The Stoneleigh Presents Spa In Bloom

The relaxation room at The Spa at The Stoneleigh in Dallas.

Last spring I had the opportunity to visit the legendary Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa (Dallas) to check out its recent renovations and to visit The Spa at The Stoneleigh, a 5,200-square-foot haven for hotel guests and locals looking for a relaxing retreat. I truly enjoyed my visit there and wish I was in the area this spring to take advantage of the spa’s In Bloom offerings. Now through the end of June, spa-goers can indulge in a complimentary Tech Neck Chair Massage every Monday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; a complimentary Warm-Oil Aromatherapy upgrade when any massage is booked every Tuesday; a Spa in Bloom De-Tox Combo ($99, 25 minutes), which includes an organic sugar foot scrub and a 25-minute focused massage every Wednesday; and a complimentary Spa in Bloom Mini Facial (20 minutes) every Thursday. Spa In Bloom offers spa-goers the perfect excuse to pamper themselves every day of the week.

What’s Cooking at Chiva-Som?

Executive chef Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat demonstrates one of Chiva-Som's healthy dishes.

Two years ago I was fortunate enough to visit Chiva-Som, a renowned destination spa in Hua Hin, Thailand. To say my experience there was life changing is somewhat of an understatement, but then again, that’s really the purpose behind a destination spa. Although I’ve never been overweight (probably on account of the fact that I’ve been blessed with a decent metabolism and am something of a fitness fanatic), I do have a major sweet tooth. Just ask anyone who knows me about my passionate love of ice cream. Before Chiva-Som, I had developed an unhealthy addiction to Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Low-Fat Frozen Yogurt. In fact, I was consuming up to five pints a week. Because a girl can only work out so many hours in a day and metabolisms do eventually slow down, I knew I had to kick the habit. It was at Chiva-Som that I totally changed the way I eat, cutting out sugary snacks (which in my case meant chocolate) and replacing them with fresh fruits, reducing my carb intake, and becoming a stickler for portion control. Imagine my surprise when, upon my return, the scale began registering numbers I’d never before imagined possible. When people ask how I did it, I credit Chiva-Som with kick starting my transformation. And now, guests who sign up for the spa’s culinary packages can learn to master their diet as well with a new hands-on cooking class in which they’re taught proper cooking techniques and the fundamentals of gardening. This year also introduced a Private Lunch and Learn, a one-on-one session that gives guests dining at the Chef’s Table a chance to create a personalized three-course menu that is prepared before them by the chef, and a Private Beach Barbeque, which treats guests to a selection of their favorite ingredients prepared to their liking. Thanks to my Chiva-Som visit, I’m a size or two smaller despite working out less than ever, and I have yet to indulge in my pint-a-night addiction.

Flu Free Guarantee?

Secrets Maroma Beach

I’m always impressed by creative marketing promotions, and I just got word about a really interesting approach to battling the swine flu’s terrible impact on tourism in Mexico. Zoëtry, Secrets, and Dreams Resorts & Spas are encouraging tourists to forget their fears and head south of the border for sun, spa and fun with a new “flu-free guarantee.” Valid between now and December, if a guest contracts Influenza A – H1N1 (aka, the swine flu) while staying at these resorts, their next three vacations will be on the house.

“The health and wellbeing of our resort employees and guests is a top priority for us. As a result, zero cases of influenza have been reported at any of our properties,” said Alex Zozaya, president and CEO of AMResorts, provider of sales, marketing, and brand management services for Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, and Dreams Resorts & Spas.” “During the last few weeks, we have continuously encouraged travel to Mexico based on the real facts about the H1N1 virus, and the sanitary protocols in place at all of our resorts.”

I think this is an incredibly inventive way for the resorts’ teams to stand behind their safety claims and reassure guests about travel to Mexico in the midst of a health scare. Is your spa feeling the impact of the recent flu news? If so, what are you doing anything interesting to entice wary clients? Send us an email to spablog@americanspamag.com. We’ll post your feedback here!

Safely Seeking the Sun

April showers seem to have passed and the sun is finally starting to make a daily appearance. Shed your layers and head outside for some vitamin D, but please be responsible. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time for a full-body skin exam. Consider going in for a visit to your dermatologist or check out The Skin Cancer Foundation’s schedule for its Road to Healthy Skin Tour. This 80-stop tour is providing free skin cancer screenings in 50 cities across the country and hopes to screen more than 10,000 people through the fall.

