The Spa at The Woodstock Offers a Winter Escape

Now through April 28, The Spa at The Woodstock Inn & Resort (VT) is offering guests the Pampered & Great Spa Escape package ($888) which includes accommodations for two nights and $888 in spa credit. The spa, which opened in September, is offering this package for Sunday through Wednesday arrivals in a standard guest room and $888 of spa credit per room, per stay, based on double occupancy. The 10,000-square-foot LEED-designed spa provides a nature-inspired ambience and celebrates each of the four seasons by offering a different signature treatment each season in addition to the spa’s year-round menu of services. For the winter, guests can experience the 100-minute Signature Deep Forest treatment, which begins with an exfoliating body scrub and hydrating wrap and ends with a full-body massage.

SpaFinder Names Top 10 Global Spa Trends for 2011

The Salt Room at the Spa at Aria (Las Vegas).

SpaFinder, Inc., the global spa and wellness resource, today announced its annual spa trend forecast, now in its eighth year. SpaFinder’s Spa Trend Report™ identifies global spa trends that will influence spa experiences for both consumers and the industry in the coming year and for decades to come. Here’s a recap:

1. AGING…RAGING

Baby boomers are the fastest-growing demographic in the world. In the U.S. alone, 39 million consumers account for nearly $2 trillion in annual spending. This is not lost on spas, which are showing ever-more awareness of the needs of older spa-goers. As such, many spas are now beginning to incorporate  exercise physiologists, chiropractors, orthopedics and naturopaths who focus on rejuvenation of joints, pain relief and mobility. Thermal bathing is seeing a renaissance, particularly with this growing group, as the benefits of soaking are rediscovered.

But woe is the spa that attempts to label this active, and often affluent, demographic. The days of “over 65” as a catchall category will soon become ancient history. After all, there’s a huge difference between a 70-year-old who plays tennis three times a week and an 85-year-old seeking pain relief.

2. ALL EYES ON ASIA

Asia has had a profound impact on the spa industry: Yoga, Thai massage, Ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture are staples on many spa menus, and the “Zen” nature of Asian design can be seen in spas worldwide. But historically, it’s been a tale of the mass exportation of Asian spa influences. Now a powerful new story is unfolding: The explosive growth of hotel/spa development within Asia (a market of 4.1 billion people), especially within the two fastest-growing world economies, China and India. These markets and others are developing at a breakneck pace, unleashing extraordinary new class mobility and massive opportunities for hotel/spa development. Stay tuned as the new “Spa Road” runs from China to India and beyond, and hotel/spa developers look to please both tourists seeking authentic ambiance and indigenous treatments and local spa-goers looking for Western-style spa-going.

3. SALT ROOMS AND SALT CAVES

Healing traditions that involve basking in salt caves or water may be centuries old, but they are truly coming of age in some of the most modern spas. The benefits to skin, breathing and rejuvenation are making salt therapy – or halotherapy – one of the hottest trends to watch in 2011. More than folk tradition is behind the spa-salt resurgence: Clinical trials reveal it’s beneficial for respiratory illnesses like asthma, considered a global epedemic, and skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. Bottom line is that salty is sweet for spas and consumers in the coming year.

4. SPA BRANDWAGON

Traditionally the province of standalone spas, the industry is moving rapidly in the direction of branded experiences. The year of 2011 will be a watershed year for franchised/branded spas, as consumers seek the consistency of treatments they know and love, and major players expand into new markets.

5. DEALS GONE WILD

Gone are the days when coupons were unfashionable things people snipped out of the newspaper and spas wouldn’t think of using the term “deal.” Well, put an “e-” or “group” in front of “coupon,” and you suddenly have the Internet mania of 2010, poised to accelerate at an even more dizzying pace in 2011. Online group-buying deals have burst onto the global scene, and the old-fashioned “deal” has morphed into a hip online industry. Also, with so many spa deals being blasted into inboxes, an extraordinary effect has been that millions of people are now expanding their spa horizons, trying new spas and experiences they wouldn’t have without the “50%-75% off.” With savvy marketers backed by hundreds of millions in venture capital, deals will certainly remain a huge deal in 2011, but SpaFinder forecasts change is on the horizon.

