Hilton Hotels & Resorts Unveils New Eforea Spa Concept

I love a good party, so when I was invited to attend the bash in which Hilton introduced eforea: spa at Hilton, its new global spa concept, I couldn’t refuse. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the party involved a performance by Seal and a book signing by Bethenny Frankel of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” and a fashion show. While the party turned out to be worth the trip it took to get to the Hilton Short Hills (NJ), where the first eforea: spa at Hilton was launched, I was also excited to learn about the new concept. With 123 spas in operation at its properties worldwide, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest providers of spa services. The brand also has more than 80 properties in development that are expected to choose eforea as their spa of choice.

The name eforea was chosen to describe a less stressful world in which today’s business and leisure travelers can find a calmer, and more spiritual place. Promising to deliver balance and wellness to the body, eforea seeks to take guests on a transformative journey of the senses. The spa’s signature icon, a butterfly freed from its cocoon, is used to symbolize that journey. The spa features three signature journeys involving three carefully chosen product lines: Kerstin Florian, LI’TYA, and VitaMan.

“Today we raise the on-property spa experience to a new level with the introduction of our innovative global spa concept—eforea: spa at Hilton,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand. “Eforea delivers the high standards guests expect from Hilton and further reinforces our position as the stylish, forward-thinking leader of global hospitality. With today’s opening at Hilton Short Hills and more than 80 spas currently in our global pipeline, eforea has the potential to evolve the spa segment of our industry on a global scale.”

Physicians Formula Gives Picture-Perfect Advice

I am not a photogenic person, so when it is time for me to find photos of myself for online purposes, I actually cringe. During my search, I always wish that I had gotten those “glamour shots” from the mall. Physicians Formula has come to the rescue for all women like me who are longing to be picture-ready with the launch of their expert advice tool, the Profile Picture Guide. By following this step-by-step online guide, posting your photo on social networking and professional sites can now be something to look forward to. Designed with the help of top experts in the beauty industry like celebrity makeup artist Joanna Schlip and fashion photographer Andrew Matusik, the guide is divided into social, dating, and professional categories to get your profile ready for uploading. Here’s a peek at some of the informative topics covered:

• How to find the perfect makeup for you and learn the correct way to apply it.

• How to get your best photo with the right lighting.

• How to strike a pose and what to wear.

• How to properly apply concealers and bronzers to enhance your best features.

After you have taken your beautiful profile shot, you can submit your photos in an exclusive Physicians Formula contest. Dozens of prizes will be awarded, including a grand prize trip for two to Los Angeles for a one-on-one makeup session with Joanna Schlip, followed by a glamorous photo shoot. Your picture-perfect profile awaits! For information about the guidebook, contest ,and rules, click here.

Massage Envy Performs 100,000th Facial

Here at American Spa, we love celebrating milestones—be it birthdays, anniversaries, and more, we’re always happy to be on hand with cupcakes, champagne, and cheer. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to raise a glass to Massage Envy. The affordable spa service provider that has 135 outposts in 35 states recently performed its 100,000th facial. Taking place in its Cherry Creek, CO, location, the treatment was given to Maggie Baldwin of Denver. As the recipient of this milestone service, Baldwin, a Massage Envy member since 2007, will receive $100 toward Massage Envy services or Murad skincare products. “I love the flexibility of my membership, which allows me to choose a massage or a facial,” says Baldwin. “I’m looking forward to splurging on the great products Massage Envy offers.” Congratulations to Maggie and to Massage Envy!

Soundings of the Planet Releases Meditation DVD

Soundings of the Planet released a Meditation Moods DVD. Based on the Meditation Moods CD that features the soothing music of flute, harp, and keyboards by Dean and Dudley Evenson, the DVD includes the same music as well as 66 minutes of stunning nature videography and three guided meditations with music and nature scenes.

The Centre for Well-Being at The Phoenician Offers Spa-goers Seasonal Soothing

Spa-goers can embrace the fall and winter months with the return of the seasonal spa program at the Centre for Well-Being at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  From now until January 6,  guests can rejuvenate their minds and bodies with this trio of special spa services:

On-the-Go Facial Glow ($59): This 25-minute service that cleanses, tones, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin. It is the ideal treatment for those who want a quick pick-me-up.

Pep in Your Step ($99): Guests can regenerate with this 50-minute treatment that starts with a massage of the back, neck, and shoulders and concludes with a refreshing salt scrub for the feet and a peppermint lotion foot massage.

De-Stress Express ($99): Tension and stress are released during this 50-minute meditation led by the Centre’s experienced guide.

The Centre for Well-Being is also offering its “buy one get one half off” program. On the dates coinciding with the seasonal spa program, guests who purchase a service from the spa menu will receive 50 percent off a second service of equal or lesser value.