For a safe sun-kissed look, sunless tanning treatments satisfy even the most loyal sun worshippers and are popular on spa menus across the country. Here are some services that will give spa-goers a healthy glow without any risks:

-Miami Misting ($95, 35 minutes) at The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach (FL) features a state-of-the-art misting session, which leaves guests looking like they took in a serious dose of Florida sun.

-Body Bronzing ($145, 50 minutes) at Red Door Spa (New York City) makes spa-goers radiant after a mild exfoliation and an application of self-tanning lotion.

-Tanning Treatment ($195, 60 minutes) at The Peninsula Spa (Beverly Hills, CA) uses an all-natural product called Chocolate Sun, which nourishes the skin while creating an even-looking tan. Bonus: the sweet smell of cocoa left behind on the skin.

-Body Glow Bronzer ($160, 50 minutes) at Spa Bellagio (Las Vegas) offers a spray-on solution to tanning. A full-body exfoliation kicks off the treatment, which allows the faux finish to last longer.

Feel free to email us at spablog@americanspamag.com and tell us about your favorite ways to fake bake.

Mandarin Oriental Explores its Roots with Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Mandarin Oriental's new signature product line

Ever since visiting Hong Kong, I’ve been fascinated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). There’s just something about the ancient system that I find intriguing, much like the Chinese art of Feng Shui of which I’m obsessed. Not surprisingly, I’m always game to try TCM-related treatments. So far, I’ve experienced moxibustion, the burning of dried Chinese herbs over the acupoints, and brandished the telltale signs of cupping, which involves the placing of heated glass cups on the body to help stimulate blood flow, balance the flow of qi, and remove toxins. At a recent lunch at the Mandarin Oriental, New York, I learned of the company’s plan to tap into its Chinese heritage with the launch of several new signature therapies developed in coordination with a number of TCM specialists. Beginning with a private consultation to determine an individual’s current state of well-being, each treatment is then customized with a hands-on body ritual that uses Oriental meridian massage and custom-blended oils. The custom-blended oils, created specifically for the Mandarin Oriental, are part of the company’s new signature product line developed by the UK-based Aromatherapy Associates. With bath and body oils that correspond to the five elements, the line also includes a body scrub, body wash, and body lotion along with a range of candles and travel-size oils. The treatments and products will be rolled out in The Spas at Mandarin Oriental in June. With savvy spa-goers in search of more authentic treatments, it’s good to know it’s not necessary to travel to China to experience the benefits of this time-tested system.

SpaExec’s Big Apple Blowout

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Manhattan edition of SpaExec, a networking event for spa professionals. The event was a fun way to connect with friends and to get some ideas for building business in the midst of the current recession. The evening kicked off with a vendor showcase, featuring the latest offerings from Akhassa, Blinc, Clarisonic, Comfort Zone, Davines, Éminence Organic Skin Care, Gehwol, Germaine de Capuccini, Harms Software, Infinity Sun, Intraceuticals, Oakworks, Ready Care Industries, Somme Institute, Sothys, and Yon-Ka Paris. Next up was a truly informative keynote presentation on Creating Customer Value in a Down Economy by Leo Renaghan, chief marketing officer, Revenue Management Solutions, and Emeritus Professor at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, followed by a fabulous panel discussion on Best Practices in Spa Operations. Suzanne Holbrook, executive spa director at the Ritz Carlton Grand Lakes Orlando; Mia Kyricos, director of spa development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts; and Teresa McKee, chief operating officer for Red Door Spas were led by moderator, Nancy Griffin, and had some excellent insights into savvy spa marketing and retail practices. Infinity Sun then did a presentation and a demo on How to Profit from Sunless Tanning, and the evening concluded with a cocktail party, where we all raised a glass to another successful SpaExec. Visit www.spaexec.net for details on up-and-coming SpaExec events, which will take place June 12 in Las Vegas; July 14 in Cancun; August 4 in Chicago; September 1 in Paradise Valley, AZ; Oct. 20 in Newport Beach, CA; and Nov. 9 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Himalayan Hideaway

Chi's private spa suite is one of the most spacious in Bangkok.