6. THE SCIENCE OF SPA

Is there scientific proof that massage reduces stress?  Are mudpacks and mineral-baths medically proven to alleviate pain?  The answer, in many cases, is increasingly “yes.”  Get ready for a new era where more questions about the effectiveness of spa therapies will be asked, as the emphasis on evidence-based medicine and the “science behind spa” heats up.

7. HYPER-LOCAL SPAS

A current trend that complements – rather than countervails – the move toward branded spas is the desire for authenticity and immersion in the traditions and elements of a spa’s local environs and culture. A maple scrub in Canada, organic food from the spa garden, or facilities built of local stone, while not new, were, until relatively recently, novelties. But spas are now trending with the “farm-to-table” movement, offering farm-to-massage-table treatments. Locally sourced fruits, herbs and honey are grown on site, and then dished up in both meals and in spa treatments. Even the well-known branded spas are sure to reserve a portion of their services for locally infused treatments, as consumers look to take advantage of the diversity of their surroundings.

8. EXTREME BEAUTY: SPA EDITION

The common element in spa beauty these days is that beauty-seekers are taking it to the max. We are far beyond Botox®; stem-cell facials and plasma therapy are new buzzwords. But let’s also look at extreme pain, which people are tolerating more and more as long as it delivers results. Derma-rolling hurts, chemical peels can be uncomfortable and the zapping of lasers is no picnic. And facials aren’t just for faces anymore; now they are being applied to every extremity, including “booty” and “vagina” facials. Then there are boot camps, Rolfing and Bikram yoga, where pain meets pleasure. Even organic and natural products are being taken to the extreme, with raw food cuisine gaining popularity during intense detox retreats. Finally, what might be considered the most interesting extreme: People seem to be able to partake in both the “yin” of the natural and the “yang” of science and invasive cosmetic procedures at the same time. In the end, what people demand are extreme results, and they’re happy to pay the price for it: A staggering $679 billion annually, by far the largest share of the estimated $1.9 trillion wellness market*.

9. SPA IN A NEW YORK MINUTE

“In a New York minute” is jargon for how things move faster in hectic New York City. It’s also the name of a suite of mini (15- to 30-minute) spa treatments. In our stressed-out, 24/7 world, we seem to be morphing into New Yorkers. The spa industry is responding, helping people spa anytime and offering “sample” and simultaneous treatments. Suddenly, a 9 p.m. closing time is the new spa norm, and “open late” now means midnight, 2 a.m. or all night. The trend is also towards earlier. And the trend toward “express,” “sampler” or “mini-sized” treatments will continue to rise in 2011, pleasing time- and budget-crunched consumers. The quest for efficiencies is also reflected in new directions in facility design, with locker rooms on the decline and even check-in counters being rethought. Finally, the pursuit of stress-free spa efficiencies will mean more spa-goers embracing 24/7 online appointment booking, and mobile apps helping them find and book spas on the fly. It’s all about letting spa-goers have it their way.

10. SURPRISING SPECIAL EVENTS

Increasingly, spas are developing distinctive specialty programs to draw patrons seeking a unique group experience. While destination spas have been offering yoga and healthy cooking weeks for years, retreats now span everything from a high-flying “Trapeze Experience” to a creative jewelry-making class to the more sober and grounded gathering for survivors of loss. Celebrity authors and artists may headline these programmed stays. We expect this trend to flourish in the coming year, as spas and resort destinations find creative new ways to prove that unique is indeed spa chic for the savvy consumer.

The report is based on analyses from a large team of experts who visit hundreds of day and stay spas each year; interviews with top industry analysts; ongoing research across the spa, travel and beauty sectors; and data derived from SpaFinder’s relationships with over 9,000 spas and salons across the globe.

