Natural Bath was one location, and the Pool another, yet another was the relaxing area.

The inside of the spa was quaint! I loved the scented lotions even purchased the cucumber lotion!

I'm seriously considered ordering this bathrobe! OMG it was heavy and warm and plush...and just wow! And it's green! :)

One of the paths that lead to the outdoor "recovery" area. It's the place you relax and sit while drinking tea, or juice and perhaps light snacks (in this case orange slices)
in order to just take a moment and enjoy and "just be". What a quiet and serene spot!

But the spa...I booked a Swedish massage and a mud bath. Mud baths are what California resorts are known for so while I wanted my favorite - a Hot Stone Massage ..I got the package with the Mud Bath!

The spa is simply beautiful..unlike NYC spas in a singular space or a floor, there was an outdoor path to get to various rooms!

While outside the view of the mountains was breathtaking! There was an outdoor lounge to wait for your services after changing. It was soooo peaceful...I didn't have my camera so I missed the really great pics :(

First was the mud bath..my oh my.. I do recommend asking questions before you book of you are uncertain of things like mud temperatures, and whether one can enjoy it if you have any physical limitations.

The mud..well was muddy. Lol. It was weird settling into smelly lava for about 25 minutes..the lava actually begins to stiffen and it's quite uncomfortable for some. My bestie was next to me making faces ..lol

I suspect it was a little claustrophobic I enjoyed it and fell asleep. This was definitely a help to keep me still :) The mud was hot well not as hot as I take a bath but it was hot. They provide you with shower caps (cause you know a sista can't mess up the 'do!).

The mud was messy and you must rinse in the shower..my reccomendation..this is best enjoyed nude if you are not squeamish. Otherwise... make sure you rinse your bathing suit and you very well!

After the mud I hopped into a tub of hot water and relaxed while the staff feeds you cucumber water and provides a scented wash cloth - Ice cold for your forehead. (I think it was lavender scented..) This helps to lower your temperature as the bath was hot as well...It was a very earthy outdoors feeling..

My skin felt like butter after! I could feel the impurities gone! Supposedly that is what mud baths are known for. If you look at nothing - check out this link because it's exactly what the mud bath looks like...and some history of the orgins of mud baths which date back as far as Wappo Indians.

http://www.calistogaspas.com/mud_baths.htm

Next up was the massage. I will say I was not impressed - the NYC Asians (forgive me I'm not stereotyping but most of the spas I've been to besides some African American Owned Spas were Asian operated) still top my list for strength of the massage. I will say it was relaxing and I was enjoying the conversation so I didn't mind. My particular technician was much more chatty than I was used to however...

All of this faboulousness for $200.00! That's right. What one GREAT service in NYC would cost plus tip! I want to say we were in the spa for 3 hours at least and I felt like I was floating on air afterward!

I even enjoyed the gratitutde tree...and while writing this I know what I am grateful for ...Do you?

I am ready and willing to have a spa vacation.. Back to Cali or Arizona as there is nothing like this setting :)

If you've had a spa vacation and care to share, send me an email and guest blog!

Until my next entry.... Ciao!