While The Oriental holds court over Bangkok as a veritable institution, I found the Shangri-La to be a luxe and affordable alternative. Like The Oriental, the two-tower hotel is set on the banks of the infamous Chao Phraya River. Chi The Spa at Shangri-La, however, can boast something The Oriental’s spa can’t: some of the largest private suites in Bangkok. Living in New York City where space is at a premium, I was in awe of the spacious treatment areas. While some might argue such space isn’t a necessity, it certainly adds to the grandeur of the experience. Besides, most spas in Thailand forego the usual locker room set-up in favor of guests changing in the treatment room. After surviving Bangkok’s crowded streets, I was thrilled to have a room to call my own, even more so one with a changing area, bathing facilities, and a lounge.

Based on the idea of restoring harmony and balance, the spa features traditional healing therapies from China and the Himalayas. Familiar with a variety of Asian therapies, I was intrigued by the menu’s Himalayan offerings. Unfortunately, the spa’s new Himalayan Wet Treatment Suite was still under construction when I was there. I opted instead for the CHI Balance treatment, which left me feeling centered and relaxed. The Himalayan Wet Treatment Suite has since opened and is the inspired setting for the Himalayan Tsangpo Ritual, a bathing tradition that relies on high-altitude salts and red mountain mud, which is reputed to bring good luck. While I wouldn’t put much stock in a change of fortune, I did find the fact that the spa relies on a small product producer from Nepal for its private label line to be good karma, as both make it a priority to give back to the Himalayan community.

OPI Talks to the Hand

When it comes to nail color, I’m all about the natural, pale pink
shades. Yet, I admit, I often wish I could be a little more daring and
choose a bolder color like bright red, but with the wide variety of shades
out there today I’m always afraid I’ll choose the wrong one. Needless to
say, I was very excited to find out that OPI added a new feature to its website www.opi.com. It’s called the Try It On Color Studio, and it allows visitors to see what each of the more than 200 OPI nail lacquer shades look like on their skintone and nail length. “The OPI Try It On Color Studio lets a woman try our newest shades, experiment with colors that are a little more daring for her, or find the perfect lacquer in a particular hue,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, executive vice president and artistic director of OPI.

I checked out the website this morning and was so excited to try out many shades on the online hand after adjusting the nail length and skintone to most accurately resemble my own. I’m now confident that choosing a bolder shade will no longer be a nail-biting experience.

Keeping Up Appearances with Obagi

Products from Obagi Medical’s new Condition & Enhance System

Although I am still (relatively) young, I have always been a proponent of taking the necessary steps required to maintain my appearance, even if that means spending a little more money. And at a recent press luncheon I attended hosted by Obagi Medical Products, I realized most women think the way I do. According to a survey conducted by the skincare company, 98 percent of women 25-54 years of age who visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon currently spend up to $500 a year on facial procedures, even during these tough economic times. As a matter of fact, 41 percent of those age 35-44 who were surveyed said they are more likely to cut back in other areas of their lives, such as child care and groceries, in order to maintain the amount of money spent or the frequency with which they visit a dermatologist. These statistics served as the basis for Obagi Medical’s new Condition & Enhance System, which was created to help extend the benefits of in-office procedures, such as facial injections and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments. The 4 percent hydroquinone-based skincare regimen, which is available only by prescription, serves as a way for clients to extend their time between doctor’s visits and save a little cash. It’s a win-win. In this economy, what woman would turn down the opportunity to look great and still afford life’s necessities (like shoes)?

Eminence Inspires Others to Go Green

Éminence Organic Skin Care's new Biodynamic Line

I must admit: I’m a sucker for green. I’ve been writing about spas for five years and in that time I’ve learned a lot about why organic is the way to go—whether I’m choosing produce or products. Recently, I read that Éminence Organic Skin Care announced its new Green Spa Initiative, and I was impressed. The company has created a system to award Éminence Green Spa certification to its partner spas if they are actively involved in eco-conscious practices and are doing their part to be socially and environmentally responsible. Qualifying spas will be given an Éminence Green Spa Stonecrop Sticker to display prominently, letting guests know that they are supporting the green movement when they visit these certified spas. Not only does Éminence do its part to offer its clients the purest products but it is also encouraging and inspiring other companies to do their part to mind earth-friendly practices, which I think is pretty honorable.

For more information, feel free to contact Meaghan Cochrane at (888) 747-6342 or at meaghan@eminenceorganics.com.