The Spa Trend Report™ is developed under the direction of SpaFinder President Susie Ellis.  “As someone who’s watched the modern spa industry from its infancy, I have never seen the aggregate level of creativity and talent in the field, as wellness, fitness, beauty, design and cuisine are blended in unique new ways, just as the economy begins its upswing,” she says.

Click here for the full report.

Millennium Names Newest Be-Cause Honoree

Millennium by Harms Inc. announced that Brig Van Osten is its newest Be-Cause honoree. Van Osten is known for both her outrageous hair creations and hair styles for the every day woman. After working at numerous salons, Van Osten decided to open P!ay Hair Lounge in Simi Valley, CA, four years ago.  “I named it p!ay, because I don’t consider this work,” she says. Van Osten has been featured in the pages of many leading magazines as well as television shows including TLC’s What Not to Wear, Today in LA and Bravo’s Shear Genius 3, in which Van Osten was named the winner. “We are extremely excited to have Brig support the Be-Cause,” says John Harms, founder of Millennium. “Her presence along with the other Millennium honorees will create great awareness for the cause.  Her passion and love for cutting hair is what drives the beauty industry so we know her story will inspire many.”

Spatimenow.com Offers a Deal
To Make Spa-Goers Feel Groovy

If your guests are ever feeling frenzied by planning their spa visits, SpaTimeNow.com has a groovy way to help. The website is now taking its online service to a new level with Groovy Deals, a new service that allows customers to find and book appointments and save money at spas all across the U.S. and Canada. With Groovy Deals, consumers can search for spas according to location, day, time, type of treatment, and price. Consumers can find the exclusive deals that they are looking for, whether they prefer treatments at boutique or luxury spas. Gone are the days when clients have to pick up the phone to book an appointment or search through web pages to find bargains. More importantly, clients will know exactly what they are saving since they are not competing to purchase coupons for pre-allocated appointment slots. SpaTimeNow.com also has vast real time capabilities that are perfect for those last-minute planners who are in a rush to book just the right treatment in their price range. For more information, visit www.SpaTimeNow.com.

Spa Week Launches annual Holiday Gift Card Sale

I don’t know many people who don’t love the gift of spa. With that in mind, I was excited to hear about Spa Week’s annual Holiday Gift Card Sale. From now until December 24^th, you can purchase a $100 Spa Week Gift Card for just $79.99 on www.spaweek.com. Redeemable anytime of the year at more than 1,500 spas nationwide, the gift cards never expire.  And who couldn’t use a stress-relieving treatment this time of the year?

Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia
Named 2011 Global Spa Summit Platinum Sponsor

The Global Spa Summit (GSS) has announced that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia, has joined the event as a platinum sponsor. The GSS and the Ministry will work together to promote the growth of the worldwide spa and wellness industries and to shine a global spotlight on Bali’s spa culture.

“We’re delighted that senior executives of spa companies and associations from across the globe have chosen beautiful Bali as their venue to convene the 2011 Global Spa Summit,” says Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism for the Republic of Indonesia. “And I’m convinced that Indonesia, with its long history of traditional herbal medicine, spiritual meditation, massage, and other healing arts is a strong representative of the best of spa tradition.”

“While we were courted by numerous extraordinary destinations across Asia, last year’s Summit delegates overwhelmingly indicated that their first choice was Bali,” says Pete Ellis, Chairman of the Board of the GSS. “I want to thank the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism for their strong support of the Summit and for preparing a warm welcome to the hundreds of industry leaders that will gather there next spring.”

The Global Spa Summit will take place from May 15-18, 2011 (with pre- and post-trips to various spas in Bali planned). The specific venue for the 2011 Summit in Bali will be announced in upcoming weeks. For more information, visit www.globalspasummit.org.