Shanghai Is Set to Impress Savvy Spa-goers

Earlier this week, I returned from a whirlwind trip to Shanghai in which I experienced a taste of the city’s emerging spa scene. Staying at The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, I felt as if I had been transported back to the glamorous 1930’s Shanghai. The hotel once featured The Yangtze Dance Hall, with one of the first spring dance floors. Despite wanting to soak it all in, I made a hasty retreat to the hotel’s Chuan Spa within hours of my arrival. The spa’s Harmony Massage proved to be the perfect antidote to the 15-hour flight that it took to get there. I also had an opportunity to stay at the legendary Fairmont Peace Hotel, which just recently re-opened after an extensive renovation. Located on the Bund, the hotel is ideally situated for an early morning walk or Tai Chi session with impressive views of Pudong, an emerging hotspot and area of development on the east bank of the Huangpu River, in the background. Although the new Willow Stream Spa has yet to open. I did get a chance to tour the lavish facilities. It should be up and running by late November.  Stay tuned for more on Chuan Spa and the soon-to-open Willow Stream Spa in an upcoming issue.

One&Only Ocean Club Partners with Physique 57

In addition to amazing views of the ocean on one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Caribbean, guests of One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas can now opt for one of two exclusive fitness retreats to get them in top shape during their stay. In conjunction with Physique 57, which is a workout system deigned to rapidly transform the body through a proven cardiovascular program that combines isometric exercises and orthopedic stretches to improve the look and tone of legs, arms, and the abdomen, the resort will be offering two Physique 57 Retreats taking place Jan. 13-17 and May 12-16. Each weekend retreat, which starts at $1,450 per person based on double occupancy, includes:

• four night’s accommodation

• two daily Physique 57 classes on the outdoor beachfront pavilion

• $300 food and beverage credit

• Welcome barbaque catered by chef Jean-Georges

• Welcome gift bag with Physique 57 DVD set

• Return transfers to and from the airport

The rate also includes such perks as personalized butler service, daily fruit bowl, afternoon champagne and strawberries, and more. For more info or for reservations, click here.

Willow Stream Spa Offers Pink Services

Willow Stream – The Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (AZ) launched its Power of Pink Program to benefit the Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. From now through Dec. 31, when guests of Willow Stream spa choose one of the Power of Pink treatments, five percent of the proceeds will be donated to the cause. Taking place in the new Power of Pink room with pink walls and pink blankets, Power of Pink treatments include the Pink Massage, Pink Pedicure, and the Tickle Me Pink Package.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver
Treats Spa-goers to the Flavors of Fall

Thanks to the debut of a new seasonal menu, guests at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver can now indulge in a host of fall-inspired treatments. Available throughout the month of November, the Pumpkin Polishing Facial ($95, 50 minutes; $135, 80 minutes) the Orange Bliss Massage ($150, 75 minutes), and the Herbal Spice Manicure and Pedicure ($100, 90 minutes) will have spa-goers bidding farewell to the dog days of summer and yearning for chillier temperatures. The treatments rely on seasonal ingredients, such as pumpkin, and warming spices like clove, ginger, and nutmeg. For those who want to experience the entire autumn menu, there is the Fall Escape ($375, 4 hours). It’s the perfect way to welcome in the new season.

Over the Moon for Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore

In Singapore for the 2010 Wellness Summit, I planned a visit to Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore, amidst the lush rainforest on Sentosa Island. Auriga is named for a constellation in the northern hemisphere, and the treatments, developed by Adria Lake, are based on the rhythms of the lunar cycle. Spa Director Alsu Abdulina recommended I try one of their signature treatments, the New Moon. It included a foot massage with juniper, rosemary, and fennel; a seaweed and eucalyptus salt scrub followed by a seaweed wrap; and a full-body rosemary and eucalyptus massage and a special stimulating tonic for awakening the body.

I was greeted in small reception/retail area and asked to fill out a client profile, then escorted back to female changing area. Rather than a large locker area, the ladies locker area is a series of rooms, locker and changing area, sinks, showers, and water closets in nooks along a hallway. The large wooden lockers are prepared with towel, robe, and slippers inside. Once I changed, I continued down the hall to the women’s wet amenity area, featuring an herbal steam room, two experience showers and a large vitality pool looking out into the garden. Adjacent to the wet area is a comfortable waiting room, where my therapist, Mei, met me and escorted me to the treatment room, inquiring how I would like to be addressed along the way. Once in the treatment room, Mei had me take a seat and explained all of the steps of the service, all the while offering me samples of the products she would use, which had been carefully prepared beforehand for presentation. I was offered a cup of warm herbal tea, which I drank while reading the meditation card that came along with it.

Throughout the service, I marveled throughout at the level of training and expertise that Mei displayed. Never did she put a hand wrong; always gently cueing me, deftly wrapping me, slippers always placed in exactly the right spot. She checked in with me at all of the right intervals to inquire as to my comfort regarding pressure and temperature. At the conclusion of the service, she commented that my skin was in great shape, but a bit dehydrated and she said she would leave a few product recommendations out front for me. This is something that you RARELY see in Asian spas, and I was really impressed when I went to check out and sure enough, there were five products there along with a prescription form all filled out. The Organic Pharmacy products felt terrific on my skin, and will soon be available in the US. at the Auriga Spa opening at the Setai Fifth Avenue in November.

After my service I spent some time snuggling under a cozy throw on a sound wave chaise in the relaxation room, looking out at the rainforest and sipping herbal tea. Both the service and Mei’s touch were really flawless.—Written by Lisa Starr