Massage Envy Offers Holiday Stress Relief

In addition to the joy that the holidays bring, they can also bring a great deal of stress. As we shop, plan, and take time out for others, we tend to forget our own well-being. A recent study by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has shown that those who receive massage therapy have decreased levels of stress hormones and increased white blood cells, which helps promote a healthy immune system. Massage Envy is now offering a solution for stress with a Massage Envy membership, an affordable program promoting overall wellness. The company has 640 centers across the country that offer a variety of massages, including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, trigger point, hot stone, prenatal, and reflexology. Guests can also add aromatherapy or deep heat relief muscle therapy to the menu with the company’s newly introduced Choice Program. Monthly dues include a one-hour massage and unlimited additional one-hour massages for a low membership fee. Says CG Funk, vice president of industry relations and product development at Massage Envy, “Massage therapy is one of the most effective methods for achieving stress relief by lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, encouraging circulation, and increasing endorphins.”

OPI Launches Katy Perry Collection

Just like Glee and Katy Perry’s music go together perfectly (anyone who saw this week’s episode knows what I’m talking about), OPI and Katy Perry also create a winning team. Inspired by Perry’s cutting-edge style and latest album, Teenage Dream, the Katy Perry Collection by OPI will launch in January. The collection will include four bold and fun nail colors, including Teenage Dream, a pink glitter; Not Like the Movies, a silver; Last Friday Night, a glittery blue; and The One That Got Away, a deep berry. The collection will also feature a revolutionary Black Shatter formula that creates a cracked pattern when applied over dried nails. “We are thrilled to be teaming up with such a prominent pop music icon like Katy Perry,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, executive vice president and artistic director for OPI. “Katy is known worldwide for her innovative style and is always surprising us with her wild nail designs. When we learned about Katy’s love for lacquers, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to work together to create this glamorous collection.”

Healthy Turkey Day Tips from Aqua Star Spa

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. For most people, that means time with friends, family, and food. Indeed, it’s easy to overindulge when presented with endless arrays of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, eggnog, and more. But you don’t need to completely nix your healthy lifestyle plans. Here, take some tips from Brooke Capshaw, spa director at Aqua Star Spa at The Beverly Hilton (Beverly Hills, CA), who provides you with some ideas for enjoying the holiday without completely destroying your diet.

1. Don’t skip meals. This backfires because you come to the next meal over hungry and eat more than intended.
2. Fill up on lower calorie, nutrient dense foods such as fruits, veggies, popcorn, and lean cold cuts on whole grain bread.
3. Make just one trip to the party buffet.
4. Use a plate for even the smallest snack–you’ll eat less.
5. Get outside!
6. Beware of liquid calories-eggnog, beer soda, and wine. They go down so easy and often do not add much nutrition to your intake.
7. Write a list of things to do other than to eat (such as take a walk, call a friend or do some dreaded cleaning)
8. Be realistic: trying to lose weight during the holidays is a silly idea!
9. When you arrive at a party, avoid rushing to the food. Greet people you know, conversation is calorie-free!
10. Forget the all-or-nothing mindset. Depriving yourself of special holiday foods or feeling guilty when you do enjoy them isn’t a healthful eating strategy.

What are you doing to stay healthy this Thanksgiving and beyond? Share you comments here, and help us spread some healthy holiday cheer.



Spa Gaucin at The St. Regis Monarch
Beach Introduces Winter Specials

Although the temperatures may be dropping, the folks at Spa Gaucin at The St. Regis Monarch Beach (Dana Point, CA) are determined to warm guests’ hearts this winter with a host of specials on holiday treatments. From now until Jan. 3, spa-goers can take advantage of a 15 percent discount on the Couple’s Holiday Hideaway ($230 per person), which involves a 60-minute couple’s Mediterannean Massage, a 30-minute hand and foot Olavie Chardonnay Sugar Scrub, and a 30-minute Chardonnay Bubble Bath in the Spa Gaucin Couples Suite; the Holiday Duo ($300), which includes a 60-minute Mediterranean Massage and a 60-minute Pristine Waters Hydrating Facial; and Winter Day Escape ($175), which features a choice of 60-minute Mediterranean Massage or 60-minute Pristine Waters Facial as well as lunch and a glass of wine. And ladies who make a day of the Women Who Wine Wednesday event ($25) can toast to the holidays with five festive wines and enjoy 10 percent off any spa services. That’s certainly reason enough to generate some holiday cheer.